Understanding the Greek Orthodox Church, 4th Edition

by Demetrios J. Constantelos

"The book . . . is a superb presentation of the faith, history, and practice of the Greek Orthodox Church that is comprehensive and readable. It is a book that should be in the religious section of every library." Choice "Addressed to the nonspecialist, as for example undergraduate college students, the book would be ideal reading for a Roman Catholic preparing for marriage with a Greek Orthodox. One would hope too that this title would be assigned as required reading in Catholic seminaries . . . Constantelos holds our attention as an experienced pedagogue." Emmanuel "The most readable and instructive monograph on the Greek Orthodox Church and faith to appear in many years . . . an honest appraisal by one who knows whereof he speaks. Recommended for anyone wanting sound information on Greek Orthodoxy and the Greek Church." Religious Studies Review "Most thought-provoking is his analysis of the formative infl uence of Greek thought on early Christianity . . . readers interested in the meaning and influence of this . . . church will find the book fascinating." Library Journal

Genres: Religion, Christianity

364 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Brian Griffith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contantelos makes a clear presentation of Greek Orthodox tradition, giving some basic insight into the values, rites and spiritual practices of the oldest living church. Concerning marriage for the clergy for example, he explains why most of the common priests remain married. Even the bishops were often married until the council of Trullo in 691, when the Greek Church decreed that a bishop's role required undivided commitment, without the distraction of family life. For the rest of the clergy, marriage remained the standard. As Constantelos explains, "The fact that the [Greek Orthodox] Church has not made an official pronouncement placing celibacy above marriage indicates that the conscience of the Church has accepted marriage as a more courageous state of being." (p. 73.). I learned some respect for the depth of thought behind Greek Orthodox traditions.

[Samuel Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Provides really interesting information about the Greek Orthodox Church, which I was curious to learn about, but does it in a manner where the sole focus is how great the Greek Orthodox Church is and leaves me wanting more actual description of their beliefs and practices. Not anywhere near as informative as I was hoping for a book that claims to be about the “Faith, History, and Practice” of the church.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, very insightful. Even for one who is not Eastern Orthodox.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Religion is one. Just as a tree has a single trunk, but many branches and leaves, so there is one source and one religion which becomes many as it passes through the human medium.”