Dimitri's Cross: The Life and Letters of St. Dimitri Klepinin, Martyred during the Holocaust

by Helen Klepinin Arjakovsky

In February of 1943, Father Dimitri Klepinin, an Orthodox priest serving the Russian emigre community in occupied Paris, was arrested by the Nazis for issuing false baptismal certifi cates to Jews. One year later, he died in the concentration camp at Dora a camp known as "the Man-Eater." Father Dimitri, an associate of Mother Maria Skobtsova, was glorified by the Orthodox Church on January 16, 2004. In this volume, his daughter lovingly tells the story of her father s life, from his childhood in prerevolutionary Russia to his martyrdom. It is a story of a man whose entire life was founded on love for his God, his faith, his family, his people, and all those who came to him for help. The final section of the book consists of Fr. Dimitri s letters to his wife from his initial confinement at Compiègne. In these letters we glimpse the humble, dauntless spirit of a man whose reliance on Christ was absolute and whose devotion to serving his fellow man did not waver, even to the grave.

Genres: History

200 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compulsively readable story of St. Dimitri, written by his daughter. A significant portion was written in a second person voice, which was interesting. Having said that, his kindness, faith, and love shone through. It was also a fascinating history of the French diaspora of the church in the years following the Russian Revolution. The last section is a collection of his letters to his wife - they are wonderful reading and there were moments where I thought that the captivity didn't sound so horrific, which I realize is a testament to his acceptance and perseverance, not of the laxity of the internment camps. Edifying morning read.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells of the life of St. Dimitri Klebinin who was martyred by the Nazis in a concentration camp at 39. Serving as an Orthodox priest for the Russian community in Paris, and all others who came to him, he was arrested for providing false baptismal certificate to Jews during the German Occupation, being full aware of the risk and possible consequences. St. Dimitri and his parish helped all who came to them, and he would go out of his way to reach those who needed his help. He also worked with Mother Maria (Skobtsov), who was also arrested, along with her son Yuri Skobtsov and Ilya Fundaminsky. All four were glorified by the Orthodox Church in 2004 as martyrs.

This book, as powerful as it is, is even more saw because St. Dimitri's daughter is the author. She draws in accounts from many sources, and ends the book with a series of letters to her mother after his arrest and before his transport to the Dora concentration camp; she is even able to find several witnesses from the camp. For some this book may be an introduction to the Orthodox Church, and it also presents modern examples of those who are willing to give everything for Christ and for their neighbor. The narrator of the Audible version brings the text to life beautifully, just as she did in her narration of the life of another Orthodox saint of the 20th century

[Marc Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very compelling story that is hard to put down. What I didn't like, however, was how the writer changed the voice style of the narrative a couple of times. I thought this made things a bit confusing at certain points. I think it would have been better if she would have just done a straight forward narrative style throughout, without changing back and forth. That being said, the sheer weight of this fascinating story, makes up for the seemingly schizophrenic writing style, resulting in an interesting, and informative read. If you are interested in the history of the Russian diaspora of post revolutionary Russia, or the tragic events that developed during World War II in Europe, this book is definitely worth your time.

[Zoe Kaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book when it was on sale without knowing anything about it. It was a fantastic read and touched me deeply. Fr. Dimitri's letters to his wife are particularly poignant and beautiful. It is a book I will return to again. St. Dimitri pray to God for us!

[Deborah Gonser-adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Life and Letters of St. Dimitri Klepinin, Martyred during the Holocaust. Written by Fr. Dimitri's daughter Helene Arjakovsky-Klepinine.

[Alex of Yoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a touching memoir to read. I'd heard a little about St. Dimitri, but didn't know the full story, so it was nice to finally read it! It really is so encouraging reading the lives of the saints. There is just so much to learn from their example.

This is the story of the life and martyrdom of St. Dimitri Klepinin as told by his daughter and the transcripts of letters from his imprisonment. St. Dimitri was a Russian immigrant who lived a life in exile during WWII. He ended up in France where his work giving out fake baptismal certificates to Jews in order to save them from being sent to concentration camps got him sent to one instead (where he eventually died). This book includes memories from friends and family who knew him as well as a commentary on what life was like for the larger Russian Orthodox community who found themselves outside of their home country in the midst of the Bolshevik Revolution.

I really enjoyed this intimate picture into the life of a humble and gentle priest and his family living in extraordinarily trying times. There really is just so much Americans don't realize about life in Europe during WWII. The more I read, the more amazed I am at the pain and evil that we inflict upon others. And yet, the compassion and bravery in St. Dimitri is a message to all of us of endurance, love, and patience in the midst of challenges and difficulties. I especially loved reading the letters he wrote to his wife while imprisoned. His care for her and his devotion to Christ and the Church even during those times is just so inspiring. His life truly is an encouragement to all of us.

The book is a little clunky. There are a lot of details that are extraneous and it can be a little confusing for a reader who isn't familiar with the historical events of that era. It's written with lots of nostalgia, but that also makes it endearing. You feel as though you are truly seeing into the life of this family which makes them feel more real and relatable. It really does help us see that anyone can become a saint when they are full of humility and the love of God.

I would absolutely recommend this to any Orthodox Christian. It's a beautiful story of a beautiful life in the midst of despicable times. May St. Dimitri intercede for all of us!

[Ben Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading this book, I can't say I'd ever heard of St. Dimitri. However, his life story and courageous witness have left their mark on me.

Written by the saint's daughter, Dmitri's Cross offers a unique insider's perspective on the life of a martyred priest. Unlike accounts written by an outside party, Helen Arjakovsky-Klepinine's narrative combines both personal anecdotes and historical documentation to share her father's life with the world. Of particular note are the touching letters between the imprisoned Fr. Dimitri and his wife, full of spiritual encouragement and touching notes to his children.

Frequent footnotes explaining various Orthodox liturgical terms make this work accessible to a broad, not necessarily Orthodox, audience. Profound and inspiring, yet accessible, this biography will definitely be on my list of "books to recommend" to those interested in the lives of the saints.