Fiction written by members of the Oriental Orthodox communities is steadily increasing, but most books are published outside the remit of the church. In ecclesial contexts, fiction is mostly addressed to children. A few are included here.
Spirituality collects the ascetic texts (often perceived as theology par excellence in the Orthodox world), originally mostly written by monks for monks, but which both in the past and especially today are read more widely as part of lay spiritual practice.
Religious Practice aims at the wider community and often has an educational focus, but discusses topics aimed at religious practice rather than beliefs.
Traditionally, in many of the churches poetic forms were used not only for hymns but also for a variety of religious expositions. This additional category therefore includes editions of church hymns as well as a few specimens of other genres.
Texts that include and discuss canon law.
Publications or part of publications (esp. magazines) that report on and/or discuss current events, such as the establishment of new parishes, the consecration of bishops and priests, and the commemoration of such events (intersecting with ‘History’).
This is a cross-cutting category, to be added to any of the other categories, if and when the publication is especially aimed at the younger members of the community.
Magazines and other publications that include a mixture of genres in one volume.
Traditional or contemporary homilies. Usually these texts will also be categorized under ‘Theology’, ‘Spirituality’ or ‘Religious Teaching’.