Worry, despair, insecurity, fear of death . . . these are our daily companions, and even though we attempt to ignore them or try to crowd them out, they are there, waiting for us in our quieter moments. It is precisely where we hurt most that the experience of the Orthodox Church has much to offer. The remedy is not a pep talk, or any simple admonitions to fight the good fight, cheer up, or think positively. Rather, the Orthodox method is to change the way we look at the human person (starting with ourselves). According to two thousand years of experience, Orthodoxy shows us how to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind"-a process that is aided by participation in the traditional ascetic practices and Mysteries of the Church. In this unique and accessible book, Archimandrite Meletios Webber first explores the role of mystery in the Christian life, then walks the reader through the seven major Mysteries of the Orthodox Church, showing the way to a richer, fuller life in Christ.

Addictions and struggles with the passions are rampant in our culture. Fr. Meletios Webber, an Orthodox priest with a doctorate in counseling, helps us to understand addiction and explores ways to overcome it. He clearly and skillfully explains the Twelve Steps of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In correlating the Twelve Steps with basic Orthodox theology, Fr. Mel identifies the implication of the Twelve Steps for Orthodox, and for all Christians. Using examples from the life of the Orthodox Church, he shows how the Steps can be a valuable resource for our own spiritual journey. With a foreword by Bishop Kallistos Ware Reviews: "Fr. Meletios Webber's Steps of Transformation presents the vision and practice of Twelve-Step programs for dealing with addictions, particularly alcoholism. He relates the Steps to Orthodox Christian spirituality with clarity, conviction, and appealing personal engagement. Here is a book which addicts and their friends are sure to treasure. It is true, deep, pure, rich, and highly rewarding.: -Fr. Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus, St. Vladimir's Seminary; speaker, author "At those moments when I have fallen to lowest of depths, then my cry has most convincingly attracted the grace of God. This book is about the spirituality of imperfection. Steps of Transformation is written with clarity and simplicity by a man who recognizes that 'God hears the voice of our prayer, only out of the depths of our cry.' " -Fr. John Chryssavgis, Professor of Theology, Holy Cross; author and speaker "Steps of Transformation was very simple, easy to read, and right on target about both the problem of, and the solution to, the disease of alcoholism. I suggest that anyone can benefit from reading this book, and I encourage all Orthodox Christians to take a look at it." -Floyd Frantz, CAC, St. Dimitrie Addictions Treatment Program, Romania