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Orthodox Christianity at the Crossroad:A Great Council of the Church ? When and WhyThe purpose of publishing the papers presented at the Twentieth Annual Meeting of Orthodox Christian Laity is to improve ?lay and clergy literacy? on the conference topic of ?The Need for a Great and Holy Council.? The papers are presented with the hope that the information will motivate the faithful to participate in the conciliar decision-making process that moves the Church forward on the issue of developing the council or another appropriate meeting. The forces, factors, and history that inhibit calling a council are presented in these papers. The hope of what can be accomplished when brothers work in synergy with each other and the Holy Spirit is also evident.The renewal of Orthodox Christianity and the renewal of its witness in the contemporary world of global religious pluralism depend on such a meeting. The calling of a council free of worldly, political, power, turf, ego and ethnic considerations will renew the ?Living Tradition? of Orthodoxy, which is its Apostolic calling. The world is looking for this ?Living Tradition,? which cannot be well-expressed by a fragmented Orthodox Church. A council is a step toward renewing the Church and making it whole in order to teach this ?Living Tradition.?It is interesting to note?as this collection of papers points out?that the children of Orthodox Christians living in America have come together as Americans, in order to remain Orthodox, through campus ministry programs that they are developing. The young adults are leading the way to Orthodox unity. Is it not time for the Church elders, the hierarchs, the clergy, and the faithful to look at the example of unity that the youth are providing and move ahead to do what is necessary to renew the Church through this conciliar council?ABOUT THE EDITORGeorge E. Matsoukas, Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Laity since 2000, rec ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Now is the time...at last!
This text provides five invited presentations delivered to the Twentieth Anniversary of the Orthodox Christian Laity [OCL] on 03 November 2007 in Glenview, Illinois [USA]. Varying in length from 10 to 20 pages each, chapters [presentations] of the text have been edited by George E. Matsoukas, who also provides a brief Introduction [ix-x]. A foreword and overview [iii-viii] by Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit, moderator of the 2007 conference, provides what might be considered a seventh chapter.

Were it not for two initial paragraphs [iii], Archbishop Nathaniel's Foreword might have accomplished little else than summarize presentations to the 2007 OCL Annual Meeting. However, His Eminence introduces his remarks by admitting to disappointment in the Ecumenical Patriarchate having "ignored" a 1998 OCL resolution for a united autocephalous Orthodox Church in America. His disappointment is coupled with praise for OCL's unfeigned activities across the same decade [cf. "Resolution for Autocephaly Adopted October 10, 1998"]. Certainly, one might surmise from Nathaniel's statement that any response from the Phanar to the 1998 OCL Resolution had been neglected prior to His All Holiness Bartholomew's call for a Great and Holy Council during the second week of October 2008--the year after the OCL Annual Meeting in 2007.

Missing from the Foreword is a simple question: What should the reader make of His All Holiness having ignored the 1998 Resolution? It is remarkable and entirely Christian that a two-page Postscript [77-8] in the text never mentions a decade of silent neglect. Rather, the Postscript reflects thanksgiving and hope by OCL and friends for long-awaited changes that may come in this Great and Holy Council.

Indeed, overall themes of thanksgiving and hope, matched with perseverance in faith, characterize each chapter in this 89-page text. Along with editor Matsoukas, contributors include respected lay and clerical leaders from Russian [Moscow Patriarchate], Romanian [Romanian Diocese of the OCA], Greek and Serbian Orthodox jurisdictions as well as the Orthodox Church in America. The editor states that "...these papers give the reader a greater understanding of Orthodox Christianity worldwide and why a Great and Holy Council was not convened in the twentieth century" [ix].

Could it be that a Great and Holy Council was not convened in the twentieth century because hierarchs and laypeople of the so-called Diaspora had become distant cousins in the household of faith? If so, then Metropolitan Christopher has bridged a centuries-old communication gap in his presentation, "The Need for an Inclusive and Open Council Motivated by Love and Integrity" [5-17, inclusive of transcribed questions and answers]. His Eminence serves the Midwestern Diocese of the Serbian Church.

Two sentences from Metropolitan Christopher's address, merit attention. These sentences employ rhetorical devices and meta-speech that bond speaker and audience in shared opinion and identity. First, His Eminence quotes "a prominent civil rights preacher" regarding the importance of full participation in Christian mission, which he reframes for OCL as upholding Christ in love and faith [6-7]. Second, he states, "I, for one, categorically reject being put in the category of "Diaspora." I am an American, this is my country, and I am proud of my heritage" [7].

Not only does the last sentence illustrate a rhetorical synecdoche, but also it casts the speaker in an identical destiny with his audience. Coupled destinies provide an example of meta-speech, which should strike insiders in Orthodoxy as momentous if not also fortuitous. The Metropolitan is preaching to the choir without pedantry or polemic.

Metropolitan Christopher responds to a question concerning participation by the Serbian Church in a united autocephalous Orthodox Church in America with a cautionary remark. If the Council were to welcome full participation by all jurisdictions, without "a stacked deck" and any expectation of "blind obedience," then he says the Serbians would be likely to participate [16-7].

The third chapter offers the Very Rev. Dr. John Erickson's insightful review of the role that the Ecumenical Patriarchate provides "...the common life of the Orthodox Churches" [20]. I consider his chapter insightful because he deftly relates Orthodox ecclesiastical decisions about a Great and Holy Council to an international political timeline across the 19th and 20th-centuries [cf. "Timeline Toward a Great and Holy Council," pp. 1-3] along with shifting allegiances to nation-states by the principal diptychs.

