The Friend of the Bridegroom: On the Orthodox Veneration of the Forerunner

by Sergius Bulgakov, Boris Jakim (Translator), Sergei Nikolaevich Bulgakov

Overview

The Friend of the Bridegroom offers a compelling theological interpretation of John the Baptist as seen through the eyes of Eastern Orthodoxy. Written by Sergius Bulgakov, the greatest Russian theologian of modern times, this book sheds new light on the mission and meaning of John the Baptist, commonly referred to in Orthodoxy as the "Forerunner of the Lord." Bulgakov traces the Baptist's life from beginning to end - his birth, his preaching of repentance, his baptism of the Lord, his agony, his death, and his veneration in the context of Eastern Orthodoxy. In addition to its use of the Gospel narratives, Bulgakov's profound portrait of the Baptist is colored by sacred tradition as it is embodied in patristic literature, in liturgy, and in iconography. Yet this is not a work of arcane scholarship intended just for academic readers. Typical of all of Bulgakov's books, The Friend of the Bridegroom is steeped in devotional language and holy awe. In the words of translator Boris Jakim, it is "a work of prayer" that will stir the souls of Christians everywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802849793
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	03/31/2010
Pages:	204
Sales rank:	912,584
Product dimensions:	6.25(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Sergius Bulgakov (1871-1944) is widely regarded as the twentieth century's leading Orthodox theologian. His other books include Relics and Miracles, The Unfading Light, The Burning Bush, The Lamb of God, The Comforter, Jacob's Ladder, and Churchly Joy (all Eerdmans).

Editorial Reviews

Spirit and Life
"Written from the standpoint of Orthodox theology by one of its finest theologians, this study of John the Baptist deftly explores areas of scriptural exegesis left largely untouched by Catholic theologians. In addition to being spiritually enriching, the book aims at restoring a proper appreciation of John's role in the economy of redemption. . . It would be difficult to absorb the message of the 'friend' and be left unmoved and unchanged."

Robert Bird
"In The Friend of the Bridegroom, as if in some exquisite Renaissance painting, Sergius Bulgakov places the angelic John the Baptist at the center of his Christian message. Bulgakov provides thorough scriptural and liturgical commentary, but his heartfelt depiction of John is also masterfully drawn and infused with color. Boris Jakim, the premier translator of Russian philosophy and theology into English, has succeeded in conveying all of the artistic power of Bulgakov's portrayal of John the Baptist. "

Paul Valliere
"There is no better introduction to Sergius Bulgakov's dogmatic theology than The Friend of the Bridegroom. This little book written in 1927 clearly displays the great Russian theologian's virtues: his love for concrete Orthodox tradition, his theological modernism and passionate moral activism, his biblical humanism and broad philosophical outlook, his glimpse of the Divine Glory and grasp of the humanization of that Glory in the Incarnation, and his powerful eschatological sense, which he shared with John the Forerunner. As John went out to meet the Kingdom of God and its Christ, so Bulgakov went out in joy to meet John the Forerunner, Mary the Mother of God, and the other men and women of historic Israel who ushered in the New Covenant. And Boris Jakim has gone out to meet Bulgakov, giving us yet another gem of modern Russian theology in graceful, lucid English. In our day, when New Testament scholarship favors a radical, leveling historicism, Bulgakov's powerful elucidation of the dogmatic substance of the gospel is more relevant than ever."

From the Publisher