The First Word on the Orthodox Church

The First Word on the Orthodox Church is written for enquirers into Orthodox Christianity, as well as those who may already be Orthodox, but who wish to deepen their understanding of the Orthodox Faith. At once accessible to any reader with the faintest awareness of Christianity, yet academically sound and spiritually reliable, it seeks to present Orthodoxy in terms that are recognisable and relatable from human experience. As part of The First Word series, this book serves as an introduction only. That is, the treatment it gives to any particular aspect of the Orthodox Church is by no means exhaustive, but it seeks to lay down the basis for further exploration for those who wish it, even while it provides enough information to satisfy those who want to make it the only stop in their consideration of the Tradition. "Father Jacob and the St Sergius Press have provided a much needed and brilliantly clear set of introductions to Eastern Orthodox life and doctrine. The scholarship here is deftly given through lucid imagery and elegant writing - the hallmarks of fine teaching." - Archpriest John A. McGuckin, Nielsen Emeritus Professor of Byzantine Church History