Erickson's aim is to lay out debates over how to interpret Chalcedon Canon 28 and Canon 3 from I Constantinople. Namely, Erickson explores the large corpus of literature from historic regional and Ecumenical Synods to determine what limitations, if any, might be applied to "the prerogatives of the primacy of honor" [29] ascribed to Constantinople. I believe that this chapter provides sufficient nuance to please many tastes. In brief, Erickson advances a more limited interpretation of Constantinopolitan primacy in the last two centuries than the Phanar or Muscovite detractors have argued.

Three remaining chapters deal with (1) a Russian's vision for unity by Archpriest Alexander Abromov, representing the Moscow Patriarchate in the US [41-50]; (2) a full integration of youth in planning and deliberations for the Great and Holy Council according to Dr. Vigen Guroian, professor of Religious Studies, University of Virginia [51-9]; and (3) an appraisal of social science co-variables that hinder and/or promote convening a Great and Holy Council, by Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou, assistant professor of Boston University's Department of International Relations [61-71].

Every Orthodox Christian needs to read this book. I imagine its cogent presentations will appeal to parishes in every jurisdiction, where material may be discussed and textual references consulted in preparation for the Great and Holy Council. The book should be translated into principal languages of Orthodox jurisdictions in the Americas, such as Spanish, Greek, Serbian, Russian and Romanian. A study guide, if it were to be developed, could provide even greater assistance. A study guide accompanying the book would aid adult and youth education classes to appreciate the importance of involvement by every Orthodox Christian in praying for the blessings of God over the Council and support for all parishes to be active participants in supporting meetings preceding the Council itself.
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These two classic introductions to Orthodoxy by Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia are subjected to critical examination, not in order to impugn their overall usefulness and worth, but in order to safeguard the unwary reader from doctrinal pitfalls and to correct a number of serious errors of fact and interpretation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Old-Calendarist Critique of Bishop Ware's Theology.
_The Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Way Reviewed_ by Hieromonk Patapios is a critique from the ultra-conservative True Orthodox Church of Greece of two popular books on Orthodox Christianity by Bishop Kallistos (Timothy) Ware.The pamphlet consists of two in depth reviews scrutinizing Ware's books and is published by the Center for Traditionalist Orthodox Studies, which disseminates a number of texts on theological issues relating to controversies within the Orthodox Church.Much of their publications are polemics against the ecumenical movement and the adoption of the Gregorian (Western) calendar by the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Church of Greece under the Archbishop of Athens.They view the ecumenical movement as a syncretistic heresy that dilutes the identity of the traditional Orthodox Church.Ware is involved in ecumenical dialogues, and Patapios goes to great lengths to show how Ware's more liberal theology is somewhat divergent from traditional Orthodoxy.Patapios takes issue with Ware's methodology and theological positions in _The Orthodox Church_ and compares an early edition of Ware's book from the 1960s and the edited version published in 1993.Some of Ware's "flaws" is that he does not elevate Orthodoxy as absolute truth in his work, taking a more relative theological stance that stands at odds with Old Calendarist ecclesial positions.However, Patapios concludes that Ware's _Orthodox Church_ is the best available introduction to Orthodox Church history available and accessible to a wide audience and that no traditionalist scholar has produced a work in English of equal depth.

The second review examines Ware's _The Orthodox Way_, a popular tract on Orthodox mysticism.Patapios disapproves of Ware's citations of non-Orthodox sources (like Thomas Merton and William Blake), early ecclesial writers who were not elevated to the status of Church Fathers (like Origen who was posthumously condemned in the sixth century), modern Orthodox authors whose writings have been recently condemned (Fr. Sergius Bulgakov) and Orthodox authors involved in the ecumenical movement (Fr. Dimitru Staniloae).Furthermore, Patapios takes Ware to task on the fact that he maintains the notion (from Origen and Gregory of Nyssa) of a universal redemption-even of Satan and that God's love even extends to souls suffering in Hell.Another issue in _The Orthodox Way_ is Ware's theology which weaves around the "impassibility" of God as defined by the Fathers of the Church.Patapios asks the rhetorical question of whether or not one is qualified to go outside the theological parameters established unanimously by the _consensus partum_ which defines Orthodox doctrines, dogmas, theological study and inquiry.Ware also apparently holds to a somewhat slanted view of Christ maintaining that the Lord's human nature was too close to that of fallen man and not God incarnate.It does not appear that Christ suffered despair before the Cross in a sinful manner or that the Lord was tortured in Hell in addition to the suffering at the Cross as some Protestant theologians have maintained.Patapios points out the shortcomings, not to mention theological complexity, of these two issues.I do not know of how much value this book would be to one who has not already read Ware's books critiqued here and who is unfamiliar with Old Calendarist literature and how it differs from canonical (i.e., in communion with the Patriarch of Constantinople) Orthodox Churches.
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Customer Reviews (3)

