New Publication: The Life & Akathist of St. Tamara of Georgia – A True Orthodox Translation

We are very happy to announce a blessed addition to the spiritual treasury of True Orthodoxy available in the English language: The Life and Akathist of the Holy and Right-Believing Queen Tamara of Georgia (celebrated May 1/14 and on the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-bearers), translated by the Brotherhood of the Sacred Monastery of St. John of the Ladder.

This landmark publication offers, for the first time, a complete and faithful True Orthodox English translation of the most ancient and authoritative 13th-century Life of this great saint, unearthed from its original Georgian. Presented alongside a translated Georgian Akathist hymn, this work provides an authentic resource for Orthodox spiritual nourishment.

Why the Life of St. Tamara is Inspiring for Our Times

In an age when the history of the Church is often distorted and the lives of the saints are stripped of their warmth, the authentic voice of St. Tamara’s era rings out with beauteous harmony. This is not a modern summary or a secular retelling; it is the primary-source chronicle, written by a contemporary, that for over 800 years has been the bedrock of the Georgian Church’s veneration of their beloved Queen.

By reading this foundational text, you will encounter the true St. Tamara as she:

• Ascends the Throne in Piety: Witness her humble address to the holy hierarchs, where she, a mighty sovereign, commands them to begin their reforms with her, declaring her crown is for service, not for warring against God.
• Rules with Divine Wisdom: See how she governed with justice and mercy, abolishing old punishments and establishing peace in the borderlands.
• Stands as a Champion of Orthodoxy: Experience the stirring, contemporary accounts of her victories over the vast heathen hosts of the Caliph of Baghdad and the Sultan of Rum, where her tearful vigils proved more powerful than any army.
• Lives as an Ascetic on the Throne: Discover the profound secret of her sanctity—a queen who, while ruling an empire, lived a hidden life of intense asceticism, sleeping on stone, following a monastic prayer rule, and working with her own hands for the poor.
• Humbles the Prideful: Marvel at the historical accounts of her bringing the arrogant to their knees, ransoming a mighty emir for the price of horseshoes after his betrayal of the Georgian Kingdom.
• Reposes as a True Saint: Witness the sanctity of her final days, her moving last words commending her people and her soul to Christ, and her blessed falling asleep in the Lord.

Reading this cherished account is an encounter with the undiluted spirit of Orthodox monarchy and sanctity—a powerful testament to the virtues of humility, courage, unwavering faith, and a life wholly dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Not Only Read About the Saint – Pray to Her with Her Akathist

Complementing the Life is the full Akathist Hymn to the Holy Queen Tamara, newly translated from Georgian Orthodox sources. This hymn of praise allows those inspired by her Life to enter into prayerful communion with her, seeking her heavenly intercessions.

The Akathist is perfectly suited for private prayer at home or for use in parishes.

The First Volume in a New Series: The Orthodox Christian Treasury

This publication marks the launch of The Orthodox Christian Treasury series, a new initiative by our monastery dedicated to translating heretofore unavailable Orthodox texts for the English-speaking world. Made with prayer, this digital edition features:

• Elegant Orthodox Design: An aesthetically pleasing decorative border graces each page in the PDF version, suitable for dignified printing and use.
• Inspiring Graphics: Unique graphics that hearken to themes from the Life and Akathist Hymn.
• Thoughtful Formatting: The text is presented with ample spacing for a comfortable reading experience.
• Dual Formats Included: Both PDF (for fixed layout, borders, graphics, and printing) and EPUB (reflowable ebook for Kindle, Kobo, phones, tablets) formats are provided.
• DRM-Free: For your ease of use across all your devices.
• Instant Download: Access your spiritual reading immediately after purchase.

Support the Mission of True Orthodoxy

Our monastery, the Sacred Monastery of St. John of the Ladder, strives to uphold the traditions of True Orthodoxy in Western Europe. This includes supporting our Diocese, maintaining the Sacred Cathedral of St. Paraskevi, caring for our brotherhood, and continuing our catechetical and publishing work. We rely entirely on God’s help and the support of the faithful, without external funding.

Purchasing this new English edition of the Life and Akathist of St. Tamara directly aids these vital efforts. It enables us to continue serving Christ and His True Church and to produce more authentic spiritual resources for the English-speaking Orthodox world.

Find this spiritual reading on our Monastery’s e-store:

May the holy life, reign, and intercessions of our Right-Believing Queen Tamara help and inspire all of us to live a life of piety!