Form IV Biography

The Holy Fire by Robert Payne – This book brings to life the stories of some of the most famous and well-loved early church fathers, including St. Basil the Great, St. Athanasius, St. Gregory the Theologian, St. John Chrysostom, St. John of Damascus, St. Gregory Palamas, and more.

Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia: New Martyr of the Communist Yoke by Lubov Millar – a complete biography of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr, full of letters and firsthand accounts of her life (1864-1918).

At the Ringing of the Bells: The Paschal Martyrs of Optina – documents the lives of the three monks who were killed on the day of Pascha 1993. "With many excerpts from Hieromonk Vasily’s diary, this book is the most complete account of their lives, miracles and writings available in English.

Everyday Saints and Other Stories by Archimandrite Tikhon – a large volume full of the stories of monks known personally by the author. An engaging look at monastic life that balances out books like The Sayings of the Desert Fathers with wit, humor, and real-life anecdotes. This is very fun (and formative!) when read with the whole family.