Overlooked Publication
We should thank St. Vladimir's Seminary Press for this one. This book will help dispel the myth that the Eastern Orthodox Church needs to be dusted off for practical use in modern society. Each chapter stands on its own, although they all relate to Orthodoxy and modern society. I would argue that Ware's essay on the meaning of Lent and its relevance to our consumer society is worth the price alone. Twelve distinguished lay and ordained Orthodox writers are assembled here. Topics include: 1) The Orthodox Vision of Wholeness, by Gillian Crow. 2) Living in the Future, by Bishop Basil of Sergievo. 3) The Eschata in Our Daily Life, by Metropolitan Athanasios of Hercegovina. 4) Orthodox Tradition and Family Life, by Sister Magdalen. 5) Lent and the Consumer Society, by Bishop Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia. 6) Death and Bereavement, by Bishop Anthony (Bloom) of Sourozh. 7) An Orthodox Approach to Bioethics, by Prof. H. Tristram Engelhardt Jr. 8)Orthodoxy and Modern Depth Psychology, by Dr. Jamie Moran. 9) Orthodoxy and Art, by Dr. Andrew Louth. 10) Man the Priest of Creation: A Response to the Ecological Problem, by Metropolitan John (Zizioulas) of Pergamon. 11) The Holy Trinity, the Church and Politics in a Secular World, by Costa Carras. 12) The Prophetic Role of Orthodoxy in Contemporary Culture, by Dr. Andrew Walker. Envoi: The Laos of God, by Metropolitan Anthony. Notes.
If you are interested in Orthodoxy and Culture, you'll love this book! In fact, many of the chapters are so illuminating that I'd buy the book just for one or two of them. Enjoy!

Living Orthodox Indeed
This book edited by Andrew Walker and Costa Carras (they both contribute a chapter each as well) is great for personal thoughts about livingas an Orthodox Christian in the modern world or for such things as Bible study groups, or Sunday School.

I used this book last year for my youth sunday school group.While much of this material, if read alone, may be over the head of most young people, I used the chapter titles and articles to involve discussion.Further, it helped them 'think beyond their years.'

Each essay does stand on its own, but equally, they complete the picture when the book is completely fimsihed.The wonderful thing about Orthodoxy is that it has, and always will be, religion devoted to the entire person and these chapters bare this out.Ideas such as art, bioethics, and bereavement (just to name a few) are all discussed in the normal uncompromising, yet patoral approach which Orthodoxy is known for among Orthodox.This is also a great book to introduce others to, not so much what we believe, but how we view certian impacting issues.

An outstanding collection concerning contemporary issues.
We should thank St. Vladimir's Seminary Press for this one. This book willhelp dispel the myth that the Eastern Orthodox Church needs to be dustedoff for practical use in modern society.Each chapter stands on its own,although they all relate to Orthodoxy and modern society. Twelvedistinguished lay and ordained Orthodox writers are assembled here.Topicsinclude: 1)The Orthodox Vision of Wholeness, by Gillian Crow. 2)Living inthe Future, by Bishop Basil of Sergievo. 3)The Eschata in Our Daily Life,by Metropolitan Athanasios of Hercegovina.4)Orthodox Traditionand Family Life, by Sister Magdalen. 5)Lent and the Consumer Society, byBishop Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia. 6)Death and Bereavement, by BishopAnthony (Bloom) of Sourozh. 7)An Orthodox Approach to Bioethics, by Prof.H. Tristram Engelhardt Jr. 8)Orthodoxy and Modern Depth Psychology, by Dr.Jamie Moran. 9)Orthodoxy and Art, by Dr. Andrew Louth. 10)Man the Priest ofCreation: A Response to the Ecological Problem, by Metropolitan John(Zizioulas) of Pergamon. 11)The Holy Trinity, the Church and Politics in aSecular World, by Costa Carras. 12)The Prophetic Role of Orthodoxy inContemporary Culture, by Dr. Andrew Wlaker.Envoi: The Laos of God, byMetropolitan Anthony. Notes.

If you are interested in Orthodxy andCulture, you'll love this book!In fact, many of the chapters are soilluminating that I'd buy the book just for one or two of them. Enjoy! ... Read more

Product Description
These essays were written at intervals during Dr. Ashanin's teaching career ofthirty-five years. They were published in various publications as a response to the theological challenges which his generation had to face. He wrote them to elucidate the historical issues of my time from the Christian perspective. Although these essays were written in particular periods of time, they have present day relevance, because he tried to interpret the issues discussed in them under the aegis of the recurring, underlying themes. A Christian historian, while he observes all rules of the historical method and deals with his subject sub specie temporis, cannot escape awareness that there is another dimension which he cannot ignore, a dimension in all human aff airs to which he must pay attention in his writings, that of sub specie Aeternitatis. He must combine epis temology, the knowledge of things, with eschatology, the divine goal to which everything is guided by divine wisdom. In philoso phy, this aspect is known as teleology, the aim to which every thing leads. While these may not be found explicit in his writings, they are implicit in them, because his intellectual consciousness is imbued with this orientation, and it is inevitable that it is embodied in his work. ... Read more

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The author, a former Ruling Elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, explains the spiritual crisis in the church and what can be done about it. ... Read more

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The Orthodox Church is one of the three major branches of Christianity. There are over 300 million adherents throughout the world. The Orthodox Church is a fellowship of independent churches, which split form the Roman Church over the question of papal supremacy in 1054. The Orthodox adherents include people in: Greece, Georgia, Russia, and Serbia. There are an estimated one million members in the United States. This Advanced book explains the basic principles of Orthodox Christianity and describes in detail the holidays observed by the Orthodox Church. In addition, relevant book literature is presented in bibliographic form with easy access provided by title, subject and author indexes. ... Read more

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With a foreword by Thomas Hopko

Father Thomas Hopko states in his Foreword: ...Those who are serious in their seekings, whether their theological and spiritual convictions, are obligated at some point to come to terms with Fr Sergius Bulgakov. The results for the courageous cannot fail to be enlightening and inspiring: perhaps not in the ways that the Russian thinker imagined but in ways known to the Master he served.

