ABOUT THE BOOK
As Ecumenical Patriarch of
Constantinople, Bartholomew I is
the symbol of unity for the
self-governing national and
ethnic Orthodox Christian
churches throughout the world.
He is well known for his
commitment to protecting the
environment, and for opening
communications with other
Christians (especially the Roman
Catholic Church) as well as with
Muslims and other religious
groups.
Written with personal warmth and
great erudition, ENCOUNTERING
THE MYSTERY illuminates the rich
culture and soul of Orthodox
Christianity. Bartholomew I
traces the roots of Orthodox
Christianity to its founding
2000 years ago, explores its
spirituality and doctrine, and
explains its liturgy and art.
More especially, in a unique and
unprecedented way, he relates
Orthodox Christianity to
contemporary issues, such as
freedom and human rights, social
justice and globalization, as
well as nationalism and war.
With a recent rebirth of
Orthodox Christian churches
(particularly in the former
Soviet Union and elsewhere in
Central and Eastern Europe),
there has been great interest in
understanding this important
branch of Christianity with its
close ties to the traditions of
the early Church. As USA
TODAY recently reported,
Orthodox Christian churches
throughout the country are
drawing converts attracted by
the beauty of its liturgy and
inspired by its enduring
theology and teachings. But for
the general seeker, whatever
their background, ENCOUNTERING
THE MYSTERY is a rich spiritual
source that draws upon the
wisdom of millennia.
Table of Contents
Foreword: Most Rev. Dr.
Kallistos Ware
Biographical Note: Rev. Dr. John
Chryssavgis
1. Historical Perspectives: The
Orthodox Church and the
Ecumenical Patriarchate
2. Song and Space: Art,
Architecture and Liturgy
3. The Gift of Theology: Basic
Principles and Perspectives
4. Vocation of Love: Monasticism
as Choice and Calling
5. Spirituality and Sacraments:
Prayer and the Spiritual Life
6. The Wonder of the Creation:
Religion and Ecology
7. Faith and Freedom: Conscience
and Human Rights
8. The Transfiguration of the
World
i. Social Justice: Poverty and
Globalization
ii. Religion and Society: Racism
and Fundamentalism
iii. War and Peace: Conflict and
Dialogue
Epilogue:
The Hope that Lies Within
Further Reading
Preorder Here
