Orthodoxy explained simply
Reading

Orthodox library

Foundational texts of the Christian life — Holy Scripture, the Psalter and spiritual articles — chosen from trustworthy Orthodox sources, with visible attribution to the editors.

🧭 Where to start?

If you are new to the Orthodox faith or visiting our site for the first time, we recommend starting with:

Read

Discover Orthodoxy A simple 7-step journey for seekers wanting to discover the Orthodox faith. The great questions Pastoral answers about God, suffering, freedom, the Old Testament, and resurrection. Biblia in Romanian Integrated Romanian reading, by books and chapters, with attribution to Mărturie Athonită. The Psalter The 150 psalms, by kathisma, translated by Michael Asser (Romanian and French Psalters are also integrated). Spiritual articles Helpful words from the Athonite tradition, for the spiritual life of today. Vestments of the clergy Interactive page: the meaning, origin and moment of each piece, for every rank of the clergy. Orthodox glossary Simple and clear definitions for liturgical and theological terms.

Day by day

Today in the Church Your daily companion: today's readings, saints, fasting rule, a Lenten recipe and essential resources for the day. Readings of the day Today's Epistle and Gospel, the saints commemorated and the fasting rule. Lives of the saints People like us, who let God work in them — life, prayer, akathist. First visit to church A practical and comforting guide for those wishing to attend an Orthodox service for the first time. Ask a question Write simply what is on your mind; frequent questions become articles.

A few books to begin with

A short selection of classics, chosen for their reliability and gentleness. No commercial links: you will find them in bookshops, at your parish or in libraries.

The Orthodox Church (Metropolitan Kallistos Ware)
The great classic introduction: the history, faith and life of the Orthodox Church, presented clearly for today's reader. Ideal if you are just discovering Orthodoxy.
The Way of a Pilgrim (anonymous, 19th century)
The journey of a simple pilgrim who learns the prayer of the heart. A small, luminous book on the Jesus Prayer, to be read slowly. For those who want to learn how to pray.
Saint Silouan the Athonite (Archimandrite Sophrony)
The life and writings of Saint Silouan the Athonite, presented by his disciple, Saint Sophrony of Essex. A depth that accompanies you for years.
For the Life of the World (Father Alexander Schmemann)
Why the Liturgy is not a “ceremony”, but life itself offered to God. For those who want to understand what happens in church.

Source: Mărturie Athonită — the Bible and Psalter integrated on Ortodoxia Simplu are in Romanian. The Bible is currently integrated in Romanian. The English Psalter has permission for integration and is being prepared as web pages; until then, the English Psalter page links clearly to the source text.

On this site you will also find: the readings of the day, resources to download, the lives of the saints, as well as details about our project.

← Back to home

Last updated: July 8, 2026