Having been a classic introduction to the Orthodox Church for many decades, it is remarkable that this short book by Bulgakov still retains its freshness and relevance in the ecumenical scene today. The Orthodox concepts of conciliarity (sobornost), of salvation as a process of becoming divine, and of truth and infallibility in the Church, will open new vistas in discussions concerning Christian unity. Bulgakov writes from within the context of the ecumenical community, addressing the key issues and providing a basis for Western Christians to understand their brothers and sisters in the Eastern Church. Useful also to the Orthodox, the book provides answers and directions to the most commonly asked questions that are addressed to the general membership of the Church.

Sergius Bulgakov (1871-1944), former Dean and Professor of Dogmatic Theology at St Sergius Theological Institute in Paris was a prolific writer, powerful preacher, and profound confessor. Though controversial for his creative approach to theology he will remain as a great and seminal thinker who has contributed more than other toward shaping the direction and ethos of modern Orthodox theology. The Orthodox Church is the only book by Bulgakov available in the English language. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Journey into Orthodoxy
The book opens with a forword by Fr. Thomas Hopko and it is best ignored when one starts to read this book. Fr. Hopko's forword praises Bulgakov and belittles Bulgakov, reflecting the ambivalent attitude towards Fr. Bulgakov in certain Orthodox circles.

Ch. 1 "The Church"
Ch. 2 "The Church as Tradition"
Ch. 3 "The Hierarchy"
Ch. 4 "The Unity of the Church"
Ch. 5 "The Sanctity of the Church"
Ch. 6 "Orthodox Dogma"
Ch. 7 "The Sacraments"
Ch. 8 "The Virgin and the Saints in Orthodoxy"
Ch. 9 "The Orthodox Church Service"
Ch. 10 "Icons and their Cult"
Ch. 11 "Orthodox Mysticism"
Ch. 12 "Orthodox Ethic"
Ch. 13 "Orthodoxy and the State"
Ch. 14 "Orthodoxy and the Economic Life"
Ch. 15 "Orthodoxy and Apocalyptic Thought"
Ch. 16 "Orthodox Eschatology"
Ch. 17 "Orthodoxy and the Other Confessions"
Ch. 18 "Conclusion"

From this index it is clear that the book is a comprehensive study of Orthodoxy, covering a very broad range of the areas of life, in particular Orthodox life. Bulgakov takes the reader by the hand and takes the reader on a journey thru Orthodoxy. It is a book that one does not finish and lays aside, rather one reads it again and again and again,..

It does not contain explicit reference to Sophiology, a doctrine with which Bulgakov's name will forever be associated. It is a book about Orthodox dogmatic theology with little reference to history, which has been treated by H.H. Kalistos Ware Bishop of Diokleia elsewhere ("The Orthodox Church"). For Fr. Bulgakov's sophiology one should turn to the trilogy "The Bride of the Lamb", "The Comforter" and "The Lamb of God" of which only the first has yet appeared in English; and of course the small introduction to "sophiology" called "Sophia: The Wisdom of God."

The book is a powerfull and convincing testimony to the energy and life that is contained in Orthodox theology. The book allows one to grow deeper, and much more firmly in Orthodox theology; especially in the light of Western challenges to Orthodoxy.

The book is best read as a companion, as a dogmatic travel-guide. Reading it is a journey into Orthodoxy in its dogmatic aspect (which must NEVER be separated from Orthodox praxis) re-reading it frequently is like "tuning ones inner Orthodox instrument" to make sure ones "tone remains Orthodox." It is a book that will be of enormous help to become Orthodox and to continue to become Orthodox; for becoming Orthodox does not end in Baptism and Chrismation, it merely begins from there on and this book will nurture ones contineous Journey into Orthodoxy.

"All Christians who now discover the need of facing a new future, are beginning to understand the world importance of Orthodoxy.
Does that future exist for the Church? Yes, for Orthodoxy is not yet achieved, either in fact or even in principle. Above Orthodoxy there is no other dome than the vault of Heaven. (..) It is Orthodoxy, and Orthodoxy only, which is the manifest and the hidden truth of all Christian confessions, divided now, but called to reunite in one flock under One Pastor, May God grant it!"

Get it, you won't regret it! ;-) ... Read more

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Professor Simmons has rendered a valuable service to all those interested in prayer and the meaning of the various services of the Orthodox Church by translating into English Saint Symeon's Treatise on Prayer: An Explanation of the Services of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christians will be particularly interested in Saint Symeon's interpretation of the various services and prayers heard in Orthodox worship, for he gives answers to the frequently heard questions: "Why do we do this?" and "What does this mean?" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An Orthodoxprimer
A very good quick reference for the Services of the Holy Orthodox Church, but also very interesting from a historical point, because of St Symeon's description of the Cathedral services of Thessaloniki at his time. I find the translation a little stilted, but it does not affect the value of this book. There is so much Theology in our Services, not only in the Divine Liturgy, but all of them, and it is a very useful book for newcomers to the Faith, as the other reviewer mentioned. Now I just wish that all of St Symeon's writings would be translated into English!

