The classic introduction to Eastern Orthodox liturgies, King’s two-volume, The Rites of Eastern Christendom has been a scarce source for too many years. Gorgias Press has brought this title back into circulation. For those whose interest lies in specific Orthodox Churches, Analecta Gorgiana offers the opportunity to purchase individual fascicles of King’s magisterial study. The text presents some historical background to each church to provide an appropriate setting, including a description of the church’s hierarchy, architecture, and liturgical furnishings. This volume contains his description of the Syrian Rite. A resource that no student of Eastern Christianity can afford to be without, King’s work has yet to be surpassed as an accessible introduction to a complex subject.

Archdale Arthur King (1890-1972) was a priest and renowned liturgist as well as one time vicar of Holy Trinity, Reading.