Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity

Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity

by Frederica Mathewes-Green
Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity

Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity

by Frederica Mathewes-Green

Paperback

$19.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
    Choose Expedited Shipping at checkout for delivery by Wednesday, April 3
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

Welcome to the Orthodox Church—its history, theology, worship, spirituality, and daily life. This friendly guide provides a comprehensive introduction to Orthodoxy, but with a twist: readers learn by making a series of visits to a fictitious church, and get to know the faith as new Christians did for most of history, by immersion. Mathews-Green provides commentary and explanations on everything from how to “venerate” an icon, the Orthodox understanding of the atonement, to the Lenten significance of tofu. It’s the perfect book for inquirers and newcomers, but even readers who have been Orthodox all their lives say they learned things they never knew before. Enjoyable, easy-to-read, and leavened with humor, Welcome to the Orthodox Church is a gracious guide to the ancient faith of the Christian East. 

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781557259219
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Publication date: 04/01/2015
Pages: 386
Sales rank: 179,621
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range: 14 Years

About the Author

Frederica Mathewes-Green is a widely published author of 10 books and hundreds of essays in such diverse publications as the Washington Post, Christianity Today, Smithsonian, and the Wall Street Journal. She has been a regular commentator for National Public Radio (NPR), a columnist for the Religion News Service, Beliefnet.com, and Christianity Today, and a podcaster for Ancient Faith Radio. She is in high demand as a speaker. She lives with her husband, the Rev. Gregory Mathewes-Green, in Johnson City, TN. Their three children are grown and married, and they have fourteen grandchildren.

Table of Contents

Introduction: How to Learn About Orthodoxy xi

Part 1 Inside the Temple

1 "Enter His Gates" 3

The Narthex, Praying with Icons, Venerating Them, Making the Sign of the Cross

2 The House of God" 11

Church Architectural Styles, Wraparound iconography. Why No Pews?, The Saint of the Day

3 "So Great a Cloud" 21

Loving the Theotokos, The Prayers of the Saints

4 "Upon This Rock" 38

Quick History Lesson, Bast and West Divide, Filioque, Conciliarity

5 "A Sacrifice of Praise" 47

Baptism, Holy Water, The Perils of Service Books, Beauty in Worship, Music, Tradition

6 "Partakers of the Divine Nature" 68

Theosis, Saints, Skepticism, Miracles

7 "Christ and Him Crucified" 85

Icon of the Crucifixion, Models of Atonement, The Light of God, Lamentations for the Crucified Christ

8 "Image of the Invisible God" 98

Iconoclasm, The Iconostasis, Images of Christ, Images of the Theotokos, The Image Behind the Image

9 "Your Body Is a Temple" 112

Icons in the Apse, The Altar, Divine Energies, Relics

10 "Into the Sanctuary" 125

The Antimens, A Valid Euchanst, liturgical Implements, Various Crosses

Part 2 Inside the Liturgy

11 "Reconciling the World" 137

Immaculate Conception, Original Sin, Sin as Sickness, Salvation as Healing, Christ the Champion

12 "Not Counting Their Trespasses" 147

Lowe's Offering, The Meaning of Ransom, Pressing the Metaphor, Take the Earliest View

13 "The Lord Is King" 157

Tardy Worshipers, Confession, New Calendar, God's love, Repentance, Hymns for the Theotokos

14 "Lord, Have Mercy" 174

Mercy, Forgiveness, The Love and Compassion of God, The Nature of Sin

15 "Awake, Sleeper" 191

Satan, The Nous, Watchful Prayer. God's Presence in the Heart

16 "Time for the Lord to Act" 216

Kairos Time, Doctrinal Development, Chanting the Scriptures, Mercy

17 "Choose This Day" 229

Love and Forgiveness, Processing with the Gifts, Free Will, Synergy, The Power of Choice

18 "Where Two or Three Are Gathered" 250

The Kiss of Peace, Love and Communion, The Holy Gifts, Mysteries, Closing Prayers

Part 3 Inside the Community

19 "When You Fast" 271

Keeping the Fast, Expecting to Agree, Typical Moments from Coffee Hour

20 "Each Person Is Tempted" 283

Late-Night Phone Call, Battling Temptation, Desiring Holiness, Praying for Each Other

21 "Make Disciples…Baptizing Them" 288

Baptism and Chrismation, Exorcism, Saints' Names, Anointing Oil, Harrowing Hell

22 "A Great Mystery" 307

Marriage and Remarriage, Betrothal, Crowning, Marriage in Heaven?, The Best Wine

23 "Built His House upon a Rock" 319

House Blessing, Icon Corner, Spontaneous vs. Written Prayers, Meal Blessing

24 "Those Who Have Fallen Asleep" 330

Preparing the Body, Feast of the Dormition, Feast of the Transfiguration, Mercy Meal, The Funeral

Conclusion: "Go and Do Likewise" 343

Significant Feast Days 346

Notes 347

Recommended Reading 355

Index 358

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Frederica Mathewes-Green has given us a warm and inviting defense of Orthodox Christianity without being defensive.  This wonderful book explains the roots of the Ancient Truths and traditions of the Church in a conversational style to a broad audience of both Believers and those still searching, while avoiding pedantic language which can be off-putting:  a great book about the Great Church.
—Andrew Natsios, Professor, George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University
 
 
I am simply thrilled that my dear friend Frederica Mathews-Green has written this primer on the Orthodox faith. First of all, she is one of the finest writers living — as I hope you will see shortly — and her ability to explain the ancient Christian faith to a generation hungry for more than flimsy rock-and-roll choruses and "relevant" sermons is without parallel. Let me say it here: this book will change lives.
—Eric Metaxas, New York Times Bestselling author of Miracles and Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews