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Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy
The Classic Story of a Family's Pilgrimage
into the Orthodox Church Veiled in the smoke of incense, the Eastern Orthodox Church has long been an enigma to the Western world. Yet, as Frederica Mathewes-Green discovered, it is a vital, living faith, rich in ritual beauty and steadfast in integrity. Utilizing the framework of the Orthodox calendar, Mathewes-Green chronicles a year in the life of her small Orthodox mission church, eloquently illustrating the joys and blessings an ancient faith can bring to the worshipers of today.
into the Orthodox Church Veiled in the smoke of incense, the Eastern Orthodox Church has long been an enigma to the Western world. Yet, as Frederica Mathewes-Green discovered, it is a vital, living faith, rich in ritual beauty and steadfast in integrity. Utilizing the framework of the Orthodox calendar, Mathewes-Green chronicles a year in the life of her small Orthodox mission church, eloquently illustrating the joys and blessings an ancient faith can bring to the worshipers of today.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 1, 2008
Read this about a year before I converted to Orthodox Christianity. Frederica is basically a former hippie who, with her husband, converted to Episcopalianism; her husband became an Episcopal priest, and they eventually converted to Orthodoxy after they became disenchanted with the direction of the Episcopal Church.
The Mathewes-Greens were part of an interesting phenomenon which began in the mid- to late 1980s, where Protestant ministers, their families, and sometimes their entire congregations converted to Orthodoxy, usually going to the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese - until then, a relatively small jurisdiction consisting mainly of Syrian Orthodox Christians and converts. The presence of so many former Protestant evangelicals has injected interesting new life into American Orthodoxy, which has traditionally been characterized by ethnic jurisdictions in an uneasy peace with one another, but which is now blossoming into a truly pan-Orthodox movement, with new arrivals from Orthodox countries, converts, and "cradle Orthodox" all co-existing in parishes across the country.
This book is basically the story of a small Antiochian Orthodox mission parish of converts finding its way - but it's also the story of Frederica, a Protestant convert, finding her way to and through Orthodoxy. I found the book quite useful in figuring out what to expect as I journeyed from being a very lapsed Roman Catholic to a newly-chrismated Orthodox Christian, and, indeed, we experienced many of the same things, like figuring out fasting rules, the true joy of Pascha, and becoming part of a parish community.
Some find Frederica's writing style to be overly folksy or chummy; others find it girl-talky. I didn't think it was that bad; if anything, it showed me that Orthodox Christians aren't mysterious folks who stand for 2-hour church services swathed in incense - they're just people like me.
The Mathewes-Greens were part of an interesting phenomenon which began in the mid- to late 1980s, where Protestant ministers, their families, and sometimes their entire congregations converted to Orthodoxy, usually going to the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese - until then, a relatively small jurisdiction consisting mainly of Syrian Orthodox Christians and converts. The presence of so many former Protestant evangelicals has injected interesting new life into American Orthodoxy, which has traditionally been characterized by ethnic jurisdictions in an uneasy peace with one another, but which is now blossoming into a truly pan-Orthodox movement, with new arrivals from Orthodox countries, converts, and "cradle Orthodox" all co-existing in parishes across the country.
This book is basically the story of a small Antiochian Orthodox mission parish of converts finding its way - but it's also the story of Frederica, a Protestant convert, finding her way to and through Orthodoxy. I found the book quite useful in figuring out what to expect as I journeyed from being a very lapsed Roman Catholic to a newly-chrismated Orthodox Christian, and, indeed, we experienced many of the same things, like figuring out fasting rules, the true joy of Pascha, and becoming part of a parish community.
Some find Frederica's writing style to be overly folksy or chummy; others find it girl-talky. I didn't think it was that bad; if anything, it showed me that Orthodox Christians aren't mysterious folks who stand for 2-hour church services swathed in incense - they're just people like me.
August 7, 2007
This book contains one of my favorite quotes of all times. I can't recall the exact setup of the quote, so forgive me, but I sure can relate to the sentiment.
"But, oh, how sweet is anger. When I'm angry, I'm not in the wrong. Somebody else is in the wrong, and for once I have peace. A delicious peace that gnaws over the wrong like a lion with a ragged bone. It is delicious and compelling enough that it urges me to accumulate other wrongs and hold them greedily close. I love to be wronged; only then, for that brief moment, can I be sure I'm right. It is intoxicating in its sweetness, this brief joy in being right. It is good to be a victim, because victims are sinless."
