Metr. Saba Honors Warren Farha of Eighth Day Books
Metr. Saba said Warren Farha transformed his love of books into a lifelong baptismal mission that introduced countless people to Orthodox Christianity.
WICHITA, KS — Metr. Saba of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America has released a funeral letter honoring the life and legacy of Warren Farha, the founder of Eighth Day Books, describing him as a model of Christian vocation whose work flowed directly from his baptismal calling.
The letter, read at Farha’s funeral and later published at the request of many attendees, reflects on the Metropolitan’s decades-long friendship with the renowned Orthodox bookseller. Metr. Saba recalled first meeting Farha in 1995 during a visit to Wichita, where he encountered a man marked by deep faith, humility, and a desire to share Orthodox Christianity with others. He described Farha’s warmth, calm demeanor, and joyful spirit as signs of a life shaped by the presence of God.
Central to the tribute was Farha’s lifelong dedication to Eighth Day Books. According to Metr. Saba, Farha left his family’s business to devote himself to building a bookstore that introduced countless readers to Orthodox theology, spirituality, and literature. Though not a missionary in the traditional sense, he served as a bridge connecting seekers to Christ through the writings of saints, theologians, and spiritual authors. Metr. Saba spoke of how that bridge shone through Farha's countenance:
From the beginning, I was struck by his bright and cheerful face, which seemed to tell you that he came to you from a world purer and more radiant than the one in which we live. His warm smile, his spontaneous innocence, his quiet voice, and his remarkable calm — these were all signs of God’s presence within him and indications of a light descending upon him from on high.
Metr. Saba highlighted Farha’s own description of his vocation, quoting his statement that his work was “an extension of my baptism.” He urged Orthodox Christians to follow that example by recognizing their own calling to serve as witnesses to Christ through the gifts entrusted to them.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Farha had reposed at 70.
