The Orthodox Parish In America: Faithfulness To The Past And Responsibility For The Future

By: Anton C. Vrame

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Synopsis: Orthodox parish life in North America, particularly in the United States, challenges many traditional assumptions as to how the church functions. The parish as a public corporate entity, the expanding roles of lay and ordained leadership, the coexistence of multiple jurisdictions-all of these are new realities for Orthodox Christianity. This volume addresses these and other related issues. Historians such as John Erickson, Thomas FitzGerald and Patrick Viscuso analyze the factors that have shaped these realities in America, from earlier eras to the present day. Theologians such as Thomas Hopko, Jaroslav Pelikan and Stanley Harakas reflect on the theological significance and implications for the Orthodox Christian understanding of the church's very nature. Liturgical scholars Alkiviadis Calivas, John Klentos and Paul Meyendorff discuss the challenges of liturgical life in today's Orthodox parish. Thomas Lelon and George Papademetriou examine parish management and leadership issues. Other essays address topics such as distance learning and the Internet, interChristian marriage, preaching, evangelization and mission. This book provides an excellent, realistic overview of contemporary Orthodox parish life in the United States, and a thought-provoking look at diverse scenarios for the future.