This is one of those books that I wanted to love and had a hard time keeping my eyes open at parts. It seems like 9 times out of 10 when I don't enjoy a book as much as I expected to I tend to focus on what I did wrong in the reading process - too fast, distracted, needed to loan to someone, on a deadline, read when i was tired, etc. That being said, I think that this book does do a good job of highlighting the author's experience as she and her husband became part of the Orthodox community. I especially liked when she talked about things she struggled with and against.
"But, oh, how sweet is anger. When I'm angry, I'm not in the wrong. Somebody else is in the wrong, and for once I have peace. A delicious peace that gnaws over the wrong like a lion with a ragged bone. It is delicious and compelling enough that it urges me to accumulate other wrongs and hold them greedily close. I love to be wronged; only then, for that brief moment, can I be sure I'm right. It is intoxicating in its sweetness, this brief joy in being right. It is good to be a victim, because victims are sinless."
This is one of those books that I wanted to love and had a hard time keeping my eyes open at parts. It seems like 9 times out of 10 when I don't enjoy a book as much as I expected to I tend to focus on what I did wrong in the reading process - too fast, distracted, needed to loan to someone, on a deadline, read when i was tired, etc. That being said, I think that this book does do a good job of highlighting the author's experience as she and her husband became part of the Orthodox community. I especially liked when she talked about things she struggled with and against.
August 13, 2012
I read this book seeking explanations about Orthodox beliefs, music, fasting rules, iconography, and views on other Christian traditions. However, this book is a continuous flow of Frederica's disjointed thoughts and feelings rather than a commentary on what real Orthodox do and why they do it. I wanted more substance, but Frederica only offers shallow personal vignettes that were surprisingly flippant. Overall, this is a disappointing book written by someone who regards herself much too highly.
October 1, 2011
Yes, this is an NPR commentator’s memoir of the “personal journey” sort, but there’s nothing typical in Frederica’s approach–-no awkward exhibitionism, no sense that life is being filtered and processed, turned into a cultural commodity. In fact, the book reads like a wagon-train tale of a couple packing up their children and their future and driving off into an untamed frontier. And that frontier just happens to be–-to American eyes, at least–-the most mysterious and most radically traditional form of Christianity. This is a rare sort of book; it's so charming and inviting that you end up wishing you had a neighbor like Frederica.
March 24, 2025
i've read this several times, and the fact that the author de-mystified much of Orthodoxy for me helped in my conversion. perhaps this is why many people i've encountered aren't that fond of the book (its folksy manner), but it allowed me to see that Orthodoxy wasn't just something for Greeks and Russians, etc, but for anyone searching for the Original Church. even us Southerners.
August 9, 2007
In 1992 the husband of Frederica Mathewes-Green decided to leave the Episcopal Church for the fullness of Orthodoxy, a move which she approached with nervousness but ultimately embraced. Mrs Mathewes-Green has since become one of the foremost writers on Orthodoxy in America. FACING EAST introduces Orthodoxy by following the activities of her small parish Holy Cross Orthodox Mission in Maryland.
I enjoy the small pieces that often appear from Mrs Mathewes-Green, but I find that her style becomes rather exhausting at greater length. In writing a work of this size she often can't resist the temptation to go off on tangents. While some are quite fascinating, such as her thoughts on the artist Rev. Howard Finster, most are dramatic expositions of the lives of her parishioners and children. The book certainly doesn't stand up to academic presentations of Orthodoxy, such as Kallistos Ware's classic THE ORTHODOX CHURCH or even Fr Peter Guilquist's BECOMING ORTHODOX, as rigorous theological arguments are missing. People wishing to know more about Orthodoxy as a system of belief are advised to look elsewhere.
Rather than being a presentation of theology, this work is useful for learning more about the cultural expressions of the Orthodox faith. The various rituals and fasts of the liturgical year are show in greater detail than in most works. As a parishioner in the OCA I found the descriptions of customs of other juridictions to be interesting. And as a member of a relatively established parish with its own church building and parish house, the book helped me understand the challenges which missionary parishes face.
If you are curious about the Orthodox Church and have not read any materials about it previously, I would recommend Ware's THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. The work of Mrs Mathewes-Green, though I wouldn't describe it as essential reading, may make a nice light piece to read as you discover ever more about the Church.
I enjoy the small pieces that often appear from Mrs Mathewes-Green, but I find that her style becomes rather exhausting at greater length. In writing a work of this size she often can't resist the temptation to go off on tangents. While some are quite fascinating, such as her thoughts on the artist Rev. Howard Finster, most are dramatic expositions of the lives of her parishioners and children. The book certainly doesn't stand up to academic presentations of Orthodoxy, such as Kallistos Ware's classic THE ORTHODOX CHURCH or even Fr Peter Guilquist's BECOMING ORTHODOX, as rigorous theological arguments are missing. People wishing to know more about Orthodoxy as a system of belief are advised to look elsewhere.
Rather than being a presentation of theology, this work is useful for learning more about the cultural expressions of the Orthodox faith. The various rituals and fasts of the liturgical year are show in greater detail than in most works. As a parishioner in the OCA I found the descriptions of customs of other juridictions to be interesting. And as a member of a relatively established parish with its own church building and parish house, the book helped me understand the challenges which missionary parishes face.
If you are curious about the Orthodox Church and have not read any materials about it previously, I would recommend Ware's THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. The work of Mrs Mathewes-Green, though I wouldn't describe it as essential reading, may make a nice light piece to read as you discover ever more about the Church.
November 12, 2011
I think I have read too many of Frederica's books in too short a time, because it is getting blurry what she wrote where. I read somewhere a comparison of Frederica Mathewes-Green with Kathleen Norris, who started writing about her Christian faith and her times of retreat in a monastery in Minnesota. I think that the comparison falls flat, Norris is a better writer, and is not so formulaic.
This book is based on the same formula as her other book, "At the Corner of East and Now". She writes in this book specifically of the beginning of hers and her husbands life as converts to the Orthodox Christian Church. Alternating chapters that explain the liturgy or feast days are chapters on the life of those in their home (children and guests) and in their church. Frederica's husband becomes an Orthodox priest and shepherds a newly planted Orthodox church.
I like what she writes about the newness of their discoveries in the ancient liturgy of the Orthodox Church. But it is kind of the same thing as she has written in "At the Corner of East and Now". Perhaps I should read a few of her other books.
What struck me most in this book is that she is writing about converts from western Christian denominations to Eastern Orthodoxy. There are only 2 "cradle Orthodox" (I think) in their church. Knowing a few former Orthodox Christians myself, she paints a much different experience and attitude than that reflected by my friends, some of whom converted from Orthodoxy to Protestant denominations so they could learn to read the Bible and love Jesus. They fled the unfocused and mystical "you never know what you are doing" attitude, and also the rather oppressive regime of fasting. Frederica mentions that of course this Orthodox fasting is "as you can do it", but since it is highly stressed, my former Orthodox friend likened it to "concentration camp". Frederica likens the eastern Orthodox fasting practices to "boot camp". I guess it depends on your perspective.
I was also struck with trying to understand the scriptural basis for separating the Orthodox congregation with the "work of the priests" that they carry out behind the iconostatis. It seems that when Jesus died and the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, it signified that there was no longer priest standing between God and man now, but that man had direct access now to God. It seems to me that the Orthodox tradition re-establishes that "veil", but I don't really know why.
It would be worthwhile to find a book by a contemporary cradle Orthodox, and read it and compare.
This book is based on the same formula as her other book, "At the Corner of East and Now". She writes in this book specifically of the beginning of hers and her husbands life as converts to the Orthodox Christian Church. Alternating chapters that explain the liturgy or feast days are chapters on the life of those in their home (children and guests) and in their church. Frederica's husband becomes an Orthodox priest and shepherds a newly planted Orthodox church.
I like what she writes about the newness of their discoveries in the ancient liturgy of the Orthodox Church. But it is kind of the same thing as she has written in "At the Corner of East and Now". Perhaps I should read a few of her other books.
What struck me most in this book is that she is writing about converts from western Christian denominations to Eastern Orthodoxy. There are only 2 "cradle Orthodox" (I think) in their church. Knowing a few former Orthodox Christians myself, she paints a much different experience and attitude than that reflected by my friends, some of whom converted from Orthodoxy to Protestant denominations so they could learn to read the Bible and love Jesus. They fled the unfocused and mystical "you never know what you are doing" attitude, and also the rather oppressive regime of fasting. Frederica mentions that of course this Orthodox fasting is "as you can do it", but since it is highly stressed, my former Orthodox friend likened it to "concentration camp". Frederica likens the eastern Orthodox fasting practices to "boot camp". I guess it depends on your perspective.
I was also struck with trying to understand the scriptural basis for separating the Orthodox congregation with the "work of the priests" that they carry out behind the iconostatis. It seems that when Jesus died and the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, it signified that there was no longer priest standing between God and man now, but that man had direct access now to God. It seems to me that the Orthodox tradition re-establishes that "veil", but I don't really know why.
