One Flew Over the Onion Dome: American Orthodox Converts, Retreads & Reverts

I really wish I had read this book before I became Orthodox. Converts to the faith in the U.S. have such a challenge in finding a well grounded, sane church where one can learn about the faith without adding to their own baggage. Fr. Joseph concisely maps out the red flags within American Orthodoxy to provide a sound plan of action for those who are faced with the confusing task of finding the true faith. As a seminarian at St. Herman's in Kodiak, Alaska I saw first hand the challenges one must endure in finding the conduit of sound Orthodox doctrine and practice. The concerns Fr. Joseph outlines in his book would serve as a most useful tool to anyone thinking about becoming Orthodox. It would even be a great resource for those who have already converted to the faith by comparing Fr. Joseph's advice with their own journey to Orthodoxy. Finally, this book will serve as a source of direction for those who have been Orthodox all their lives and might not understand the struggle their convert brethren endure to meet the true faith.I highly advise anyone, particularly pastors, to read this book and learn well, in an effort to help those who struggle, the oddities which those who come to the faith are faced.

You know the expression, misery loves company. Well, it's not just misery...it is human nature to want to share a common experience. Being a convert to Orthodoxy in the United States in many situations can be a very lonely journey. Without other convert examples around us or sharing the journey it can be like fumbling in the dark. Father Joseph Huneycutt's premier book, One Flew Over the Onion Dome, offers a comprehensive assessment of this frequently overlooked aspect of Orthodoxy...the convert experience. The book is not a book on Orthodox theology. It is not the book to read if a potential convert to Orthodoxy is looking for an in depth instruction on Divine essence and energies (although it is replete with Orthodox definitions, explanations and references). Rather, the book shines a light on the things converts to Orthodoxy should know about themselves and those things cradles should know about converts. And because this book is an honest assessment of "ourselves" the picture isn't always pretty. We have to take the good with the bad. Father Joseph reminds us that the convert brings much good to the Church--our knowledge of the Scriptures, our practice in tithing and our zeal for the faith. But also makes us aware of the pitfalls for the convert--"convertitis", "troglodoxy" and "the 2 year itch", to name a few. Some converts might take offense with what is written. No one is happy to admit a bout of convertitis, no matter how short the duration and minimized the manifestation. It's embarrassing. But it can be a very real part of the conversion process. Besides...we could all do with a little more humility, no? This book seems to be one of a kind. It offers tremendous insight into the experience of conversion to Orthodoxy in the US. Potential converts and converts need to read it so they can recognize their strengths and be aware of common pitfalls. Cradles need to read it to not only to understand the convert and to be able to embrace him, warts and all, but to help him through the difficult times as well. My presbytera, a cradle, said the book was an eye opener and it gave her a greater appreciation for the true struggle of a Western convert to Orthodoxy. This little book goes far in helping to open the eyes of both convert and cradle Orthodox alike as we strive to "commend ourselves to one another and all our whole life unto Christ our God."

After a lengthy journey, my wife and I left our previous church, where I had been a pastor for over three decades, and were received into Orthodoxy. Recently we read Fr. Joseph's book from cover to cover while traveling. We thoroughly enjoyed every word. He writes in a very readable and understandable style, speaking honestly and forthrightly, but never does he diminish the ancient faith or suggest that somehow it should be modified or changed. People are people! In spite of many differences and the things that take place, we rejoice that we are bound together in Christ's Church! Thank you, Father Joseph! Ezekiel+

Fr. Joseph is a fellow Southerner and a fellow convert to Orthodoxy. We converts are a diverse and rowdy bunch and it's about time somebody provided a "handbook" to our cradle Orthodox brethren to help them deal with their newfound faithful. Seriously, Americans are going to continue converting to Orthodoxy, and we need a language to be able to navigate the sometimes challenging new world of Orthodoxy. As a convert and an owner of this wonderful book, I recommend it to convert and cradle Orthodox alike as well as those looking into the Orthodox Christian Church. I wish I had had this book before I converted. It would have helped me avoid some mistakes. Thanks, Fr. Joseph. Many years!

Whether you are a newcomer to the Orthodox faith or were born into a family of Orthodox Christians, this book will help you undestand the growing phenomenon of believers heading East. The mixture of cultures and backgrounds can be intimidating to those coming into Orthodoxy but also for life long Orthodox trying to figure out the newcomers. Fr. Joseph speaks from his own experience as a "Southerner" embracing a Faith rooted in Arabic, Greek and Slavic cultures. It will put a smile on your face but also hope in your heart that the Christian faith knows no cultural boundaries.