The Orthodox Church

(Hardback)

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The first comprehensive introduction to the Orthodox Church in the United States from 1794 to the present, this book includes a succinct picture of the distinctive history of Orthodoxy and its particular perspectives on the Christian faith. Attention is given to the contacts between the Orthodox Church and other Christian churches, as well as its contributions to the ecumenical movement. Over 80 biographies of major Orthodox leaders in America also are included along with an annotated bibliography of the writings of the major Orthodox theologians. The book begins with a review of the historical characteristics and distinctive faith affirmations of Orthodoxy, which has a history that is quite different from Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Subsequent chapters examine the historical development of the Orthodox Church in this country, with special attention being paid to the early mission in Alaska, the effects of immigration, the organizational developments of parishes and dioceses, the effects of old world politics, the movement toward greater unity, and the distinctive features of American Orthodoxy today. The material is fresh and inclusive, covering all major branches and treating them with an irenic spirit. The biographies are thoughtful and informative, and there is a tremendous amount of bibliographic and reference material. Scholars, practitioners in every faith, and laypersons will find this volume indispensable.

Reviews

.,."very well done...this work fills a definite niche by providing in one compact volume a primary focus on the totality of the Orthodox Church in the United States, not just on one part of it. In addition, the book can be used as a ready source of biographical information on many important Orthodox leaders that may be difficult to find in other sources. This book should prove especially useful for libraries in colleges and universities with programs in ethnic or American studies and for theological seminary libraries. Public libraries in areas that serve Orthodox communities should also purchase this book."-RQ
...very well done...this work fills a definite niche by providing in one compact volume a primary focus on the totality of the Orthodox Church in the United States, not just on one part of it. In addition, the book can be used as a ready source of biographical information on many important Orthodox leaders that may be difficult to find in other sources. This book should prove especially useful for libraries in colleges and universities with programs in ethnic or American studies and for theological seminary libraries. Public libraries in areas that serve Orthodox communities should also purchase this book.-RQ
Fitzgerald maintains the high standards of previous contributors to this series. Faced with a vast amount of material, in part resulting from the many and varied historical traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy in North America, Fitzgerald is able to impart clearly and eloquently the central messages of such communities. The first part of the book is devoted to a fascinating account of the foundation and growth of the Orthodox communities in North America, while the second consists of a helpful biographical dictionary of past and present Orthodox leaders. A fine study, to be consulted by general readers, undergraduate and graduate students, and specialists.-Choice
..."very well done...this work fills a definite niche by providing in one compact volume a primary focus on the totality of the Orthodox Church in the United States, not just on one part of it. In addition, the book can be used as a ready source of biographical information on many important Orthodox leaders that may be difficult to find in other sources. This book should prove especially useful for libraries in colleges and universities with programs in ethnic or American studies and for theological seminary libraries. Public libraries in areas that serve Orthodox communities should also purchase this book."-RQ
"Fitzgerald maintains the high standards of previous contributors to this series. Faced with a vast amount of material, in part resulting from the many and varied historical traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy in North America, Fitzgerald is able to impart clearly and eloquently the central messages of such communities. The first part of the book is devoted to a fascinating account of the foundation and growth of the Orthodox communities in North America, while the second consists of a helpful biographical dictionary of past and present Orthodox leaders. A fine study, to be consulted by general readers, undergraduate and graduate students, and specialists."-Choice

Author Bio

THOMAS E. FITZGERALD is Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts. He has served as Executive Director of the Program on Unity and Renewal at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland.