Glorified in America: Laborers in the New World from Saint Alexis to Elder Ephraim

by St. John the Forerunner Monastery, The Monastery of St John the Forerunner of Mesa Potamos, Katherine Psaropoulou-Brits (translator)

The Orthodox Church is alive and growing on the North American continent thanks in no small part to the prayers and labors of holy men who have served here, some who have been formally glorified as saints and others who may yet be.This book is much more than a simple historical account or retelling of their lives and particular service in It is a spiritual manual, which strives to inspire and encourage it’ s readers in their own struggle for the attainment of the holiness that adorns the lives of those recounted here and to emulate their deeds. Chronologically the lives described herein span the years from 1854 to 2019 and focus on the time each man spent laboring in North primarily the United States, but also Canada and Mexico. None of them spent all their life on this continent but they left a legacy on these shores that endures to this day and will surely continue. The extensive collection of both black and white photographs and pen and ink drawings that intersperse the text, together with a final section of rich color photography at the end of the work, contribute greatly to bringing the reality of their life and times to us.

Genres: Religion

336 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[Giovanni Del Piero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this one.

The book does an incredible job of not just telling the stories of the saints, but really bringing them to life with the vivid descriptions of their achievements and their hardships. This is something I have appreciated about Orthodox books describing the lives of saints; they make them appear both approachable in their humanity as they struggled in the spiritual life while also showing what a soul dedicated to God's will can be capable of. It has also has lots of color photos of the saints featured in the book.

I also found it interesting how connected the American saints and holy figures (Fr. Theoklitos and Elder Ephraim are not officially canonized but are locally venerated) were. Many of them knew one another and the book does a good job of showing where their various paths intersected. I also appreciated my own patron saint, St. Alexis Toth, getting a prominent place throughout the book. It made me appreciate his story even more and helped me learn new information at the same time.

I hope a sequel is made detailing other figures. I would like one to touch upon other American saints like Herman and Innocent of Alaska or other important figures like Averky of Jordanville or Philaret of New York. God-willing, their stories will be told.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. This book helped me understand why Arab Christians love St. George and Greek Christians love St. Demetrios. I fell in love with more of our precious American Saints. It will transform how you think about faith in God. Also be prepared to cry. Every chapter. But in a good way.

[Tom Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing in how it details the lives and stories of the Orthodox saints here in the United States of America.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical hagiographies of Saints of the “New World” (ie. United States,) wonderful to read and learn. As I was born in one of the towns who have the relics of a Saint in this book, I have a special connection to him and am humbled. Read as a “toothbrush book.”