Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Bayonne NJ was very pleased to sponsor an exhibit of books and religious/cultural artifacts of Eastern Europe at the main branch of the Bayonne Public Library during the month of January 2013. The exhibit contained a broad range of books on Orthodox Christian spirituality; these titles entered the library’s general circulation after the exhibit closed.

The books represent a collection entitled “The Antonia Rotko Collection on Orthodox Christian Spirituality.”  Their purchase was made possible through a generous donation made to Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church by Antonia Rotko after her passing in December of 2010. Antonia was a life-long member of the parish and was an avid reader of books on Orthodox Christianity. In light of this, it was agreed that a collection of books donated to the City of Bayonne in her name would be a fitting testament to her memory.

The exhibit opened following a Panikheda service on 30 December 2012 in memory of the second anniversary of Antonia Rotko’s falling-asleep in the Lord. The collection includes titles on church history and theology by authors such as: Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia; Vladimir Lossky; the early Church Fathers; Saint John Climacus; Saint Theophan the Recluse; Saint Silouan the Athonite; and many contemporary titles.

It is hoped that this collection of books will increase awareness of Orthodoxy among readers and spiritual seekers alike.