Description
Book SynopsisThe contemporary Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is in a paradoxical situation: On all levels of Church life, new practices and concepts are considered to belong to Orthodox tradition, yet at the same time Orthodoxy is regarded as the most “unchangeable” and normative of the Christian confessions. So what makes tradition? The nineteen contributions in this volume examine the ambiguities and complexities created by the dynamic between tradition and innovation within the ROC in relation to the fundamental tenets of Orthodoxy. By this focus, the volume offers new insights and highlights the question how to define (Orthodox) Tradition. It addresses “unorthodox” topics of Orthodox paradoxes. Contributors include: Tatiana Artemyeva, Alexei Beglov, Wil van den Bercken, Per-Arne Bodin, Page Herrlinger, Nadieszda Kizenko, Anastasia Mitrofanova, Stella Rock, and Alexander Verkhovsky.
Trade Review"The great variety of subjects illustrates that in several respects the challenges are numerous, as are the answers that official and semi-official representatives of ROC [Russion Orthodox Church], as well as some of its 'common' members are trying to formulate in response. A fine collection that offers a good insight in church life in Russia today." - Joseph Verheyden, Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, Vol. 68, Issue 3-4 (2016) "Mais c’est sans doute la dernière partie qui retiendra le plus l’attention des lecteurs d’Istina, puisqu’elle traite du dialogue oecuménique, à travers l’analyse de publications non officielles des années 1990, du dialogue de la ROC avec les Vieux catholiques et des rencontres avec des bouddhistes." in: ISTINA, Vol. LX (2015). "Many important aspects of Russian Orthodoxy today are explored: theological debates, ecumenism and inter-faith dialogue, the role of the starets or elder, icon painting, the role of women, the controversy over translating sacred texts into Russian, eschatological sects, Church-State relations, the canonisation of twentieth-century martyrs, the significance of pilgrimage. Each essay is accompanied by an excellent bibliography." Xenia Dennen, in: Journal of Ecclesiastical History Vol. 66 (2015).
