Elements - Volume I: The Transfiguration of Elijah - Earth & Water

I am past half way of the book. I have to say that I am holding myself from running through the book. It is captivating, transforming, enlightening.I feel it’s effect on my spiritual and family life with every page I read. I can’t thank the priest who wrote it enough. I feel like it is so real and it can’t be a novel. It is full of personal experiences, real emotions, and actual struggles.It is full of real encounters with real saints, it makes spiritual life attainable and reachable. As if the book is taking me in step by step growth.That is other than the first part of the book and how it reflect on the life and experiences of immigrants and with what attitude they leave for another country. It makes me watchful what I am trying to do with my own child.I only wonder, if it is readable by people from different cultures and backgrounds. I want to share it with everyone I know.It is so wonderful to finally find a coptic Novel in English. I haven’t seen like this work before! Again thanks Abouna, whoever you are!

I have never read anything like this. I felt that I was the one being transfigured into God’s beautiful light. Paradigm shifts would be huge understatements- truly this book is not just transformative but it transfigures. Thank you Fr. For this beautiful book! Thank you Lord for everything!

This book is so beautiful. It will leave you in tears; if you are going through grief or loss, this book will hit harder but help you heal along the way. It has changed my relationship with my faith for the better.

This book does a wonderful job illustrating the spiritual path. The books of Earth and Water follow Elijah as he sets off on his path to oneness with God. Along the way, so many wonderful characters are introduced with each character displaying a different type of holiness. It is beautifully written, relatable and inspirational. The book truly reflects the wisdom of ancient Christian spirituality in an easy-to-follow narrative about Elijah. It gave me a renewed perspective on almost everything.

This book takes you to another place. I’m not a reader, but I could not put this book down. It has even opened my heart more to God. It was addicting, that’s how good the writing is!! You truly feel like you can imagine every scene in your head. You become attached to the characters. Love it so much.

There is not enough that can be said about this book and the impact it has on the reader. I have felt every emotion reading this I’ve cried, I’ve laughed - beyond that, it’s changed my perspective of many things and people around me. It is beautifully written and captures the heart of the reader. The anticipation of the ending is well worth the entire journey this story takes you on. Highly highly recommend this book!!

I cannot find the words to express how inspiring and well written this book is. Truly as a Coptic Orthodox Christian, though I have read many books that have inspired me, nothing has even come close to this book. The author found a way to cut through to the deepest parts of me with each chapter. I cried, I laughed, and I began to be transformed. I began to understand my journey with Christ in a completely new way. I began to acquire tools for fighting the good fight. All the while, I was constantly being captivated by the beauty of the story. By the beauty of the Lord who can make beauty from ashes.

No words can describe the journey I was just on. Truly transformative, powerful, deep, heart-centered and honest. Thank you Abouna.

Words fail to adequately capture the essence of this book. I found myself completely absorbed, and couldn't immerse myself in another book for a some time. It reaches deep into the reader's consciousness. And also it clearly shows the substantial disparity that exists between our human cognition and the divine nature of God."As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."If you have already read both volumes and happen to have any similar recommendations, I would be most grateful if you could share them.

This book has been nothing short of a life-changing experience! If I could give a 100 stars I would! This book tackles the struggles one can face in their physical and spiritual journey to Christ! It is beautifully and thoughtfully written. I could not put this book down because of how relatable it was! It is a must-have addition to any library!

I am lost for words. You just have to read for yourself. A truly beautiful book.

The book is a very nice book in structure and content. The story is interesting and exciting.

Where do I begin... to say I'm an avid reader would be an understatement. I've been reading Orthodox literature for close to 20 years, and only a handful of books have impacted me like this book has.I've laughed out aloud, I've cried (many times), I've been in utter shock and disbelief... This book takes the reader on a journey of the stages of spiritual growth, the journey of purification. It's incredibly relatable, which makes the text come to life and allows the reader to identify himself with the story.The author is obviously a grace filled individual who loves God deeply; grace permeates the text and is perceptible to the reader. This book in an absolute must for every Coptic Orthodox Christian. I've finished Earth and Water, and can't wait to dive into the next book in the series 🙏🏼