Catholic Book Reviews | The Publican’s Prayer Book

So close to pulling the trigger on this one. Torn between it and the Book of Common Prayer you reviewed by Andrewes Press...

Am I dumb or is this very complicated to just pick up and have a go?

Is there no act of contrition in the rite of confession?

Does it include the divine liturgy ?

So what is your current favorite prayer book?

Well over a year ago this video planted a seed for me, and today I’ve finally ordered this book. Reason being that I’m really trying to find an all-in-one volume - something I can use with a Bible and nothing else so that when I move back to college this fall I don’t have to take a bunch of books again. Also, sometimes I feel like the pre-V2 Latin rite is a little too legalistic/complicated and the post-V2 too watered down, in terms of their spirituality (and I think that’s reflected in the Roman breviary and the LOTH). So I hope this can become an everyday companion and that more eastern spirituality fits my prayer life. I’d never have found out about this book save for your review, so a belated thank you. I’m really looking forward to the idea of having a “one stop shop” for both the hours and structured devotionals (and spiritual aids/reading too).

I think this might be it! Is this a Catholic book or an Orthodox book?

I would have to actually get the book and examine it, but from this video it looks like an Orthodox prayer book which has been a victim of Vat II. This Vat II mentality is so pervasive that it has affected the eastern-rite churches too. The thrust is to be practical and leave out this and add that. This is not the spirit of Orthodoxy. We are not concerned with such things. We do not expect lay people to say all the prayers of the day. Even on Mount Athos (I have been there twice) all the monks do not attend all the prayers. Some might only be able to go to Liturgy and Compline because sometimes there are hundreds of pilgrims and they are all given meals and a place to sleep (even if it is just a cot in the hallway on a great feast day). Cows must be milked and garden attended. Bread must be baked and candles made. This means that monks cannot pray all the hours. Lay people are not expected to do such and if they have not received a blessing from their confessor to do such things, they should not even attempt it. They should just say the prayers as in the prayer book in the morning and in the evening. As a penance, I have been told to read a section of the Gospels at night, however this is a podvig that I was given and it is not for anyone else. Other people have other podvigii. That is how it works in the Orthodox Church.

Hi Convinced Catholicism! I recently stumbled upon your channel and really like your book reviews. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for me regarding all-encompassing prayer books. I’m looking for a book that has all the prayers included, not just the popular ones. Do you have any recommendations?

I just heard on another channel that the Orthodox Church considers the Immaculate Conception to be a heresy!!!???
Is that true?

Is this appropriate for a traditional Roman Catholic?

Oh! I just found the glossary of terms in the back of the book!! Whew that will help 😅

Having this book is my first venture into eastern rite spirituality! I’m so looking forward to it!

I just received the Publican prayer Book today and wow! It’s the 4th edition. I will have to learn what the new words are regarding the different sections of the Horologion but it looks like it will be worth it! I’ve prayed the Roman office for years and this looks like an excellent change up! Thanks for your reviews for now I have many more Breviary options!

It is unfortunate that such a beautiful book uses mordern english instead of the "thee, thou etc"

I used to have the 2nd Edition but now have to 4th Edition. I also have the Anthologion, but I much prefer the 4th Edition of the Publican's Prayer Book.

I was raised Roman Rite. But, I prefer Byzantine Ruthenian and Melkite Rite to the current Western Rite. I also like the Anglican Ordinariate.

I agree with you that the Melkite Prayer Book is extremely easy to use. Its my favorite Roman Catholic prayer book by far.

Thanks for the excellent review.

I hear the translation in the anthologion is frustrating. And that it doesn't even have a full psalter??

I am so happy to have found your channel. Can you recommend anymore bibles? My vision is not so great. A study bible would be ideal.

do you have any prayer book recommendations on Maronite?

Always cool to see other Romans who appreciate the Byzantine spirituality! Subscribed and looking forward to watching more prayer book reviews. God bless.

When are you going to review the Anglican Office Book? You said you were going to do it quite some time ago.

So glad to see your channel growing, I’ve been loving it since the first video. I like the eastern spin on this book, as an RC with a high interest in the eastern catholic communities. Another great review and another book to consider for me!

We are bleddes to have your YT channel. Could you also in your videos, also tell us where the Prayer Books or Bibles or other books of interest to us Catholics are available, or where we can order it from. Because, I have checked our local Catholic bookstore, and unfortunately a lot of the books you review are not available

This came out right on time! I was actually looking at buying this one!

Thank you for this!

Is it easy to use Eastern books as a Western Christian despite the calender differences?

Thanks for the review. I have the Anthologion and have been thinking about using it (or parts of it) after Easter. You've got me really curious about that Ukrainian Greek Catholic prayer book.