Treasured for centuries by the Ethiopian Church, this ancient book was composed as a guide to faithful living in the earliest centuries of Christianity. Attributed by tradition to the Twelve Apostles, yet written by an anonymous third-century bishop at the head of a real community, it speaks with a remarkably warm and practical voice. Here are instructions on how bishops, deacons, and deaconesses serve the people, how widows fast and pray, how repentant sinners are welcomed home, and how the whole church prepares for Easter, the great Pascha. This edition renders the classic in clear, present-day English while remaining faithful to its meaning and spirit. Each chapter opens with a brief note to help today's readers understand what they are about to encounter. Those seeking a deeper sense of the ancient faith will find in these pages an honest, demanding, and surprisingly tender spirituality. Part of The World Scriptures Library.