The books in this section are written by fellow Coptic Orthodox Christians. There are many books so this is not a comprehensive list, but it is a list of what I have read and recommend. Please note that many of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to buy the book through my link, I will receive a small commission of your purchase. You are under no obligation to make your purchase through my link, but if you do, I appreciate your help supporting the cost of maintaining this blog!
This is without a doubt one of the best Christian books to come out in 2016. I should know – I read it at least five times since I was part of the translation team that reviewed and edited this second edition of the late Coptic Pope Shenouda’s book, The Life of Repentance and Purity. It’s a book that speaks to those just starting on their spiritual walk with Christ to those looking to deepen their relationship with God. My favorite aspect of this book is the way His Holiness balances difficulty with grace. Just as soon as you read a chapter that makes you think, “This level of repentance and self-examination is too tough, I can’t do this,” Pope Shenouda reminds us that we cannot do anything without God’s grace – and in fact, repentance itself is an invitation from God and a manifestation of His love: “God’s invitation to repentance,” he writes, “carries His feelings of compassion for His children. He wishes for all who have strayed to return to Him, so that they may share in the kingdom, in the inheritance of the saints, and in the fellowship of the Church.”
Becoming Tasoni by Laura Michael. Laura, like me, is a clergy wife, and this beautiful book describes the path she and her husband took on the way to her husband’s ordination to the priesthood in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Her book is honest and intimate, and enjoyable not only for those who are in or contemplating ministry in the church, but also for anyone who is trying to navigate major decisions. Laura has a wonderful blog at Coptic Dad and Mom.
