This work examines the career of Metropolitan Petros (Astyfides) of Astoria (1915-1997), the founder of St. Markella’s Cathedral and first bishop of the Church of the Genuine Orthodox Christians of America (also known as the Greek Old Calendarist Church). Metropolitan Petros’s life spans the entire history of the Old Calendar movement and many of its major challenges, crises, and turning-points are reflected in his life. Therefore, he represents a microcosm of the movement, and study of hi...

The Knights Templar – Medieval Cult or Modern Nemesis? -- History of this famous group and the organizations that claim descent from them. Were they really destroyed in the fourteenth century or do they survive and even prosper to this day? Who are their descendants? Are there ties to the Nazis and the Mormon Church? A must-read for anyone interested in conspiracies or the occult.

Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour.The Reformation was a long struggle of ideas between the established Catholic Church and the questioning of faith brought about by the Renaissance in Western Europe. Started by Martin Luther in 1517, religious dissidence spread across Europe throughout the sixteenth century, causing wars, migration and disunity. By 1648 Henry VIII’s desire for divorce led him to break with the Catholic Church in Rome and form the Church of Engla...

The riveting story of Pope St. Celestine V, the pope who retired from the papacy.At the close of the tumultuous Middle Ages, there lived a man who seemed destined from birth to save the world. His name was Peter Morrone, a hermit, a founder of a religious order, and, depending on whom you talk to, a reformer, an instigator, a prophet, a coward, a saint, and possibly the victim of murder. A stroke of fate would, practically overnight, transform this humble servant of God into the mo...

Catharism was the most successful heresy of the Middle Ages. Flourishing principally in the Languedoc and Italy, the Cathars taught that the world is evil and must be transcended through a simple life of prayer, work, fasting and non-violence. They believed themselves to be the heirs of the true heritage of Christianity going back to apostolic times, and completely rejected the Catholic Church and all its trappings, regarding it as the Church of Satan; Cathar services and ceremonies, by co...

Since his election, Pope Francis has captured the attention of media and the people. Transfixed by his charisma and the many firsts of his papac -first pope from the Americas, first Jesuit Pope, and first to be named Francis- they are now eager to know the substance of the man. In 10 Things Pope Francis Wants You to Know, John L. Allen, Jr., veteran Vatican news analyst, author, and National Catholic Reporter Senior Correspondent, writes with intimacy and clarity, from the perspective of h...

The Archbishop of New York offers his insight on his time in Rome, the Conclave and the election of a new Holy Father, Pope Francis.Since February 2013, many have asked Cardinal Timothy Dolan to comment about Pope Benedict XVI's resignation, his final days in the Vatican, the Conclave, and the excitement and joy of the election of Pope Francis. Those two months--between the time Pope Benedict announced his retirement up until the election of Pope Francis--were a de...

Saint Michael the Archangel is a powerful Angel of God. He is our symbol of strength, power, courage and hope. Mentioned by name in three places in the Bible, Daniel 10:13-12:1, Revelation 12:7, and Jude 1:9, in each of these instances, he is doing battle with Satan. His name is actually Mica-El, which means "Who is like God?"

NOW UPDATED FOR POPE FRANCISFor at least five centuries scholars have puzzled over a document known as The Papal Prophecies that were ascribed to St Malachy, an Irish cleric who died in 1148. The Prophecies clearly state that both Rome and the Papacy will be destroyed at some date in the early 21st century. Given that this date is now upon us, it is worth taking a closer look at the Papal Prophecies to decide what it is that they mean, what they can tell us and what - if anything -...

Ultimate Catholic Trivia reveals 1001 fun facts and tantalizing trivia that are sure to entertain, educate, and surprise. Along with little known trivia that will bring history to life, this one-of-a-kind extravaganza of curiosities on all things Catholic will prove fascinating for Catholics and a lively feast for trivia buffs of all backgrounds! The primary categories of trivia include: - Jesus and the Holy Bible - Saints, Angels, and Popes - Vatican, Shrines, and Churches - Events, Origi...

Vatican II is known to every Catholic at least by name, but were a little skimpy on the details. What happened there? Why did it take place? Why have there been mixed reactions to it? Most importantly, what is the impact of the Second Vatican Council on the People of the Church now?

This pocket edition of Richard McBrien's Lives of the Saints is the perfect concise, handy reference for scholars, students, and general readers.