Orthodoxy: The Cosmos Transfigured

by Paul Evdokimov, Anthony P. Gythiel (Translator)

Published in French in 1959 and later translated in Polish, Italian, Spanish and Greek, this monumental study is now finally available in English. Paul Evdokimov (1902-1970) is one of the preeminent Orthodox theologians of the last century. He has been aptly called "a theological bridge between the East and the West." As a Russian, he belonged to the Eastern Orthodox Church Church but spent most of his life in France, where he emigrated after the Revolution. He dedicated himself to instructing the West about the Orthodox tradition through conferences, counseling, books, articles and the example of his own life-- a life of service not only to the Church, but also to neighbor. As a layman, Evdokimov believed strongly in the priesthood of all believers. As a scholar, he produced over one hundred articles, mainly for learned religious journals, and wrote twelve books. His entire theological vision centered on the living God, the risen Christ and the Spirit that is poured out on all flesh. "Evdokimov's theology commands our unreserved admiration for its vast range of interests. It branches out into literature, psychology, philosophy and art. Another outstanding characteristic is the balance of its emphasis on various aspects of the Christian mystery: Christ, the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Evdokimov's eschatological vision also allows him to relate the various disciplines of theology together, so that dogmatics, morals, lituurgy and spirituality all appear as organically and intrinsically connected. The result is a living knowledge, a synthesis of knowledge and communion, mind and heart." (Peter Phan, Distinguished Professor, Georgetown University).

Paperback

First published October 1, 1968

About the author

Paul Nikolaevich Evdokimov (rus. Павел Николаевич Евдокимов) was a Russian and French theologian, writer, and professor of theology at St. Sergius Institute in Paris. He was an invited observer to the Second Vatican Council.

He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia on August 2, 1901, the son of an army officer who was assassinated by one of his soldiers in 1905. He was educated in a military school and served in the cavalry. He began theological studies just prior to the Bolshevik Revolution. Following the revolution, he and his family escaped from Crimea through Constantinople and settled in Paris circa 1923. Evdokimov continued his theological studies at St. Sergius Institute, studying with Fr. Sergius Bulgakov and Nikolai Berdyaev. He was among the founding members of the Russian Christian Student Movement.

He married Natasha Brunel in 1927, who died of cancer during the latter part of World War II. In 1942, he completed his doctorate in philosophy at Aix-en-Provence.

During the War, Evdokimov worked with the French Resistance. In 1954, he married Tomoko Sakai, a daughter of a Japanese Diplomat.

He reposed in Meudon, France, on September 16, 1970.

Reviews

[Kristofer Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply superb, and an antidote for anyone who thinks they understand Orthodoxy. I've studied for years, but on nearly every page I learn something I didn't know before; mostly that I don't know anything at all. This book is, for me, both a humbling and a learning experience. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth the effort.

[w gall · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth picture of the Orthodox Christian faith. Sometimes it was a bit too deep for me. There is also a lot of comparative theology in regard to other expressions of Christianity. Written in the 1950s.