The Great Canon: The Work of Saint Andrew of Crete

Author: St. Andrew of Crete, St. Sophronius of Jerusalem

St. Andrew of Crete (d. 726)was Archbishop of Crete and a notable theologian, teacher, and hymnographer. He originated the liturgical form called the canon. This is his most famous canon, which includes within its nine odes 250 troparia (hymns). In this canon, St. Andrew gives us a review of the Old and New Testaments, highlighting all the stories of sin and repentance, and applying them to each Christian. It is unsurpassed as penitential writing, and is appointed to be chanted in Orthodox Churches on some weekdays in Great Lent. Many Orthodox also use it as a private penitential devotion throughout the year. This volume has everything needed for either use. Also included is the remarkable life of perhaps the Church's greatest penitent, St. Mary of Egypt (d.522), written not long after by St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem. 6x9 with saddle-stitched binding, large print, rubrics in red ink. --- Randall Mark Trainer