by Frederica Mathewes-GreenWhat a wonderful evening we had discussing Beauty for Ashes in June. Thank you so much to Dr. Frye for his captivating presentation. We had one of the largest groups that we have had in quite a while and the response has been enthusiastic.
Father has recommended the title for the August 26th Book Discussion Group, Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy, by Frederica Mathewes-Green. Here is what Publishers Weekly says about the book:
"The homespun mingles with the majestic in this affectionate account of a family’s romance with an ancient form of Christianity. The author, a columnist for the Religion News Service, was a lapsed Roman Catholic who tried Hinduism before becoming a charismatic Episcopalian; her husband, Fr. Gregory, pastor of the Holy Cross Mission in Baltimore, is a former Episcopal priest. Homeschoolers who believed the Episcopal Church was “repealing the creed and condoning immorality,” the couple has joined a contingent of evangelical Christians who have, in recent years, been converting to Eastern Orthodoxy. Mathewes-Green offers an intimate glimpse of this piece of the contemporary American religious landscape. Writing with charm and humor and a convert’s zeal, she weaves reflections on family life, friendship and personal spirituality with descriptions of Orthodox worship and fellowship."
The author's descriptions of the "why's" behind all the rituals of Divine Liturgy and the sacraments are very interesting. She presents the information in such an easy style. Some may have difficulty with what may be viewed as her irreverent tone in spots, However, in looking beyond, the reader cannot help be inspired by Mathewes-Green's commitment to Orthodoxy.
If you do not have time to read the book, please consider coming the the book group discussion. The discussions are always so uplifting. The book is available in the church's Orthodox Bookstore/GiftShop and library.
Stay tuned for informatiton on location and presentor!
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