St. Symeon's, archbishop of Thessalonica, theological works
This translation of St. Symeon's works on sacred temple and the services which take place in it, offers to english-speaking readers the richness of Orthodox spiritulaity. This book is an excellent exhibition of the Orthodoxliturgical practice during 12th - 15th centuries. The same practice isbeing followed even today in the orthodox churches around the world, sothis book can become a guide for anyone interested in Orthodoxspirituality. This work contains explanations to how a sacred temple isfounded, how the clergy is being ordinated, and how each one of theSacraments is being celebrated. St. Symeon is also interpreting the churchservices, showing their symbolic meaning. ... Read more

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His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has made it his mission to foster ecumenical relations and religious tolerance, as well as to promote global human rights and protect the environment. His message has always been to "speak the truth in love." This book is the second in a series of three volumes published by Fordham University Press collecting the writings and statements of the spiritual leader. In particular, it represents the broad reach and spiritual depth of the Patriarch's message of inter-Christian communication and ecumenical understanding. The volume is divided into Patriarchal Proclamations, Patriarchal Exhortations, Ecumenical Addresses, Academic Discourses, and Messages and Declarations. Within the collection, His All Holiness boldly challenges the taboos and controversies swirling within religious doctrine, addressing such issues as church unity, papal primacy, and divisions within Christianity. This book is an essential read for religious scholars as well as for anyone searching for a deeper understanding of the Orthodox Christian faith. ... Read more

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ORTHODOX DOGMATIC THEOLOGY is a book written with onepurpose: to inspire, to warm the heart, to lift one above the pettypreoccupations of earth in order to glimpse the divine beginning andend of all things. This has always been the purpose and intent oftheology: to give one the energy and encouragement to struggle towardsGod and our heavenly homeland.

The original Russian version haslong been regarded as a standard source of Orthodox theology and usedfor many years as a seminary textbook. The English translation byFr. Seraphim Rose has made this invaluable sourcebook accessible tothose who wish to deepen their understanding of OrthodoxChristianity.

ORTHODOX DOGMATIC THEOLOGY was written not foracademic theologians, but primarily for pastors, and thus it has apractical approach and simplicity of presentation that is missing inmany works of contemporary academic theology.

In ORTHODOX DOGMATICTHEOLOGY one may see a characteristic of genuine Orthodoxy that is sooften lost in our cold, rationalistic age. Theology is not primarily amatter of arguments, criticisms, proofs and disproofs; it is first ofall men's word about God, in accordance with the divinely revealedteaching of Orthodoxy ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Dogma is not scholastic in Orthodoxy
"Dogmas," according to Father Michael, are "...the definitions of truth declared by the Church" [31]. While the meaning of dogma between Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Roman Catholic and Protestant) Churches diverges in significance [cf.20,373-4: by Blessed Seraphim], Father Michael's definition of dogma would meet little resistance when compared with official ecclesial documents outside the Orthodox Church. I will explore divergence later in this review; my point at the start is only to state obvious comparisons.

For example, 'Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy' from the Second Vatican Council [cf. fn. 289; added to 3rd edition (2005)] altered the 'lingua franca' of the Liturgy, reversed the position of the priest, added the common cup as well as much more because of conciliar truth declared by the Roman Church. Moreover, Aquinas would have agreed with Father Michael's definition for dogma by his own use of "scientia," for dogmatic theology was the principal and primary science for Thomas. Father Michael does not identify such given the scope of the text.

Thanks to the author's and translator's literary economy and non-affected style, readers from any Christian tradition can experience encouragement in the book's invitations to draw closer to God. For example, the author's discussions about natural virtues, such as humility and continence [157,264-65], attract readers to cooperate with the Holy Trinity in cultivating the virtues as part of their own salvation in Christ.

However, Father Michael clarifies dogma "in situ" across 372 pages of text, which Blessed Seraphim translated from Russian. "In situ," as I use this Latin phrase, conveys Father Michael's goal for dogmatic theology in Orthodox tradition [cf. 46: specific 19th-C Russian citations]. His goal is to make clear statements about the teachings of the Apostles for contemporary readers [46-9]. It would be impossible to do more, such as "...develop more completely or go deeper into the truths of the faith than the Apostles" [47].

As dogmatic theology applies the faith to contemporary issues [48, 355-71], it reinforces collegiality among bishops who share responsibility to obey what has been handed down from the Apostles. Another way to speak of shared responsibility is to speak of dogma residing within the Orthodox Church and not independent from her [46,92-3,246-8,267-9,295-6]. Just as the Church lives, breathes and prays her dogma to remain "one body, one faith," active participation by all members in the Orthodox Church is the author's meaning of shared "consciousness" in the Church [236-7,294-6].

Having laid a foundation for dogma in the Church, Father Michael addresses important differences pertaining to (1) sources of truth and (2) assent to dogma between Christians, east and west, on the nature and practice of theology ("theologizing") and ecclesiology [234,303]. In particular, Father Michael's definition of dogma "in situ" presents an alternative and ancient understanding of practicing theology--"theologizing"--and the Church [427-50]. Therefore, non-Orthodox readers among Christians would benefit most by turning to chapters five and six, where Father Michael lays out the topics of evil, sin, and the salvation of the human race [150-228].

