Facing East: A Pilgrim's Journey Into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy

I think this book is very important to anyone interested in the Orthodox Church. It's not the only book you'll want to read, but it supplements the other great books out there in a unique and important way. This book is not a treatise on Thology or practice. There are a number of good books available to cover these topics. Instead, it's a personal memoir. It tells the story of a woman, a family, and a congregation as they come into their faith and tradition. There's the feel of conversation over a cup of coffee here as Mrs. Mathewes-Green talks in an engaging and humorous style about the experience of discovering a faith and building a church. It takes something that can be very intimidating - the discovery of an ancient and deep faith and tradition that is very alien to modern American culture - and makes it very human and very accessible. If you want to get right into Theology, History, Spirituality, and Practice, Read Biship Kallistos Ware's "The Orthodox Way(Spirituality)," "The Orthodox Church (History)," Clark Carlton's "The Faith (Theology)" and some of the other great books available. These are all important. The most important piece of exploring Orthodoxy, however, is to "come and see." Experience the worship and life of the Church. It can be intimidating at first, however. But Mathewes-Green makes it so much more accessible. Give it a try!

This book is beautifully written and gives you a front row seat in the early life of an Orthodox mission parish! Mrs. Matthewes-Green takes time to explain all the nuances of Orthodox worship that mystify former Protestants and Roman Catholics alike. It is like getting letters from a friend!

I picked up this book and had no idea what a gem it would turn out to be! The life of faith presented by this insightful lady is very convincing. By the last page I found myself persuaded by her unique experience. Read this book and you will not be disappointed.

It all began when my roommate started dating an Orthodox guy. I was intrigued. I had never heard much about the Orthodox church, never thought much about the Orthodox Church. However, since that time I have visited their church a few times, including once during Pascha (Orthodox Easter). I was still intrigued, but I had a lot of questions, and nobody to answer them. "Facing East" helped. It didn't answer all of my questions, but it gave me a place to start. I'm not going to tell you that I'm going to convert to Orthodoxy because of this book. I don't know yet what I'm supposed to do about the Orthodox church. However, for those who are looking for something that will give you more of an idea of what being Orthodox is all about without having to struggle through heavy theological texts, this book may be just what you're looking for. It's light enough to keep one's interest, yet serious enough to answer some major questions. I highly recommend this book.

At last a mass market read for what was a hidden faith. This book truly captures the mysticism, beauty and depth of the oldest of Christian Faiths. It only strenghthened my already devout calling, and shows how the burgeoning conversion of disenchanted Catholics and Protesdants will slowly and quietly reshape American Christianity, while at the same time remaining steadfast to it's unchanged, timeless doctrines.In an Era of TV preachers selling a packaged Jesus like toohepaste or any other product, dying churches due to compromising principles in the name staying "current", and the loss of depth, aestheticism, mystery and soul in an increasing selfish, commercial, "I want it now" world, this book is a must read.It will take you back to how Christianity was once practiced, and at the same time show you it is still alive and well.