It would be worthwhile to find a book by a contemporary cradle Orthodox, and read it and compare.
January 18, 2016
Facing East recounts a year in the life of a small Orthodox mission, one created by six families that include a newly-minted priest, Mathews-Green's husband. The M-Gs, as the author refers to her family later on, are both converts to the faith, and throughout this piece she reflects on the way her experience has changed in the last three years, as she and her husband begin to soak in the liturgy and live the Orthodox life more deeply. While this is not a formal introduction to Orthodoxy, or even a conversion testimonial, Mrs. M-G often provides exposition about the what and why of service. Like the faith itself, however, this tale is more experiential than epistemological. We encounter the sacraments -- Baptism, for instance -- not through lectures but through the lives of the congregants, communicated in the intimate and awe-filled style of the author. Short though it may be, Facing East provides a hint of how deep a well the Orthodox tradition is. The mission of Holy Cross may be small and relegated to renting a space that has to be evacuated every Sunday afternoon to make room for the weekday tenants, but in their religious life they are as firmly established as any of the grandest metropolitan seats or parishes across the world.
October 2, 2017
I have been undergoing the slow process of updating my library's non-fiction collection over the last year and a half I have been at LPL. The purchase of this book was part of my attempt to bolster the 200s and offer something for each of the faith communities in our town.
I confess I am not Orthodox, but the research librarian in me likes to discover more about topics of which I know very little and this book was just the ticket for that endeavor. It's not a theological treatise or a how-to book on how to convert to the faith, but the vignettes offer a glimpse into what it's like to be a part of this particular faith community and body of believers. I appreciated Frederica's honesty and humor; her writing style was reminiscent of a motherly figure sharing stories over a cup of tea and a plate of cookies.
In short, it was exactly what I needed to get me out of this reading slump I have found myself in.
I confess I am not Orthodox, but the research librarian in me likes to discover more about topics of which I know very little and this book was just the ticket for that endeavor. It's not a theological treatise or a how-to book on how to convert to the faith, but the vignettes offer a glimpse into what it's like to be a part of this particular faith community and body of believers. I appreciated Frederica's honesty and humor; her writing style was reminiscent of a motherly figure sharing stories over a cup of tea and a plate of cookies.
In short, it was exactly what I needed to get me out of this reading slump I have found myself in.
May 17, 2020
I want to be on record reading this book to be able to recommend her other book, “Introducing Orthodoxy,” for seekers be read first. This is a wonderful and fascinating book regarding aspects of Orthodoxy, but a better follow up to the aforementioned work by the author.
Do read both books and then for more depth of understanding pick up any book by Bishop Ware. He is brilliant at distilling complex theological ideas to understandable and relatable notions. One of the first I recommend is, ‘The Jesus Prayer,” a short, but illuminating book that reveals the essence of Orthodoxy.
Do read both books and then for more depth of understanding pick up any book by Bishop Ware. He is brilliant at distilling complex theological ideas to understandable and relatable notions. One of the first I recommend is, ‘The Jesus Prayer,” a short, but illuminating book that reveals the essence of Orthodoxy.
March 17, 2025
As per request: Wow, a ton of people have asked me if I've read this book! Well, now I have! And, I'll be honest, as much as I love this author, this one just didn't do it for me.
Three years into her life as an Orthodox convert, Frederica Mathewes-Green's husband finds himself as the priest of a fledgling Orthodox mission meeting in a room of a local business. She chronicles the Orthodox year as this tiny church experiences it, describing both Orthodox practice and the struggles of starting a new church.
I do love Frederica's writing style. She has a great, conversational tone and a way of describing Orthodoxy that makes it really easy for the average Westerner to understand. I like the concept of the book and the insight to what it's like to start a church (we're helping a start-up near us too!). I think that's something that needs more attention in the American Orthodox world as more baby churches start up. And I really liked going through the Orthodox Church year!
But, I have to confess, of all the books of hers that I've read, I liked this one the least. Don't get me wrong: it's not bad. I just don't think it's as good as Welcome to Orthodoxy or At the Corner of East and Now. It lacks a cohesiveness to it as entries bounce back and forth between personal anecdotes to describing an Orthodox practice, to chronicling random details about the church mission. It doesn't give a lot of initial background (you're kind of just dropped into the story), and there are a lot of characters, but barely enough details to keep most of them straight or figure out how they're relevant to the book as a whole. Personally, I found it boring. Now, part of this might be because this is one of her first books. Her writing has definitely gotten better over the years. But, it wasn't really doing it for me in this one.