Thus, any dogmas that have been declared after the 11th-Century schism that separated the Patriarchal Sees of Constantinople and Rome [92] must be judged by criteria of "truth" as set before the Great Schism in the seven Ecumenical Councils. Revelation is the only source of truth [29-30], as Father Michael puts it, whereas "opinions" have been introduced as dogma in the west after the Great Schism [362-4].

After the Great Schism, Aquinas introduced an opinion concerning salvation that Father Michael addressed in a footnote to the first Russian edition published in 1911 [214]. He critiqued a passage from Thomas' 'Summa' (III, Q.49, art.4) in which Aquinas deduced that God had been "appeased" by the sacrifice of Christ. A dogma of appeasement had been a logical extension of Augustine's doctrine of sin, a point which Father Michael considered in chapter five [cf.165-6, and editor's fn. on 165 in 3rd ed.]. Therefore, Father Michael identified the origin of what he considered the "one-sided interpretation of Redemption" [214] of the "Latins."

I give the book four stars, and not five, for a couple of reasons. First, the text does not present a method of critical reasoning that even Orthodox theologians must employ when communicating ancient truths to contemporary people and situations. Second, the Brotherhood of St. Herman continues to publish the text and provide updates. However, the updates in footnotes need to be grouped by edition and collated as end-notes to prevent reader errors in interpreting the original. I hasten to add my thanks for Hieromonk Damascene's preface to the third edition (2005), because I discovered therein how to read the 2005 edition. It is critical that readers digest his preface as well as those of Blessed Seraphim, the translator, before jumping in.

Excellent book on Orthodox Dogmatics.
Orthodox Dogmatic Theology is a top-notch introduction to Orthodox Theology for the Orthodox Christian, the Catechumen, or the Outsider (that's me).I keep this on my shelf along with The Orthodox Church by Bishop Kallistos Ware, and The Mystical Theology of the Orthodox Church by Vladimir Lossky.This is a fine translation by Father Seraphim Rose, a gifted and intelligent man who became an atheist as a young man but after his college years, walked into a Russian Orthodox Church and became a Priest, Monk, and Scholar.Don't let the controversy surrounding his views concerning aspects of the intermediate state keep you away from this book.A must read for anyone with an interest in Orthodoxy.

Speaking to the heart
To quote from the 'Translator's Preface', written by Hieromonk Seraphim Rose, 1981: "One of the major advantages of this book is its simplicity of presentation.It was written not for academic theologians, but primarily for pastors, and thus it has a practical approach that is missing in many works of contemporary academic theology.In his theological writings, Fr Michael remains deeply rooted in the tradition of the Orthodox Church, not trying to supercede with his own private opinions any revelation that the Church has handed down to us.... his intent here is to write about exactly what the Church teaches -- what pastors can give to their flocks as the certain, unchanging teaching of the church -- and not about what is "disputed".There is a distinct wholeness in Fr. Michael's approach, which allows for no confusion over the Church's actual teaching.Another advantage of this book, especially for pastors who deal with converts to Orthodoxy from various religious denominations, is that it contrasts the traditional Orthodox teaching with the errors and innovations of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism."

And further "Fr. Michael is the last surviving graduate of a pre-revolutionary Russian theological academy (that of Kiev), and is therefore one of the few living contacts we have with the long-standing centers of traditional Russian theology, the direct inheritance of the Byzantine Fathers.Always faithful to the instruction of the Church, his actual "school" is, ultimately, the Church herself".

I love this book.I love this book because while it is scholarly, and in fact is used as a text at the Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, New York, it speaks to the heart.This is terribly important as Orthodoxy is a faith which speaks to the heart."The soul... naturally seeks a personal God" (God's Revelation to the Human Heart, Fr Seraphim Rose, p6)."Why does a person study religion?... to come into contact with reality" (ibid, p 13), "a person must be in a religious search not for the sake of religious experiences, which can deceive, but for the sake of truth." (ibid, p18) "If you look at a textbook of Orthodox theology, you will find that the truth cannot be found by the unaided posers of man.You can read the Scriptures or any holy book and not even understand what they say.."When in Acts 8 (28-39) the angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip and told him to go south toward Jerusalem, and along the way he encountered the eunuch, the eunuch requested of Philip that he tell him what it meant."There are several supernatural, mystical elements in this account... there was something else that affected him: not miracles, but something in his heart." (ibid, p 19)"When Philip spoke to the ethiopian eunuch, something in the eunuch's heart changed."This is the reason the eunuch was baptized and became a Christian.

This is how God reveals Himself to mankind, in a personal way, He speaks to our hearts.This book speaks to the heart.It is written in a personal, kind and loving way to tell the truths of the Orthodox Church.It warms the heart and inspires the faithful.That is wonderful, simply wonderful in a teaching book.There are many good theological books out there, very scholastic.However to find one which speaks to one's heart, this is a rare gem.I recommend it highly.

A model for writing theology
I had been looking for a textbook on Orthodox systematic theology for quite some time before accidently coming across an older edition of this volume while I was in Europe. I am an evangelical who is painfully aware of our tradition's ignorance of Eastern beliefs, and of our dependence on Western conceptions of theological categories and methods. As such I was (and still am) deeply interested in exploring the depths and riches of Eastern theology, and to this end Pomazansky is a gem.

