Publications that include one or more biblical texts, in a variety of translations, re-tellings (‘re-written Bible’), as well as commentaries and meditations on biblical texts. Scripture also includes texts which in western scholarship usually are subsumed under apocrypha but which in most Oriental Orthodox traditions are seen as part of Scriptures, such as Judith or The Books of the Maccabees.
Publications that include, in the original languages or in translation, the Order of Service to be used during the various church services, including the Sunday morning liturgy, festal liturgies and liturgies for special occasions such as burials, baptisms and marriage. It further includes prayer books for communal and private use, usually based on monastic prayer books, as well as a few liturgical commentaries.
Theology refers to the learned texts that discuss aspects of dogma, religious practices, ethics and spirituality. Generally speaking, the texts are aimed at fellow clerics and other learned community members. Often, these texts are apologetic, though not necessarily so.
Religious Teaching takes on similar themes as those under ‘Theology’, but aims at a broader audience, especially youth and adult lay members of the community. Like in ‘Theology’, there is often an apologetic focus, delineating a particular church vis-à-vis the others or vis-à-vis the non-Christian world.Religious Teaching takes on similar themes as those under ‘Theology’, but aims at a broader audience, especially youth and adult lay members of the community. Like in ‘Theology’, there is often an apologetic focus, delineating a particular church vis-à-vis the others or vis-à-vis the non-Christian world.
‘Hagiography’ includes, parallel to ‘Scripture’ and ‘Liturgy/Prayer books’, both the original Lives of the Saints and contemporary translations and retellings.
Many of the churches invest in language learning, especially when there is a liturgical language in use that is far removed from the everyday language of the lay, in the home and host lands, but also to strengthen intergenerational communal cohesion
Church-related publications that address issues of nationalism & politics (different from those published by independent cultural and political organizations).
Publications on church related art by church (relaPublications on church related art by church (related) authors & publishers.ted) authors & publishers.
History comprises books that focus on the history of the communities. These include a few medieval works, but most are 20th and 21st-century works that recount the history of the churches, from the earliest beginnings to contemporary developments in home and host countries. We also include brochures that document the recent history of parishes and dioceses.
Auto(Biography) includes contemporary biographies, including those of clerics.