I do hear a lot of people recommend this book, especially for new converts or people curious about Orthodoxy. I think her other books are better for that, but, again, a lot of others beg to differ, so what do I know? Maybe if I had read this book first, I'd agree! If you're new to Orthodoxy or Frederica, give it a try, but if you've read her other works (especially the two I mentioned earlier), then I don't think this one has much to add to them.
Three years into her life as an Orthodox convert, Frederica Mathewes-Green's husband finds himself as the priest of a fledgling Orthodox mission meeting in a room of a local business. She chronicles the Orthodox year as this tiny church experiences it, describing both Orthodox practice and the struggles of starting a new church.
I do love Frederica's writing style. She has a great, conversational tone and a way of describing Orthodoxy that makes it really easy for the average Westerner to understand. I like the concept of the book and the insight to what it's like to start a church (we're helping a start-up near us too!). I think that's something that needs more attention in the American Orthodox world as more baby churches start up. And I really liked going through the Orthodox Church year!
But, I have to confess, of all the books of hers that I've read, I liked this one the least. Don't get me wrong: it's not bad. I just don't think it's as good as Welcome to Orthodoxy or At the Corner of East and Now. It lacks a cohesiveness to it as entries bounce back and forth between personal anecdotes to describing an Orthodox practice, to chronicling random details about the church mission. It doesn't give a lot of initial background (you're kind of just dropped into the story), and there are a lot of characters, but barely enough details to keep most of them straight or figure out how they're relevant to the book as a whole. Personally, I found it boring. Now, part of this might be because this is one of her first books. Her writing has definitely gotten better over the years. But, it wasn't really doing it for me in this one.
I do hear a lot of people recommend this book, especially for new converts or people curious about Orthodoxy. I think her other books are better for that, but, again, a lot of others beg to differ, so what do I know? Maybe if I had read this book first, I'd agree! If you're new to Orthodoxy or Frederica, give it a try, but if you've read her other works (especially the two I mentioned earlier), then I don't think this one has much to add to them.
March 8, 2010
This was a great book about Orthodoxy from the perspective of someone coming in from Protestantism. Frederica Mathewes-Green and her husband were "born again" into the charismatic church from agnosticism, and after following a longing for history and liturgy, he became a priest in the Episcopalian church. After struggling with the Episcopalian church's increasing doctrinal slide away from conservatism, they moved into Eastern Orthodoxy.
After this rather striking journey is detailed in Green's prologue, the shift into vignettes from small parish life seemed a bit dry, and I put the book down for a month or so. I picked it back up again with adjusted expectations and appreciated the insight into the liturgy, practice, and life of an Eastern Orthodox American church. For someone interested in Eastern Orthodoxy, this was helpful. For others it might be a bit dry.
After this rather striking journey is detailed in Green's prologue, the shift into vignettes from small parish life seemed a bit dry, and I put the book down for a month or so. I picked it back up again with adjusted expectations and appreciated the insight into the liturgy, practice, and life of an Eastern Orthodox American church. For someone interested in Eastern Orthodoxy, this was helpful. For others it might be a bit dry.
Read
September 4, 2015This book was great. There are many books I am interested in reading about Orthodoxy, but I am glad I read this one first. Being a woman who is coming into the Orthodox world as an adult, wife, and mother myself, being able to follow Frederica threw her journey was familiar as I started my own journey one year ago and also comforting to know it's ok to not get it all at once. Seeing the transformation in herself and her family as I have started to see in my own was great. I think this book would be helpful for someone who is curious about the Orthodox church, however I would encourage any reader that they make it a point, while they are reading this book, to also attend an Orthodox church a few times if possible as it will make the book even more real.
August 29, 2019
A lovely, reflective journey through a year (and a few months) in an Orthodox mission church. More approachable than the Orthodox services I’ve attended.
I've read a few books on Orthodoxy, and this personal account is the most intimate. Mathewes-Green delves into her experiences with long services, traditions that seem foreign to Americans, fasting, the ethos of Orthodox spirituality, converting to Orthodoxy as a Protestant, and more. Her enthusiasm for Orthodoxy often looks down on the Protestant practices she left behind, which some readers may find grating. However, Mathewes-Green writes with such humility about her own spiritual walk that this is a wonderful memoir about her journey into Orthodoxy out of a disenchanted Episcopalianism.