I imagine most pastors have at least one or more volumes of systematic theology in their libraries. Everyone has their favorites: Barth, Calvin, Miley, Mueller, Grudem, Ott, Wenger, etc. Most of us try to have a wide variety of sources at our disposal for the sake of reference. Pomozansky's Orthodox Dogmatic Theology deserves to be on your shelf because I doubt anyone has written a one-volume systematic with the same measure of depth, eloquence, and brevity, let alone from an Eastern Orthodox perspective. Think of Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, but with greater clarity, and a even more deeply devotional/pastoral spirit.

That being said, Pomazansky's book is not without its flaws. He is strongest when articulating the faith all Christians share, and in that respect, I would reccomend his book to every student of theology, both lay and clergy. On the other hand, from an evangelical perspective, he is weakest when defending Orthodox distinctives. I think evangelicals will find that some of his arguments are far from convincing because they are exegetically unfounded or suspect. That being said, Orthodox readers probably won't be bothered too much by this apparent shortcoming because Scripture does not have the same place of authority in Eastern traditions as in evangelical traditions.

But even with these (minor) doctrinal dissagrements, this is an eminently useful book that I constantly refer to for inspiration and explanation. In fact, it may be the most dog-eared, highlighted, and underlined systematics I own. You should get one.

Excellent Overview of Orthodox Thought
A very complete overview of Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, from a traditional Orthodox perspective. While not as broad in it's scope as other books, such as "The Orthodox Church" by Bp. Kallistos, the smaller scope of the book does allow for a closer examination of the subjects that are dealth with, and Fr. Michael Pomazansky does this quite well.

This book is a systematic examination of Orthodox theology, and for that some have criticized it; systematic, catechism, etc. are four-letter words for some Orthodox. However, one cannot help but wonder why organization as it happens in this book could ever be considered a bad thing. Perhaps only behind "The Orthodox Church" and "The Orthodox Way," this is the book that I would most likely recommend to anyone wishing to have a broad but intellectually satisfying overview of what the Orthodox believe.

I do have two minorissues with the text as it is today.First, it is impossible to tell when footnotes are from Fr. Seraphim Rose (the translator) or Fr. Michael (the author). This has caused a problem at times when I know that Fr. Seraphim feels a certain way about a subject, but I am not sure whether Fr. Michael also feels the same way. A lengthy footnote is sometimes provided, but with no indentification as to who is speaking.

And second, Fr. Seraphim does seem to insert things into the book that were not originally part of the book.While this is not uncommon in books published by the St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, and while these additions are given in appendices, I still feel like it is an unfortunate move sometimes, as in a case like this book where the appendices bring in a controversial tone to the book that would have otherwise been absent. If I lend or give this book to someone and they have questions about Orthodoxy, I'd much rather try and answer questions about icons or Mary, and not controversial subjects like the Dogma of Redemption. ... Read more

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Asked about the Orthodox doctrine of salvation, many people will say it has to do with theosis or deification, yet few can explain what theosis actually means. Normal Russell builds on his magisterial study, The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition, to present this complex teaching of the Fathers with uncompromising scholarship and welcome clarity. The book will interest specialists and non-specialists alike. ... Read more

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In-depth, readable and practical guide to this key Orthodox doctrine
A fascinating look from the Bible to the Desert Fathers to the Theologians and Saints on the Church, from the Fathers to modern Theologians on the doctrine of "theosis": our calling in life to be "partakers of the Divine Nature" as St Peter wrote in his Epistle.

As the blurb on the back says, 'Asked about the Orthodox Christian doctrine of salvation, many people will hastily tell you that it has to do with "theosis" or "deification." But few can explain what "theosis" actually means, and fewer still can do so with a broad and deep knowledge of the Church Fathers.' It was true for me, and while I would hesitate to claim knowledge, I am thankful I have gained more understanding of the role of this doctrine for my life.

Exceptionally readable, informative, as well as challenging and applicable to daily life, his will be a book I will want to read again and again. Another fine title in the "Foundations" series from SVS Press. ... Read more

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An introduction to Orthodox spiritual life by one of Greece's most distinguished scholars. In the book, Mantzarides covers basic themes such as self-knowledge and knowledge of God, sin and repentance, the Divine Liturgy, the saints, social action, and prayer. Each theme draws upon the wisdom of the Fathers of the Church and each chapter concludes with an excerpt from a significant patristic writer. As he writes, Orthodox Christians need to know their roots better so that they may "follow the Fathers." Orthodox Christians understand this to mean that they are not reducing the the patristic tradition to an archeological artifact but accepting the living presence of the Fathers in the body of Christ to which they also belong, and being led by their life teaching, their manner and mind. Ideal for study groups, readers will find the chapters intelligible and inspiring, even as they challenge one to a deeper appropriation of the Orthodox Faith. ... Read more

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A Masterpiece!
A wonderful book with much insight in applying faith to everyday life.Great examples from Scripture and saintly authors.Highly recommended to all Christians who are seeking deep teachings for their walk with the Lord. Good companion to "The Orthodox Church" and the "TheOrthodox Way" by Bishop KALLISTOS (Timothy Ware). ... Read more

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This collection of papers has its origin in the encyclical letter Ut unum sint (no. 95) and the request of Pope John Paul II to study the question of the Petrine ministry with other Christians with a view to "seeking--together, of course--the forms in which this ministry may accomplish a service of love recognized by all concerned." After the promulgation of the encyclical in 1995, the theme of the Petrine ministry in its implications for dialogue with the other churches and ecclesial communities resonated throughout the ecumenical community and in studies, conferences and courses at institutes and research centers, focusing on the theological and historical aspects of the issue. The symposium presented here, organized by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is aimed at furthering study of the role of the Bishop of Rome in the perspective of the search for Christian unity. Catholic experts and delegates representing a range of Orthodox churches took part in the closed-door symposium, at which eight speakers presented papers, dealing with each theme from the Catholic and Orthodox points of view. ... Read more

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rubbish
Why would anyone buy a book about religion writtenby a racist German who states that Britain is a third world country because of it's ethic mix. Not a true Christian...

