This Reader is a sampler of books and types of Orthodox writings that are "hidden." Although foundational, everyday, Orthodox reading and currently available in English, these sources are hidden through unfamiliarity or, surprisingly, a seeming too much familiarity. Many are hidden away in expensive, scholarishly-intimidating, multi-volume sets of books. Other staples of Orthodox reading have only recently arrived in English. Certain others are avoided as though proscribed: for priests only. Those obscured by ostensible over-familiarity--the services, for example, with their expansive beauty and depth--are simply taken for granted and too often become burdensome obligation.

The works collected in this Reader provide an encouraging glimpse into and introduction to these "hidden"--though widely available--texts and sources. The various selections deal not so much with what Orthodox believe, but rather how Orthodox believe. They point toward a more Orthodox culture, world view, way of life. The book is for hungry Orthodox: lifelong church members who feel there must be more to Orthodoxy than they perceive on Sunday morning; converts who seek the "fullness" they were promised; and "reverts" who left the Church because of hunger but now hungrily return.