I know almost nothing about Orthodox Christianity in general and even less about Orthodox Christianity in America. John Erickson's book not only introduces these subjects in a lucid and interesting manner, but provides the reader with enough insight and basic knowledge that you are left wanting to know more. Ample illustrations appropriately support the text and the periodic presentations of first person narratives make the experiences of Orthodox Christians vibrant and real. The bibliography at the end of the book was not numerically overwhelming in its citations and gives readers an opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the areas of religion in America, Orthodoxy, and the Orthodox experience in America. An appendix listing the current breakdown of Orthodox churches, a glossary of terms, and a chronology add to the pertinent information contained within this compact volume. More importantly, however, one finishes the book understanding why it is important to know something about Christian Orthodoxy in America.

The first chapter, "An Ancient Faith in the New World" walks the reader through a brief history of Orthodoxy. The historical divisions of the Eastern Church based on liturgical language and thus geography (Greek, Slavic, and Armenian) are clearly explained and make an excellent introduction to understanding the current divisions of the church that have until recently been based primarily on ethnic and cultural distinctions. Erickson then introduces the reader to the central Orthodox conception of a sacramental approach to the world. This approach encompasses not only the seven sacraments or mysteries of the Church (baptism, anointing of the newly baptized, Holy Communion, penance, ordination, marriage, and the anointing of the sick (12), but "extends into the daily activities of ordinary Orthodox Christians through the icons, or images, of Christ and the saints that adorn the homes and churches; through the seasons of fasting and feasting, during which special foods are eaten, that mark the church year; and through gestures such as making the sign of the cross before meals and other important daily events (12)." He also explains the origins of the basic differences in theology and practice between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

The next couple of chapters discuss the arrival of Orthodoxy into America through Alaska via Russian explorers and traders and the first great waves of Orthodox immigrants into the American east in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. I was surprised and excited to learn that, unlike many missionaries in other parts of America, the Orthodox churchmen were advocates and protectors of the native peoples. This was clearly documented in the short document "Bishop Innocent Veniaminov's Instruction for Missionaries." It was depressing to read that once Alaska was annexed to the United States and the Protestant missionaries arrived that this humane attitude towards the natives peoples ended. The following chapter focuses on the arrival of Orthodox immigrants and the problems encountered by a Church trying to weld together a unity among such a diversity of cultures that embraced the tradition. Important too for the development of the Church in America was the Russian revolution which had a significant financial and political impact on the struggling American congregations. Erickson then proceeds to show how the very real issues of ethnic differences have gone on to and still do shape the organization of Orthodoxy in America. Again, the author makes the struggles of the church come alive through the inclusion of short documents that make the historical record come alive. Through the reminiscences of Father Constantine Vasilievich Popoff, a parish priest in Joliet, Illinois form 1931 - 1945 we hear of the struggles and creative solutions of a small parish during the Depression.

Finally, John Erickson outlines the current "Quests for Unity" toward which the church is now moving. The role of the conversion of Americans and mixed marriages in shaping new attitudes and the post-1964 arrival of new immigrants is nicely juxtaposed to the conservative tendency of older immigrants to cling to ethnic identity in explaining the wider tensions within the Church as a whole. Attention is given to the synthesizing Pan-Orthodox movements by various congregations and the movement by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops to move toward unity. However, John Erickson thinks that it is "unlikely that the Orthodox churches in America will be formally reorganized into a unified structure any time in the near future (126-27)."

I highly recommend this book for both teachers, students, and for inclusion in school libraries. Lucidly written and highly informative"Orthodox Christians in America" is an excellent introduction to this group of Americans whose religiosity has been largely hidden from public view. This is a welcome volume in helping us appreciate the rich religious diversity of America.

review© Tom Collins and RSiSS 2000

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