I've read a few books on Orthodoxy, and this personal account is the most intimate. Mathewes-Green delves into her experiences with long services, traditions that seem foreign to Americans, fasting, the ethos of Orthodox spirituality, converting to Orthodoxy as a Protestant, and more. Her enthusiasm for Orthodoxy often looks down on the Protestant practices she left behind, which some readers may find grating. However, Mathewes-Green writes with such humility about her own spiritual walk that this is a wonderful memoir about her journey into Orthodoxy out of a disenchanted Episcopalianism.
October 8, 2014
I found this book lying on the floor in the hallway of my apartment building. It is Mathewes-Green's account of a year in a newly-formed Orthodox Christian church in the US, shortly after her conversion from Protestantism.
Parts of the book are quite engaging and I certainly learned much I didn't know about the Orthodox church, which was basically nothing. Many sections, on the other hand, read like a rather tedious blog on her daily life. I'm afraid I skimmed through quite a bit and it felt much longer than the 200 or so pages it supposedly contains.
January 13, 2009
One of the first books I began reading on Orthodoxy back in '99-2000. This could easily be subtitled "Diary of an Orthodox Priest's Wife and their Mission Parish". Khouria Frederica takes the reader through the liturgical year in their new mission parish soon after her Episcopalian priest husband converted to Orthodoxy. Its a nice look into the life of a priest's family and their new parish as it struggles to get its bearings.
March 17, 2013
This book is Mathewes-Green's memoir of a year in the early stages of their Orthodox parish. She has a fantastic voice -- she strikes me as the type of person you'd want to sip tea with in your living room while having a rich conversation. I took my time with this one because I found Mathewes-Green a helpful resource in refining my understanding of many Orthodox practices. Ordered her next one to continue that journey.
September 30, 2013
Perhaps the best book I've read as an introduction to eastern orthodoxy. This is the one I plan to give to my friends to read. It's extremely well-written (Matthews-Green is a professional writer and has worked for NPR), beautiful (we wept as we read), and it's done as a sort of memoir (my favorite). I can't speak highly enough about this book or this author. Please, read it, even if you care nothing about orthodoxy.
April 6, 2018
This is the well-written saga of a Protestant who converts to Orthodoxy with her husband who, along the way, becomes an Orthodox priest. Together they start an Orthodox church in the 'burbs of Baltimore, Maryland. The lines I liked the most in the book were also the last lines of the book: "Bones are the signature we leave behind when we dive under the blanket of the earth and strip down to nothing. Nobody has a choice about this dive into nothing. We can only choose who we're going with."
April 30, 2008
This was a wonderful tale of a Orthodox Priests wife as they journey through a year in the Church. She and her husband are converts, so she is able to tell the story from new eyes with humor and inspirtation. It was a wonderful book that I know I will read again, and I will look for her other book as well. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Want to read
April 21, 2011Lovely glimpses into Orthodox life at different times of the church year, but I think it's better read in small chunks than in one go, perhaps by reading the sections written for each part of the church calendar during that part of the year. Doesn't make it very good for checking out of the library.
August 7, 2011
For the fourth year running, will begin my Lent 'fast' from novels with this thought provoking and moving account of moving to the Orthodox church and of celebrating Lent and Easter from that perspective.
April 17, 2009
A very enjoyable reflection on the author's conversion to Orthodoxy and its traditions. Her tone was perfect; she gently and cheerfully explained how and why she treasures the Eastern Orthodox tradition. A helpful perspective.
May 30, 2012
This is one of my favorite books, and I pulled it out to loan to a friend, thought I'd read "just a bit" and re-read it yet again yesterday. A wonderful look into a year in the life of a Mission Parish through the eyes of their priest's wife.
January 18, 2013
This is an excellent book for converts to the Orthodox faith. Khouria Frederica writes well and has wonderful insights into the faith. I recommend it as a great read along with the Orthodox Church by Met. Kallistos (Timothy Ware).
June 28, 2007
Beautifully written exploration of the Orthodox faith. One of my all-time favorite books.
January 2, 2009
A beautiful, moving book, whether one is Orthodox or not.
Read
April 24, 2008Feminism meets Orthodoxy and it works, kinda.
January 3, 2012
As always, Frederica Matthews-Green explains Eastern Orthodoxy with detail and love. It was a really good read!
May 20, 2008
An excellent anecdotal picture of Eastern Orthodoxy in the United States. Also, a great companion read to Ware's The Orthodox Church. Highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews