Resources

 

Christian orthodoxy

If you're interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith, we encourage you to visit our Find Out More resource page where you can view short videos covering many of the common questions we’ve been asked. Below are additional resources that may be helpful for you.

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Find Out More
Find Out More

We believe faith is not a destination, it’s a journey. No matter where you are in that journey you may have questions about the Orthodox faith or about STSA Church specifically.

The Jesus Prayer
The Jesus Prayer

In the earliest centuries of faith, Christians in the deserts of Palestine and Africa sought a short prayer that could be easily repeated, in order to acquire the habit of "prayer without ceasing." The result was the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me."

Becoming Orthodox
Becoming Orthodox

This is the story of a handful of courageous men and their congregations who risked stable occupations, security and the approval of life-long friends to be obedient to God's call.

Whatever, God
Whatever, God

Too many people stumble through life with an inaccurate view of who God is. They believe in His existence, but don't know how to relate to Him in a practical and meaningful way.

Ask for the Ancient Paths
Ask for the Ancient Paths

At a time when so many disaffected Christians are trying to recreate the Church from scratch, Fr. James offers a clear and accessible apology for simply returning to what Christ's Church was always meant to be.

Kids Liturgy Guide
Kids Liturgy Guide

A follow-along activity book for children during Liturgy

An Introduction to God
An Introduction to God

Speaking to non-believers and believers alike, Fr. Andrew Damick attempts to create a sacred space in which we can encounter God.

The Agpeya
The Agpeya

This is the Coptic Book of Hours, a prayer book that contains seven canonical prayers, each with its own theme, preserved and practiced by the faithful of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Egypt for centuries.

An Ancient Faith in a Modern World
An Ancient Faith in a Modern World

A Well Series that breaks down what it means to "bring an ancient faith to a modern world".

parenting and family life

These are some of our favorite books and websites on parenting and family life.

5 Love Languages of Children
5 Love Languages of Children

Discover how to speak your child’s love language in a way that he or she understands

Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family
Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family

This guide book addresses the reality that nearly half of all young people raised in Christian families walk away from their faith when they graduate from high school. That’s the bad news. But here’s the good news: research also shows that parents are one of the primary influences on their child’s faith.

Parenting Towards the Kingdom
Parenting Towards the Kingdom

Parenting Toward the Kingdom will help you make the connections between the spiritual life as we understand it in the Orthodox Church and the ongoing challenges of raising children.

Bringing Up Boys
Bringing Up Boys

With so much confusion about the role of men in our society, it’s no wonder so many parents and teachers are asking questions about how to bring up boys.

Bringing Up Girls
Bringing Up Girls

In the New York Times bestseller Bringing Up Girls, Dr. James Dobson will help you face the challenges of raising your daughters to become strong, healthy, and confident women who excel in life.

Positive Discipline
Positive Discipline

Nelsen coaches parents and teachers to be both firm and kind, so that any child–from a three-year-old toddler to a rebellious teenager–can learn creative cooperation and self-discipline with no loss of dignity.

Family Life
Family Life

Family Life provides transferrable, biblically-based help for you at every stage of your marriage and family life.

Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family

Since Focus on the Family opened in 1977, our outreach has grown to include a wide variety of broadcasts, podcasts, telecasts, films, websites, blogs and radio drama programs. These outlets feature information, guidance and practical insights on everything from adoption to marriage to media discernment to pastoral concerns. Learn more about ministries below.

church leaders

STSA Ministries is a community of resources, inspiration, and learning designed to encourage and equip Orthodox Church leaders. As a member of this site, you'll access free resources related to Orthodox education, children & youth, volunteer management, member groups, creating welcoming environments, leadership, and more. 

mental health

We think it's about time for us as a church to address the deep connection between our souls and minds. It's important to address our health holistically, continually strengthening our mental health and being attentive and sensitive to the mental health of those around us.

Changes That Heal
Changes That Heal

A down-to-earth plan to help us recover from the wounds of the past and grow more and more into the image of God.

Mental Health Resource Guide
Mental Health Resource Guide

A mental health resource guide for individuals and families seeking insight and information.

Hope Journal
Hope Journal

Life can be challenging, isolating, and painful. This personal guide seeks to ground you in five truths about who you are: you are loved, you have a purpose, you belong, you have a choice, and you are needed. The pages are filled with scripture, experiential practices, prayers, space to journal, and personal stories to help move you toward hope. Use this guide as a journey on your own or go through it in a group setting.

Grace for the Afflicted
Grace for the Afflicted

Why has the church struggled in ministering to those with mental illnesses? Each day men and women diagnosed with mental disorders are told they need to pray more and turn from their sin. Mental illness is equated with demonic possession, weak faith, and generational sin. As both a church leader and a professor of psychology and behavioral sciences, Matthew S. Stanford has seen far too many mentally ill brothers and sisters damaged by well-meaning believers who respond to them out of fear or mis

Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery

You’ve undoubtedly heard the expression “time heals all wounds.” Unfortunately, it isn’t true. As many pastors and counselors know, people still carry hurts from thirty or forty years ago. The truth is, time often makes things worse. Wounds that are left untended fester and spread infection throughout your entire body. Time only extends the pain if the problem isn’t dealt with.

Boundaries
Boundaries

In the New York Times bestseller, Boundaries, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend help you learn when to say yes and know how to say no in order to take control of your life and set healthy, biblical boundaries with your spouse, children, friends, parents, co-workers, and even yourself.

Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn't Enough
Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn't Enough

Ever wonder why some people seem to experience joy in their daily lives--even in the tough times--and others can't seem to find it no matter how hard they search? Is a joy-filled life really possible? The answer is yes! And it's possible for every woman, no matter what her circumstances may be.

Get Through Series
Get Through Series

In their return to Saddleback Church after the death of their son, Pastor Rick and Kay share the very personal story of Matthew and his battle with mental illness. They explore the stages of loss that they are walking through with honesty and transparency, teaching us how to do the same in the tough and tragic times of our lives.

Speaking of Health Series
Speaking of Health Series

A four part STSA Well series on mental health.