Subscribe to site updatesSt. Vladimir's Russian Orthodox Library
This collection of Orthodox Christian literature makes available for free public domain texts from the rich tradition
of spiritual and theological understanding that together with the Holy Scriptures constitutes the foundation of the Orthodox faith.
Currently, the library includes over one hundred digitized articles and three full-length books. Future updates are planned to greatly
expand the scope of the collection. Please pray for those who donate their time to this project; if you are interested in
contributing to the library by scanning or typing in new content, or would like to advise us of material suitable for our collection,
please email the site manager.
Our collection is organized by the categories below. If you are looking for a specific article or a topic
not listed here, try the search box to the right.
Orthodox Christianity & Theology
Spiritual Life and Christian Practices
Epistles of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad
Orthodox Christian Prayers
Orthodox Family Life
Photo Galleries
Community & History
This collection of Orthodox Christian literature makes available for free public domain texts from the rich tradition
of spiritual and theological understanding that together with the Holy Scriptures constitutes the foundation of the Orthodox faith.
Currently, the library includes over one hundred digitized articles and three full-length books. Future updates are planned to greatly
expand the scope of the collection. Please pray for those who donate their time to this project; if you are interested in
contributing to the library by scanning or typing in new content, or would like to advise us of material suitable for our collection,
please email the site manager.
Full-Text Orthodox Books:
These fully digitized books are public-domain literature and are here made available online for free.Tip: mouse over a book title to see a description
Way of the Ascetics
By: Tito Colliander
By: Tito Colliander
This work is based on the holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church and consists largely of direct or freely rendered extracts from their writings, together with some necessary interpretation and practical application.
Indexed under Orthodox Christianity & Theology
By: St. Macarius of Optina
A collection of excerpts from the letters of Elder Macarius of Optina, filled with deep spiritual insight and sobering instructions to people in a wide variety of situations.
Indexed under Spiritual Life and Christian Practices
Indication of the Way Into the Kingdom of Heaven
By: St. Innocent Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of America
By: St. Innocent Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of America
St. Innocent's book "Indication of the Way Into the Kingdom of Heaven" was originally written in Aleut in 1833, as part of the missionary endeavours of St. Innocent in North America. Later, it was translated into Russian and was immensely popular, resulting in forty-six editions between 1839 and 1855.
In this text, St. Innocent explains the Christian life and the path to salvation in an easy to understand way. This book was originally intended to educate those new to Orthodoxy, but as a sincere and compelling call to repentance and the heavenly kingdom, it is good reading for everyone.
Indexed under Orthodox Christianity & Theology
Featured Content:
Selected articles from the library; browse the categories to view many more.Tip: mouse over an article title to see a description
Bishop Sava of Edmonton
By Editor
By Editor
In our modern secular society it is often difficult for us to practice even the most elementary Christianity. How, then, can we not marvel at one who not only overcame the seductions of the world, but completely dedicated himself to Christ and persevered through even the most difficult circumstances? Truly, such persons shall rest in the company of the saints, and it is from the quiet virtues of such as Bishop Sava of Edmonton that we can learn to please the Prince of Peace, Christ our Lord.
On Truth and Love in the Writings of St. John the Evangelist
By Bishop Theophan the Recluse
By Bishop Theophan the Recluse
Bishop Theophan explains how "St. John the Evangelist does not allow one to say: Believe any way you wish, only love" in a clarifying analysis of St. John's theology of love and belief. This essay is especially relevant to the current debate on ecumenism.
Love: The Foundation of Existence in Our World
By Metropolitan Macarius
By Metropolitan Macarius
A homily on the life-giving and unifying force of love, and a call to those lost in materialism to return to the love of Christ in the Church.