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Toolkit for Spiritual Growth: A Practical Guide to Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
Are you a new Orthodox Christian, confused about what you need to do to grow in your Faith? Or perhaps you've been Orthodox for some time but could use a refresher course in basic spirituality. Popular podcaster Fr. Evan Armatas explains the fundamentals of the three-legged stool of Orthdoox practice—prayer, almsgiving, and fasting—in terms that everyone can understand and implement. Let Fr. Evan help you establish your life in Christ on a firm footing.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2020
48 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 28, 2020
This book is aimed toward new converts or anyone interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith. It is a basic overview of the three main tenants of Orthodoxy. Father Evan's writing is conversational, easy to understand, and down-to-earth. He has helped so many converts, including myself and my entire family, transition and grow in our faith. His patience and excellent teaching style are conveyed in his writing, as well as his passion to make Orthodoxy accessible to all.
The last paragraph sums the book up well, "I do hope you find what is written in these pages to be useful in your spiritual growth and that your path is either already connected to the Church or will be soon. What we do matters. Our physical actions, our giving of alms, and the way we treat our bodies affect not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us. Our physical reality is important because it is deeply connected to the spiritual."
I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, or anyone who is already Orthodox and desires to grow in their faith.
The last paragraph sums the book up well, "I do hope you find what is written in these pages to be useful in your spiritual growth and that your path is either already connected to the Church or will be soon. What we do matters. Our physical actions, our giving of alms, and the way we treat our bodies affect not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us. Our physical reality is important because it is deeply connected to the spiritual."
I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, or anyone who is already Orthodox and desires to grow in their faith.
September 10, 2020
This is a gem of a book--uncluttered, accessible, and bursting with encouragement and sound teaching. Fr. Evan's firm yet gentle pastoral style is everywhere in these pages as he lays out the scriptural and historical Christian context for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the pillars of the Faith without which no one can achieve Christlikeness. I wouldn't hesitate to offer this book to a serious Christian of any stream of the Faith, to seasoned Orthodox, or to those brand new to inquiring about the deeply rooted historical traditions of the Church that lead us to greater love for the Savior. The book lacks even a trace of legalistic preaching and offers the how as well as the why for every discipline covered. Rich in Scripture and quotes from the Saints and Church Fathers, all this tidy, straightforward volume lacks is a companion study guide. An excellent book group choice.
November 26, 2020
Sometimes, when facing an intimidating project, all that is needed to inspire confidence and get started is simply having the necessary tools and good instructions. In Toolkit for Spiritual Growth, Fr. Evan Armatas offers the necessary tools to get started in a life of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He draws on the Holy Scriptures, the example of Christ and the saints, as well as his experience as a parish priest to present the Christian reader with a beginner’s guide to the basics of spiritual discipline. As an introduction, this book is not too lengthy or verbose. It is divided into three chapters, one for each of the disciplines, and each chapter can be read or listened to on Audible in less than an hour. It is not an academic or polemical work, but Fr. Evan does offer some biblical justification for these practices as he interacts with anticipated questions and objections.
In his chapter on prayer he answers the questions, “What should prayer look like, physically? How is it done? Where should one pray? What should one say and when?” He discusses liturgical prayer, according to the “rhythm and method of the Church,” versus extemporaneous prayer. And he outlines how to set up a prayer corner. The chapter on almsgiving encourages Christians to view charitable giving as more comprehensive than feeding and clothing the poor, and to not overlook the use of individual gifts and talents in meeting the varying needs of others, starting within one’s own home. In his final chapter, Fr. Evan explains the purpose and meaning of the regular fasting days and seasons of the Orthodox Church calendar, and he offers some guidelines for fasting.
I appreciated Fr. Evan’s constant reminder that “matter matters” and “what we do with our physical selves’ matters”. When we pray, our prayer space, lighting, direction, routine, posture, and attire all mean something. When we give to others, putting ourselves in a space of real physical contact is important. When we fast, we fast from physical food. I also appreciated his stress on seeking the guidance of one’s priest as these practices are communal and Christians are not meant to go it alone. This book gives the reader the practical guidance and encouragement to get started in these disciplines and it whets the appetite to learn more about them from the fathers and saints of the church.
