Monastery of St John the Baptist (Online Bookshop) Reviews 

Excellent books well bound. The Monastery carefully packs the books so they survive the Royal Mail without damage. Their books provide spiritual edification and are a joy to read. Just received "The House of our Father" which tells the story of the new circular Church dedicated to Saint Sophrony and contains lots of colour photographs.

First, the website is very easy to navigate. You can preview each book, and read about the author.
Once I ordered, I received immediate feedback. There were prompt messages, both from the monastery and the Royal Mail, which was fun, and delivery was very fast (I’m half a world away. I expected delay.). On top of speed, delivery costs were reasonable. It was a total flat rate to the U.S. of $12, and I have experience of paying shipping from the U.K. of $12 per item, even when items are shipped together.
St. John the Baptist Monastery offers a limited number of books, but they are wide-ranging, and pertinent to persons from all walks of life. I have been very grateful for all of my purchases.

The book is thoughtfully and lovingly presented. Very detailed content. I always enjoy receiving my purchases. The parcel tracking is helpful and timely. The packaging is always meticulous and securely wrapped. The surprise gift token card icons are a welcome surprise.

Books arrived far quicker than I expected and were safely and lovingly packaged.

It was a pleasure to purchase books from Essex Monastery. The shipping was fast, and updates on the order were helpful for my tracking. Most importantly, the books are amazing and are great guides in my spiritual journey with God. I will buy from again in the future.

My order arrived on time and was beautifully packaged. They also included a picture of St. Sophrony which I'm thankful for.

I live in the US and ordered a book my spiritual father recommended I read. The book was hard to locate, but I found it here at St John’s Monastery Essex. The ordering process was easy, payment secure, shipped just as fast as anything purchased within my own country! Nice job. Should I need anything else, I will not hesitate to purchase with your team again. As a side note, the book was so well packaged that it was in perfect shape! Thank you!!

This was the fastest delivery I have ever had.
Ordering online from the Essex Monastery is always a most marvellous experience. They are so kind, polite, very efficient and caring, in that one is always nicely and politely informed on the progress of the delivery.
Ordering from the Essex Monastery is for me the best online experience.

Amazing service. I received my books the next day!

Excellent packaging and prompt dispatch, will definitely order more books in the future, thank you.

I don't think I have ever received a parcel that was wrapped with so much care and attention. A masterclass in packaging! As for the book, it is my first purchase from this monastery, but I don't think it will be my last. It is not just that it is printed on high-quality paper and sturdily bound. Although I have only just started to read it, I can tell that it offers wisdom and guidance that are both refreshing and challenging. Refreshing, because of the Orthodox perspective, which I am only now getting to know, and challenging because of the inspiring example of the Saint who wrote it. I look forward to learning more.

Beautiful, spiritually feeding books. Easy process and keeps buyer informed about delivery.

A overall great experience - the books arrived promptly.

Before ordering - I had a few questions which were answered swiftly.

The books themselves are a wonderful, inspiring & very enlightening & have greatly helped me in my spiritual journey!

I have ordered several books from the monastery over the last few years and have never been let down by the books, service and kindness that is offered by them. Ordering is easy, and the service is prompt and value for money.

First of all, the customer service is spectacular. They are extremely careful in the packing and shipping of every product. And I had only 1 issue among a dozen orders. And they instantly took care of it. They even give updates with any unusual delay in shipping. And the books I have added to my library are not only spiritually enrichening, challenging and written to be gone through slowly and applied to all facets of one's life but they are well crafted books materially. Quality books. I can thoroughly recommend them to anyone seeking to be encouraged, exhorted and engaged in following Christ.

The book came on time, in perfect condition. There was not any delay, even regarding the fact that it had to be shipped to Athens, Greece. Very pleased.

I received the books from the Monastery of Essex with deep joy — true spiritual treasures, born of prayer. Each page carries a heavenly fragrance, a gentle call to repentance, love, and the mystery of Christ’s presence.
The writings of Elder Sophrony,Father Zacharias,Sister Gabriela and those close to the spirit of the monastery are not just books, but living encounters — with human suffering, with the longing for God, and with the light that pierces the darkness of the heart. While reading, I felt that every word was written from a heart that has known the fire of pure prayer.
I wholeheartedly recommend these books to anyone seeking true nourishment for the soul. They are both a secret comfort and a call to struggle and to live an authentically Christian life. I sincerely thank the Monastery of Essex for this blessing!
With love in the Lord, Alina

The books are of amazing quality and very carefully packaged,
Thank you very much for your service

At the risk of hyperbole, Essex Monastery Bookstore is my favorite in the whole world. I love getting hard-bound books, especially those written by Fr. Zacharias. He writes with such clarity it's like the tone of a sacred bell. Thank you. Robert Vivian