Petrine Ministry: Catholics And Orthodox In Dialogue
I gained a great deal of insight into the workings of both the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Churches in the area of unification. The setting was a conference held at the Vatican attended by scholars from both the east and the west.Although not empowered to formulate church policy, the group was committed to offering scholarly assistance to those who are in the position to make decisions.Both sides of different issues dealing with the acncient role of St. Peter were presented in a fair and objective fashion.I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Christian unification. ... Read more

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Walking in Wonder blends patristic Orthodox teaching with practical suggestions for parents, so that the result is a book that is not only inspirational but full of common sense. Elizabeth White draws from her extensive experience as an educator, parent and faithful Orthodox Christian, to outline for mothers and fathers not only what the virtues are, but the "how to's" of encouraging those virtues in children.

Each chapter ends with a list of practical ideas any parent might try to help cultivate character qualities such as attentiveness, and silence. This small jewel could very well be called "the Holy Fathers applied to parenting."

This workbook will help parents, teachers and all caregivers provide an environment that helps develop Orthodox attitudes toward self, others, the world and Christ. Written for parents with children under the age of eight in mind. ... Read more

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The first comprehensive introduction to the Orthodox Church in the United States from 1794 to the present, this text offers a succinct overview of the Church's distinctive history and its particular perspectives on the Christian faith. FitzGerald examines the relationship between the Orthodox Church and other Christian churches in the U.S., as well as the contributions the Orthodox Church has made to the ecumenical movement. This student edition, ideal for classes in American Religion, Denominational History, and American social and cultural history, includes a bibliographic essay intended as a guide for further investigation into aspects of Orthodox Christianity. ... Read more

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The Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity and the home to a number of Eastern Churches with millions of followers. This book provides a comprehensive survey of the various denominations in the modern Middle East and will be of interest to a wide variety of scholars and students studying theology, history and politics. ... Read more

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This study historicizes the formation of the Syrian Orthodox Church. Menze shows that the sixth century separation of the Syrian Orthodox Christians from Western Christianity took place because of divergent political and ecclesiastical interests of bishops and emperors. Roman emperors proved to be unable to hold the papacy in the West, the later Greek Orthodox and the Syrian Christians in the East together in one belief. The result was (religious) violence, discrimination and persecution of the Syrian Christians which forced them to establish an independent church. ... Read more

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These essays from the "Second Consultation on Orthodox and Wesleyan Spirituality" address scriptural authority and interpretation in the Orthodox and Wesleyan traditions. Rooted within their respective faith communities, the authors avoid false convergences but acknowledge viable commonalities, thus setting an innovative tone for ecumenical study and dialogue. The four main sections-Orthodox Scriptural Understanding and Practice,Mutual Learning between Orthodox and Methodists,Wesleyan Scriptural Understanding and Practice, and Liturgy and Scriptural Interpretation-represent selected presentations from the "Second Consultation on Orthodox and Wesleyan Spirituality" held at Trinity College, June 16-20, 2000, in Bristol, UK, and from the "Third Consultation" convened at the Orthodox Spiritual Academy in Crete, Greece, August 1-7, 2002, under the sponsorship of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church and the faculty of St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. The Contributors: Outstanding scholars from the Orthodox tradition, such as John McGuckin, Thomas Hopko, Elizabeth Theokritoff, Petros Vassiliadis, Theodore Stylianopoulos, Dimitar Kirov, Tamara Grdzelidze, and Nicholas Lossky engage their peers from the Wesleyan tradition, Geoffrey Wainwright, Grant Sperry White, Frances Young, Karen Westerfield Tucker, James Charlesworth, Ted Campbell, Kenneth Carveley, George Mulrain, Maxine Walker, and Timothy L. Bryan. The result is ecumenical dialogue at its finest. ... Read more

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Highly recommended to ecumenical students of Orthodox and Wesleyan theology, rituals, sacraments, and history
Orthodox And Wesleyan Scriptural Understanding And Practice, expertly edited by S. T. Kimbrough (Associate General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church) is an essential introductory collection of essays addressed to issues of scriptural authority and interpretation of the Orthodox and Wesleyan traditions. As an intricate and deep study of the four main sections: Orthodox Scriptural Understanding and Practice; Mutual Learning between Orthodox and Methodists; Wesleyan Scriptural Understanding and Practice; and Liturgy and Scriptural Interpretation, Orthodox And Wesleyan Scriptural Understanding And Practice is an scholarly and accessibly organized resource which is highly recommended to ecumenical students of Orthodox and Wesleyan theology, rituals, sacraments, and history.
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