In his chapter on prayer he answers the questions, “What should prayer look like, physically? How is it done? Where should one pray? What should one say and when?” He discusses liturgical prayer, according to the “rhythm and method of the Church,” versus extemporaneous prayer. And he outlines how to set up a prayer corner. The chapter on almsgiving encourages Christians to view charitable giving as more comprehensive than feeding and clothing the poor, and to not overlook the use of individual gifts and talents in meeting the varying needs of others, starting within one’s own home. In his final chapter, Fr. Evan explains the purpose and meaning of the regular fasting days and seasons of the Orthodox Church calendar, and he offers some guidelines for fasting.
I appreciated Fr. Evan’s constant reminder that “matter matters” and “what we do with our physical selves’ matters”. When we pray, our prayer space, lighting, direction, routine, posture, and attire all mean something. When we give to others, putting ourselves in a space of real physical contact is important. When we fast, we fast from physical food. I also appreciated his stress on seeking the guidance of one’s priest as these practices are communal and Christians are not meant to go it alone. This book gives the reader the practical guidance and encouragement to get started in these disciplines and it whets the appetite to learn more about them from the fathers and saints of the church.
August 29, 2020
A magnificent and essential book for any Orthodox Christian! Simple, concise and wonderful to read, A Toolkit for Spiritual Growth, clearly explains Scripture's rationale for developing the three disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. But Fr. Evan does not stop there. In a loving and compassionate way, he teaches his readers exactly *how* to implement these disciplines in the day to day of life. If you've ever asked the question *how do I pray?* or *how should I fast?* you will find the answers in Toolkit. This is not a book just for beginners, it is for anyone who is serious about walking in a Christ-like Way. I highly recommend you read Toolkit!
May 29, 2022
This is a wonderful little book. Geared towards toward those newer to the Orthodox Faith, it has a lot to offer those of us who entered the Church many years ago. While not an in depth treatise, it will help you understand why these three practices (largely absent in modern American Christianity) are important for your spiritual growth. Highly Recommended! This would be a great resource to share with non-Orthodox friends as well.
March 24, 2022
A great guide or refresher (depending on your journey) to the basic disciplines of Orthodoxy! Very clear, concise and directly applicable to our daily lives.
January 8, 2025
The perfect book for anyone who wants straightforward, practical answers to Orthodox practices. Also a perfect guide to refresh and learn about why and how we pray, fast, and give to others. This book honestly answered some of the questions I had about simple things that I do without thinking. Fr. Evan does a beautiful job showing us how each one of these key practices are deeply rooted in scripture. I think as an Orthodox Christian it can be hard sometimes because I find myself going through the motions because that’s what I’m supposed to do. When in reality, there is a reason and meaning for everything! The answers are all in scripture, and inside of this book! And it’s only 100 pages! Honestly, a must read for all Orthodox Christians!
October 31, 2025
So practical and helpful. I love how Fr. Evan emphasizes the rich historical roots of these three practices.
December 20, 2020
When I became an Orthodox Christian, Father Evan was one of the priest I turned to for many of the "ABC's" of Orthodoxy. His podcast on Ancient Faith Radio were and still are a huge resource for me to learn how to enter into the traditions of the Orthodox faith. Oh how I wish I had this book 5 years ago. What I pieced together from different podcast and random homilies has been beautifully gathered in this practical guide. The guide begins with a very practical tour through the traditions of the Church lived out through the services and at home. What seems simple and what's seamlessly passed down to one born into the Orthodox Christian Church is sometimes missed to a convert like myself. This book sheds light on many of those practices such as setting up an icon corner at home, why and how we prostrate and so much more. I particularly loved the section on fasting and the journey Fr. Evan takes us through the Church calendar and the different fasting periods of the Church. As an inquirer I never fully understood why my friends who were Orthodox spent so much time fasting. This book clearly explains the why for many things we do as Christians. The section on Alms giving was the part I approached with a bit of fear. It's been the one instruction of our Lords that I never fully had a grasp on. I knew it's more than just tossing money at a charity though that may be good. After reading the chapters on Almsgiving I have a much better grasp on the mind of the Church concerning this. Again, I do wish this book was written 5 years ago. However I'm extremely thankful that I've found something that will be included with all gifts to any future friend or godchildren entering into the Church. It's the perfect toolkit.
March 2, 2022
An easy read. Inspiring and informative. I would recommend to every Orthodox Christian.
December 19, 2022
Fr. Evan excels at taking the often nebulous and overly academic aspects of theology and exposing them in a way that enforces a practical approach in one’s walk with Christ.
October 18, 2022
This is an incredible book and guide for the Orthodox Christian life. A fantastic guide for someone who is new to the faith and a great refresher on the basics of daily practice!
November 30, 2020
I was blessed enough recently to read Toolkit for Spiritual Growth A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth. The book is by Father Evan Armatas. Now let me first say I am Roman Catholic not or an Eastern Rite and not Orthodox and while the Roman Catholics do have a version of the items included in the book, they are not the same. The book is short only about 2 and a half hours on audible. The book is amazing. Personally, I love the Eastern Church and this book made the love I already felt broaden that much more.
There are three main areas to this book, prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Prayer is the longest section and that seems very appropriate. He starts out by talking about how prayer is type of work and is very liturgical Even better Father Evan goes through and explains how it is liturgical and he explains where prayer is in the Bible. When I taught RCIA in the church I heard another teacher say that things like the our father were great for kids and they had its place in the mass but as adults we should have our own prayers. It horrified me when I heard this but Father Evan corrects that and states prayers like the Our Father have a much more important role, I was glad to hear that emotional prayer has its place but not the place the Our Father does.
The second section is on almsgiving. Right now, finances are tight for myself and I’m sure for a lot of people Father Evan talks about how almsgiving is not just financial but it talks about how charity can be things even done in the home it is not always giving money or material support but the act of love is healing. Father brings us to the parable of the good samaritan and talks about the compassion that should be given and how it is more a physical pain and not just the money that the samaritain gave to the innkeeper.
The third section is fasting. Now I am familiar with some of the fasts that are done in the Eastern Church, but I was not famillar with all the fasts and I didn’t understand why all the fasting took place. This book answered all of that and explains why fasting is so important. In the western church fasting is almost laughed about as meals are still eating and even the fast before receiving the Eucharist has been whittled down to just an hour. However, Father Evan states we should take fasting seriously and explains why/ He shows that our body and our spiritual selves are very much connected.
A lot of times, I have a hard time reading short books. Father Evans book shows how much I have missed out on over the years. Though this book is short, the book makes me want to read more on the fasts, on prayer and on the eastern teachings of almsgiving. I believe this book is probably a good starting point for all Christians on these topics and I can’t imagine anyone not finding several gems from reading this.
There are three main areas to this book, prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Prayer is the longest section and that seems very appropriate. He starts out by talking about how prayer is type of work and is very liturgical Even better Father Evan goes through and explains how it is liturgical and he explains where prayer is in the Bible. When I taught RCIA in the church I heard another teacher say that things like the our father were great for kids and they had its place in the mass but as adults we should have our own prayers. It horrified me when I heard this but Father Evan corrects that and states prayers like the Our Father have a much more important role, I was glad to hear that emotional prayer has its place but not the place the Our Father does.
The second section is on almsgiving. Right now, finances are tight for myself and I’m sure for a lot of people Father Evan talks about how almsgiving is not just financial but it talks about how charity can be things even done in the home it is not always giving money or material support but the act of love is healing. Father brings us to the parable of the good samaritan and talks about the compassion that should be given and how it is more a physical pain and not just the money that the samaritain gave to the innkeeper.
The third section is fasting. Now I am familiar with some of the fasts that are done in the Eastern Church, but I was not famillar with all the fasts and I didn’t understand why all the fasting took place. This book answered all of that and explains why fasting is so important. In the western church fasting is almost laughed about as meals are still eating and even the fast before receiving the Eucharist has been whittled down to just an hour. However, Father Evan states we should take fasting seriously and explains why/ He shows that our body and our spiritual selves are very much connected.
A lot of times, I have a hard time reading short books. Father Evans book shows how much I have missed out on over the years. Though this book is short, the book makes me want to read more on the fasts, on prayer and on the eastern teachings of almsgiving. I believe this book is probably a good starting point for all Christians on these topics and I can’t imagine anyone not finding several gems from reading this.
September 4, 2020
Fr. Evan has done something wonderful here: Distill not only important but essential elements for a fundamental sound footing in a believer's spiritual life that are easy to read, comprehend, and put into faithful practice. Weaving the Scriptural basis for each of three principles - prayer, almsgiving, and fasting - he connects them to the need to practice them within the life of the church, and not only as or merely as one's own private devotions disconnected from the liturgical and sacramental life of the church. By doing this he shows the believer the power of the Holy Spirit that can be made real in our life when we submit and then open our life to the spiritual disciplines which then produce spiritual growth.
As our Lord himself details in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel according to St. Matthew, we are not given a choice about these three principles: "When" we pray, "When we give alms" and "When we fast" are imperatives, commands, things that are expected of us. But Fr. Evan takes it further for the believer: Here's how you can start, here's how you get ready, here's what to expect, and here's how to keep going. Many believers might know they “have” to do something, but often don’t know “how” to begin. This book is an excellent resource for just that.
This is not only a great book for all parish catechumens, but for all Orthodox Christians who seek to deepen their walk with Christ and their growth in "life, and faith, and spiritual understanding" (Second Prayer of the Faithful, The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom). It is eminently accessible, understandable, and vital for today’s spiritual warrior and servant of God.
As our Lord himself details in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel according to St. Matthew, we are not given a choice about these three principles: "When" we pray, "When we give alms" and "When we fast" are imperatives, commands, things that are expected of us. But Fr. Evan takes it further for the believer: Here's how you can start, here's how you get ready, here's what to expect, and here's how to keep going. Many believers might know they “have” to do something, but often don’t know “how” to begin. This book is an excellent resource for just that.
This is not only a great book for all parish catechumens, but for all Orthodox Christians who seek to deepen their walk with Christ and their growth in "life, and faith, and spiritual understanding" (Second Prayer of the Faithful, The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom). It is eminently accessible, understandable, and vital for today’s spiritual warrior and servant of God.
September 28, 2020
Approximately ten years ago, I started listening to Fr. Evan's podcast Transforming our Lives in Christ and eventually Orthodoxy Live on Sunday evenings. There is a thread that weaves through Fr. Evan's message - if you carefully study the Holy Scriptures, the teachings and practices of the Orthodox faith are clear, cogent and life-giving. What I found when I read Father's first book is a compendium of the examples (and a few more) that he has been sharing with us on line for several years. Finally, a place to reference the Church's teachings on prayer, fasting and almsgiving with the real life examples that only Father Evan can so poignantly share. We have heard for years about how he failed as a new husband, how seeing his daughter injured caused his heart to wrench and how in the end love is the criterion for judgment. His real life examples make seemingly complex ideas palatable to those in and outside the Church. But, this book is not about him. This book is about us. It is about how we find ourselves in the Garden everyday disfigured, separated and ashamed. And how Fr. Evan's experience as a priest can show us practical ways to reunite ourselves with Christ through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This book is one that we will all be reading again and again.
A book study on this book will begin on Sunday, October 3rd at 9:00 EST on https://www.ancientfaith.com/radio/live
A book study on this book will begin on Sunday, October 3rd at 9:00 EST on https://www.ancientfaith.com/radio/live
September 13, 2020
“Matter matters.” Fr. Evan’s mantra used throughout these pages will stick with me forever! Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are offered as tangible and transformative practices, accessible to the beginner and anyone who desires to practice repentance. This Toolkit for Spiritual Growth is so profound in its simplicity. I plan to get extra copies for godchildren and use it in book studies with students and young adults, women’s groups, and parish leaders. Simple and straightforward, readers of this book will not be encumbered by highfalutin, complicated theology to excuse them from exercising prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – habits as important as sitting down to a meal each day. His book is biblically sound, and my favorite line is “Reading Scripture is the same as prayer because we pray the Scripture.” Indeed, our daily bread!
September 4, 2020
“Toolkit for Spiritual Growth” by Fr. Evan Armatas provides a wonderful explanation of three of the most basic and essential practices in Christianity: Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting. Simply written, Fr. Evan practically explains each of these disciplines in a way that all Christians can learn from—whether you’re brand new to the faith or have lived as a Christian for years. This book served as a reminder to me of how I should be living out my Orthodox Christian faith and I felt inspired to examine the areas of my own spiritual practice and make a change. I have a feeling I’ll be re-reading this book so that I can continue to grow in my faith! I highly recommend you read “Toolkit for Spiritual Growth.”
September 22, 2020
I have been listening to Father Evan (on Orthodoxy Live and many retreats / bible studies on the St. Spyridon website) for years now, but it is wonderful to have something tangible to add to the book collection. One challenge with this book must have been creating something that would be useful both for people in the early stages of exploring Christianity, as well as those who have been in the faith for decades. Somehow, it certainly does speak to all of the above.
God has blessed Fr. Evan with the ability to deliver messages directly and elegantly. This "toolkit" explains foundational principles of growing in Christ, but also edifies readers with lessons that are helpful to discover or remember and put into practice at any stage of the spiritual life.
God has blessed Fr. Evan with the ability to deliver messages directly and elegantly. This "toolkit" explains foundational principles of growing in Christ, but also edifies readers with lessons that are helpful to discover or remember and put into practice at any stage of the spiritual life.
September 7, 2020
I just completed reading “A Toolkit for Spiritual Growth” by Fr Evan Armatas and highly recommend it. This book focuses on the three spiritual disciplines of the Christian faith – Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving (Charity). Fr Evan strikes a perfect balance between providing thoughtful insights into why Christians need and benefit from these disciplines with guidance on how to practically implement them within one’s own personal situation or reality.
“A Toolkit for Spiritual Growth” is easy to read and Fr Evan injects good humor and meaningful personal examples. Whether you consider yourself deeply engaged or exploring your faith, you will enjoy and learn much from this book.
“A Toolkit for Spiritual Growth” is easy to read and Fr Evan injects good humor and meaningful personal examples. Whether you consider yourself deeply engaged or exploring your faith, you will enjoy and learn much from this book.
September 12, 2020
An important book for anyone wanting to advance in their spiritual life. Fr. Evan's book is truly illuminating and thought provoking. I will read it again to more fully digest and internalize the wisdom he provides. Fr. Evan gently shows how Scripture and the Church lovingly guide us to Christ and why efforts that are solely self-directed will fall short. There are clear explanations of why prayer, almsgiving and fasting are foundational for a healthy spiritual life. Anyone who is serious about their quest to become more Christ-like would benefit from reading and seriously considering the content of this book. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2025
What a gem of a book! I want to go back and read it again. I think it would make a great book study for a church group, too. Each chapter could be the focus of one or two sessions.
There is so much good advice in this book, and Fr. Evan Armatas gives solid historical and spiritual background / reasons that Orthodox Christians need to incorporate prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into their lives. He emphasizes the connection between physical and spiritual and the need for the three parts of the toolkit to be directed by a spiritual father.
There is so much good advice in this book, and Fr. Evan Armatas gives solid historical and spiritual background / reasons that Orthodox Christians need to incorporate prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into their lives. He emphasizes the connection between physical and spiritual and the need for the three parts of the toolkit to be directed by a spiritual father.
October 4, 2020
I loved reading this book and it will be one that I refer to again and again -- it has the basics you need to focus ( or refocus) your prayer life. It is simple for the lay person to understand. You don't need to be an Orthodox Christian to appreciate this book. However, as an Orthodox Christian it is helpful to be reminded of the tools we need to maintain and grow in our faith. I can't wait for another book written from Father Evan!
September 13, 2020
I’ve been blessed to hear Fr. Evan speak on these subjects multiple times. I can attest that what he has written in this book is what he has been teaching in his homilies and bible studies for many, many years. It is a pleasure to have access to these teachings in such a well written and succinct book. It has been difficult to explain to someone how Fr. Evan explained a certain thing and my synopsis of what he said often didn’t do the subject the justice it deserved. This book is a welcomed tool to share what I’ve learned with others. It is also a gentle reminder of what I’ve been taught and centers me back to focus on the basics that encourage spiritual growth.
February 11, 2023
BLUF: Explains prayer, almsgiving, and fasting in a very practical way that anyone unsure of what they should be doing or how to will greatly benefit from this. Will reread again, especially the section on prayer.
October 30, 2024
This was a great little resource to have as a new or even seasoned Orthodox Christian. It’s a clear and easy to understand on how to apply the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving into your spiritual life!
September 2, 2020
What a handy little book! Fr Evan lays out the basics of Orthodox faith and life clearly and very accessibly. New-comers and old-timers can all benefit from this useful book.
November 15, 2020
A good read for those inquiring into spiritual expansion and growth. It's also a decent reminder to those of us who needs a refresher.
December 3, 2020
Great information
The building blocks of a spiritual life. Highly recommend this book. Especially for those newly baptized or looking to enter the church.
The building blocks of a spiritual life. Highly recommend this book. Especially for those newly baptized or looking to enter the church.
January 27, 2024
Useful resource for the inquiring Orthodox Christian. Brings up many questions but Father Evan describes the 3 legged stool easily and readers are able to comprehend the thinking behind each tenet. Plenty to think about here.
December 7, 2020
This book gives a simple explanation and approach to prayer, Almsgiving and fasting. I think this will be a book that I refer back to often. I had an "Aha!" moment in each section I read through. Good reading during the fasting seasons and for everyday.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews