“Because most people thirst for spiritual teaching, while those who are qualified and responsible do not undertake any provision for the care of this need,…it follows that many pious and well-disposed people become deluded, in good faith, hearing the Christian word wherever it may resound, even though it may be adulterated.”
“Like Dostoevsky, Papadiamandis looked deep into the human soul and found that its beauty and nobility depend not on the power of its intellect, or on the intensity of its desire, but on its genuine relationship with God.” – Hieromonk Alexis (Trader)
“…Greece’s Dostoevsky [is] far more than a description of theological teachings contained within the literature of an important writer in modern Greece. It is a catechism. In fact, it is not only a catechism for those who know little about Orthodox liturgy and faith — it can also act as a compass for those who…
“The theology hidden in Papadiamandis works is, in the final analysis, one of the Transfiguration, depicting the transformation of a group of people into the body of Christ, and of the simple piety of the humble and rejected into liturgy, spiritual glory, and truth.” – Dr. Anestis Keselopoulos
“[Worship] is the goal of life, and, if we reach it, we do not need anything else to attain the sought for joy.” —Saint Nicholas Kavasilas, On the Life in Christ
“As for myself, as long as I live and breathe and am of sound mind, I won’t cease, especially during these brightest days [of Bright Week], to continuously chant in the worship of my Christ, to lovingly describe nature, and to paint with affection the genuine Greek traditions.” – Alexandros Papadiamandis
Thank you all (Ken, as well as those who emailed!) for sharing your experiences. It was interesting and instructive to hear your stories. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts (and in the last post!), my personal experience was that non-liturgical art created by Orthodox folk played a significant role in my conversion to Orthodoxy. The…
