Heralds of a Catholic Russia explores the intellectual and spiritual journeys of twelve Eastern Orthodox figures as they sought to reconcile themselves completely with the Church established by Christ. Their conversions to Catholicism represent some of the most theologically rich accounts of ecumenical encounter in modern history.
Likoudis brings his characteristic depth of ecumenical knowledge to each story, situating these conversions within the broader context of East-West theological dialogue and the ongoing quest for Christian unity.
“In a time when many Catholics feel disaffected with their own Church—when a fair number of them are thinking, perhaps, that the grass looks greener in the Orthodox world—this collection of stories reminds us of how blessed we are to reside in the One Church that possesses the fullness of truth, a truth preserved by the structure established by Christ Himself. It can be a great antidote for any of us who take our patrimony for granted to read of men and women who have followed the truth, often at great sacrifice, and have come home to Catholicism so as to be ‘better Orthodox.’”
John-Mark L. Miravalle, SThD, Professor of Systematic and Moral Theology, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Maryland“Though Heralds of a Catholic Russia includes figures from Romanian and Greek backgrounds, it testifies overall to a lingering awareness among thoughtful Russians that a purely national Christianity will not do. And for a (supra-national) ‘universal primacy’ the see of Rome is the only serious contender. But if ‘Holy Russia’ is to be reunited with Latin Christendom—a prospect which, with all due respect to the Virgin of Fatima, seems almost as distant today as at any time in history—many things must change. Not least among them is any suggestion, in ecclesiastical words or deeds, that the Petrine office legitimately exalts the charismatic judgment of the office-holder over docility to the patrimony of Church Tradition.”
Fr. Aidan Nichols, OP, Author of Theology in the Russian Diaspora and Rome and the Eastern Churches: A Study in Schism“James Likoudis is a noted Catholic writer on the separated Eastern Churches. There is much to be learned from his stirring accounts of Easterners who embraced their true home, the Catholic Church.”
The Reverend Ray Ryland, PhD, JD, Author of Drawn from Shadows Into Truth“The witness of Russian and Greek Orthodox reconciled to the Church is remarkable testimony for the need of a Papal Primacy of universal authority in the Church for the unity of truth, the unity of Revelation and the visible unity of the Church as taught in Vatican I and II.”
Dennis Bonnette, PhD, Professor of Philosophy (Retired), Niagara University“These collected accounts of twelve spiritual pilgrims seeking truth cry out with particular urgency for the end of the tragic Byzantine Greco-Slav Schism. They give new reason that Our Lady of Fatima prophesied a future Catholic Russia.”
Fr. Edouard Perrone“The stories told in the present volume make for inspirational and fascinating reading. They reveal how an honest search for the true Church of Christ led twelve different Byzantine Orthodox pilgrims to embrace the See of Rome as ‘the pearl of great price.’ While several books in recent years have traced the road to Rome on the part of Protestant and Evangelical Christians, this is the first book that I know of that shows how prayer and study—along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit—have led some outstanding Orthodox intellectuals to enter into full Catholic communion. The twelve stories in this book are stories of ‘heralds of Catholic Russia.’ They point to a Catholic Russia, a Russia which will be a great blessing for the universal mission of the Catholic Church.”
Robert Fastiggi, PhD, Bishop Kevin M. Britt Chair of Christology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit (foreword author)Stay connected with the Foundation
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