Next Book Group Selection: Pearl of Great Price

by Sergei Hackel



Discussion guest host: Mary Danakas
Place: Church parlor 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 31



Imagine growing up in early 20th century Russia in a noble family. As an adult, you join the ranks of the intelligentsia as a noted poet and scholar. But, revolution is in the air, one million Russians are exiled to Europe, and you are one of those who take up residence in France. While Europe was in no position to absorb 1 million refugees, France was more welcoming. Still, many Russians in France remained homeless, poor, and hungry. Mother Maria, a twice divorced mother of three children who lost two of her children to devastating illnesses, was one of the Russian refugees in France. By the grace of God, she became an Orthodox nun serving the poorest of the Russian diaspora. Eventually, because of her support of the Jews, she died a martyr's death in one of Hitler's concentration camps. This impressive biography of Mother Maria encourages readers to live as she lived. She "established a code of practice" that was based on "a recognition of the dignity of [all men] created in the image and likeness of God." To understand this, one can "perceive that this divine image [can be] veiled, distorted and disfigured ..."
This book is an incredible resource for the Orthodox Christian community to learn about the heroic and courageous deeds of Mother Maria. Join us for the discussion. Copies for purchase are available in the the church gift shop after Divine Liturgy or at http://www.bn.com/.