The Orthodox Eastern Church

by Adrian Fortescue

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494 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

About the author

Adrian Henry Timothy Knottesford Fortescue was an English Catholic priest and polymath. An influential liturgist, artist, calligrapher, composer, polyglot, amateur photographer, Byzantine scholar, and adventurer, he was also the founder of the Church of St Hugh of Lincoln in Letchworth.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convinced without reservation of the tragic scandalous obstinacy of the Eastern Orthodox.

[Dino Bojadzievski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that could never have been put together by either knowledge or by experience. Rather, it could only have been made possible by the marriage of both.

The book amounts to two separate sections. The first is a detailed account of the history of the Christian East, in all its treacherous glory. The second, a very short exposition of almost all matters of Orthodox beliefs, organization, and even local customs. In both, St. Fortescue shows that he knows us better than we know ourselves. He has the matter firmly in his grasp, and often manages to plainly state what we ourselves often overlook, or at least shuffle around uncomfortably.

The one thing that can be held against him is that, despite his reconciliatory tone and plain acceptance of the differences in belief and rite, he cannot help but show prejudice in curious ways. It's understandable that one favor their own Patriarch and their own rite. It's even understandable that one points out the character flaws of others, of which the Greek has a great abundance. But it is not understandable why one would insert various footnotes that serve no other purpose than to take snipes at these nationalistic excesses. Even if true, I couldn't help but find them a little embarrassing.

One small thing that surprised me, and was quite near to my heart, was this. Amidst the discussion on the then-contemporary troubles of Orthodoxy under the Ottoman boot, St. Fortescue finds time to discuss the Macedonian question. He does this briefly, in just a few sentences. Yet even in this smallest of questions, he shows a clear understanding of the problem, and the sheer irresolubility of it. In this, too, he knows us better than we do ourselves.

No matter which side of the ecclesiastical Berlin Wall you stand on, read this book. The Gem of the Catholic Church shines as bright as ever, and on his knowledge, we'd all do well to reflect.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very slanted Roman Catholic view of the eastern church.

[Eddy Toribio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent (but it needs to be updated!