Veronis accomplishes far more in this diary than portraying the revival of the Orthodox Church in Albania after decades of Communist-totalitarian repression. He permits the voices of Albanian Christians to recount their own witness of what they endured, how they forgave their oppressors, and what took place after governmental restrictions had been lifted. Veronis presents "stories of mission and resurrection" that are credible and practical, because each account is far less than perfect and as close to what "being the Church" would mean in Albania as well as Alabama and every place in between.

"Being the Church" is the title to the ninth [195-210] of ten chapters in the book [225 pp.]. It could also be the title for the book's foreword, composed by Archbishop Anastasios [translated "Resurrection"] of Tirana and All Albania. His Eminence Anastasios addresses the theme of "mission" as central to an ancient tradition of the Orthodox Church, which has been revived "...over the last five decades" [10]. Referring to the author as his "spiritual child" [10], +Anastasios considers Veronis as having been active in the mission of reviving the Church not only in Albania, but also elsewhere such as in Africa while cooperating with the Albanian Church's external missions. Thus, I noted that Anastasios and Veronis were of a similar mind that they had opened their lens to view mission outside of conventional boundaries, which had long been limited by linguistic and cultural differences instead of borderless as would best represent the Church, both catholic and Apostolic.

The book's introduction continues to make a universal theme of mission explicit. Loosely quoting St. John Chrysostom, Veronis reflects with Chrysostom on "two kinds of bishops." "One is a pastor who says, 'My parish is my universe.' While the other believes, 'The universe is my parish'" [15]. Obvious to readers at this early stage in the book, Veronis promotes the latter bishop's belief.

Thereafter, readers travel with the author from his home in the USA to Vienna [Austria], where he makes a journal entry on 20 January 1994 while inside the Viennese airport's transit en route his first time to Albania. Veronis recounts his first mission trip to Kenya in 1987, soon after completing undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University the same year. Subsequently in Kenya, he describes having met Archbishop Anastasios for the first time along with others. Over the course of several pages, Veronis illustrates the focus that this initial meeting with +Anastasios and several subsequent mission trips had given him. He returns to the USA to complete a professional ministry degree from an Orthodox seminary.

Then comes 1994, and he lands in Tirana's airport only three years after the collapse of the former totalitarian regime and the birth of a democratic republic. After three days on the ground he remarks, "I am wondering if I was crazy to come. What did I get myself into?" [20]. The bravado and arrogance of youth erodes as he discovers just how uncomfortable Albanian accommodations had become during the Cold War years. Few luxuries such as heated water or even running water, insulation, and lack of routine electrical current in most dwellings were challenges to daily life that greeted him upon arrival.

Striking me as extraordinary among fellow Orthodox missionaries whom Veronis meets upon arrival, the author seems determined to learn how to speak Albanian. At the same time, he muses that he wants to jump into helping resolve unmet needs of people he serves in his mission territory. This element of competing needs runs throughout the book, and allows readers to identify with the author. I consider the theme of competing needs to be one of the book's more endearing aspects. In another example of competing needs, during the first year of the author's work in Albania he marries, then receives diaconal and presbyteral ordination back in the USA while on short breaks, and returns with his new wife, Faith, to Albania where they continue what would now become their work together.

Chapters three [years 1995-96] and four [the year of 1997] are foundational to the author's maturing sense of mission. These chapters encompass the years immediately prior to and during the demise of the nation's economy when hundreds of pyramid schemes collapsed at once. Midyear 1996 in an entry dated 29 May, Veronis and his wife lose their first child in utero at 8 weeks gestation. They are comforted by friends, and the author's faith grows more confident in the couple's shared loss with a monk from the Holy Mountain (Mt. Athos) and companion missionaries. What Veronis depicts in this brief entry is another personal account of resurrection that parallels what he witnesses among the Albanians whom he serves.

There are harrowing details to read in chapter six concerning the Kosovo War. Veronis recounts these stories of loss, uncertainty, and resilience in the community of Faith without cant and excessive sentimentalism. In fact, any latent vestige of colonial thinking that might have emerged earlier in the book is gone. How I know that any vestige is gone for sure is the way that Veronis depicts all characters from the War who connect with him in a charitable light. His doubts about moral prerogatives appear to have been resolved in favor of his interest in becoming like Christ amidst the conflicts.

I recommend this book to readers over the age of 12. However, there are plenty of entries that are suited to reading aloud with families of younger children. One such entry appears dated 19 October 2003, entitled "Albania's hero: Mother Teresa" [201-3], which illustrates entries in chapter nine: "Being the Church." After acknowledging that he was impressed by the sense of the global Church he witnessed during Mother Teresa's beatification in the Vatican as part of the Albanian pilgrims in attendance, Veronis remarks:

"All the pomp and glory of this beatification service seemed to offer a stark contrast to the message and life of Mother Teresa herself, who epitomized the foolishness of the cross" [203].

I was glad to find I could follow this material and not be overwhelmed by the depth of what I was taking in. By covering thins in the format that is used I get the most I could possibly take in chapter by chapter.

A delightful book and life story.

I've known this man through the years--35 at least--went to college with his dear wife before they were married, way before any of us converted to Orthodoxy in 1988 and Fr. James became a priest. He was the real deal back then as he is now, a wild and wonderful Jesus Freak back in the day, working with the late Fr. Jack Sparks in Berkeley, both on their way to the ancient faith of Eastern Orthodoxy.

Yes, buy this book and be blessed by a memoir that tells of the conversion of a Jewish man who walked through the doors of Judaism and the Jesus Movement, Jews for Jesus...all the way to the ancient faith of the eastern orthodox christian church in order to get closer to God and closer to his fellow man.

What a story. This servant of God went looking for himself and looking answers to the big questions young people ask. He was a bit surprised to stumble on Jesus and then the ancient church along the way where he ultimately found a home.

If you are Jewish taking a deeper look at your own faith and open to the ancient Christian experience; or if you are simply a Christian trying to understand a loved one with Jewish roots, this book is especially for you.

You can find this man now in the pacific northwest, serving as pastor and priest of an Antiochian Orthodox parish in Brier, Washington.

Patrick Reardon has provided a Christ-centred orthodox interpretation of the Psalms. Not much in way of historical or textual criticism.

The only pity was that the book is short. Only two pages per psalms. Requires repeated re-readings.

I was finishing Dragon's Wine and Angel's Bread by Fr Gabriel Bunge when I ran across this book. Fr Gabriel's book reviews the thought of Evagrius Ponticus in a way that's meaningful primarily to Orthodox monastics; here in "Bread and Water" I found much the same material, but presented in terms a modern American layman can grasp.

Fr Meletios' experience both in monastic prayer and in pastoral care makes this one of only a few books I'd recommend to non-Orthodox Christians who want to know what the inner life of Orthodox Christians is like. (Another would be Father Arseny 1893-1973 - Priest, Prisoner, and Spiritual Father )

Best of all, Fr Meletios presents his material firmly within its true context of life in the Church. Authentic Orthodox spirituality is ecclesial, even for anchorites or hermits: asceticism and the prayer of the heart are organically connected to the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church and the communion of saints.

I was finishing Dragon's Wine and Angel's Bread by Fr Gabriel Bunge when I ran across this book. Fr Gabriel's book reviews the thought of Evagrius Ponticus in a way that's meaningful primarily to Orthodox monastics; here in "Bread and Water" I found much the same material, but presented in terms a modern American layman can grasp.

Fr Meletios' experience both in monastic prayer and in pastoral care makes this one of only a few books I'd recommend to non-Orthodox Christians who want to know what the inner life of Orthodox Christians is like. (Another would be Father Arseny 1893-1973 - Priest, Prisoner, and Spiritual Father )

Best of all, Fr Meletios presents his material firmly within its true context of life in the Church. Authentic Orthodox spirituality is ecclesial, even for anchorites or hermits: asceticism and the prayer of the heart are organically connected to the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church and the communion of saints.

This book is a great way to begin to identify those Psalms (which are many) in which the Messiah is either directly speaking, is spoken of, or is inferred. It also points out many practical applications of the Psalms to the life of the church. I was a friendly, mild skeptic when I purchased this book, having heard many seek to find the Lord in what seemed like every syllable of the Old Testament. "He's got to be in there somewhere!!!" This "Where's Waldo" approach to bible study has led to many excesses, and may seem as though the student is "seeking to find Christ" under every rock, behind every bush, and around every corner in the Old Testament! That is NOT what's going on in this fine book. The author has truly blessed me through his patient, responsible treatment of the Scriptures. Thank you!

I like Bev Cooke's book about Princess Ileana of Romania because she provides a third person narrative, plus information from Ileana's (or Mother Alexandra's) own journal. There are interesting family trees and photographs that add to the reader's understanding of this woman who was so devoted to God and to living a Christian life. Her story is so fascinating and inspiring.

The only book I've read powerful enough to convert a staunch, lifelong Protestant to Eastern Orthodoxy. A "should read" for all Protestants and Roman Catholics, particularly in light of church history, and a "must read" for anyone desiring to learn more about the original church. I purchased this book for several friends who were impressed by it. "The Orthodox Church is evangelical, but not Protestant. It is orthodox, but not Jewish. It is catholic, but not Roman. It is not non-denominational, it is pre-denominational. It has believed, taught, preserved, defended, and died for the Faith of the Apostles since the Day of Pentecost nearly 2000 years ago in 33 A.D." (Quotation not from book).

I originally bought this book 13 years ago. It was sitting all by itself on a bookshelf in a Protestant bookstore. How it got there I'll never know but it has had a huge impact on my life. I don't even remember if I really knew what the book was about when I bought it. I had recently had all the underpinnings of my faith yanked out and I was searching the wider Christian world for something to restore my faith.

I remember being really impressed with the journey Father Gillquist and the others had taken to follow what they discovered to be the Truth. At the time I wasn't sure I was ready for something so radical and so I settled in to an Evangelical Church for several years. Several of the question Father Gillquist raised stayed with me and made me question such basic Protestant doctrines as sola scriptura.

Eventually the questions came to be too much. I began researching Orthodoxy and learning all I could. I knew, however, that my wife would never go for Orthodoxy and so I searched for a Protestant alternative. I can speak with some authority when I say that there is nothing in the Protestant world that will satisfy you once you've glimpsed at the Truth. So, today, 13 years later, I find myself ready to enter Orthodoxy as a catecumen.

It was this book that started that journey. If you want to help a Protestant understand the basics of why he or she should be Orthodox, BUY THIS BOOK!

Of course, in the end, God draws us to himself in different ways but I think this book is one powerful way to tell Protestants why they should consider Orthodoxy.

This book on patristic care for those who may be dealing with any sexual problems, it approaches not only homosexual attraction but general sexual deviance as defined by Christian teachings. The author Fr. Hopko approaches the topic with care, respect, and love for those who may fall into sexual problems. It is a must read for any pastor or church leader of any denomination!

I cannot say enough about this title. Saint Theophan is a master of writing down how to transform oneself into a vehicle for Christian salvation. He walks you through the process of first awakening to the call to become a Christian. Then setting the mind on the path of sensing the desire to transform your life and finally walking the path. It is not easy nor simple as one thinks. It takes tremendous self determination and desire to become that which most don't seek and avoid if they can because of the lure of sin in one's life.

Theophan talks about the wages of sin in our life and how we live in a daze of sleepy ignorance while following a self serving philosophy. When we decide to live in accordance with God we find that we must take on a burdeon far greater than first thought. We must change at our very core and he explains those transformations and how we deepen our commitment to God and his plan for our life.

Thepohan's use of spoken word to explain and correct our misunderstandings about our views and personal agenda in how we live outside God's real purpose for our complete deliverance from sin and ignroance is beyond excellent. It truly brings across the message in blantant and open manner that creates a perfect method of moving from sin towards grace. It perfetly uses a concrete written form to explain something so abstract as total spiritual transformation to where you feel your very being moving towards grace with each word.

Among the great saints Theophan is given the a title richly deserved by his very personal account of the path towards salvation. This book is one that I can read over and over again gleaming more each time. This title is one that should be given to anyone thinking about taking on the role as a Christian and transforming their lives in accordance to the Way of Christ.

Would be a great novel, amazingly it's non-fiction! I think this book speaks to many generations. While younger than the subjects of the book, I went through a lot of searching similar to their journey. Their work in trying to "recapture" the Church of Acts is truly inspiring. Their joy at "discovering" the Orthodox Church is amazing. I have used the analogy of a paleontologist walking past a pet store and finding various dinosaurs for sale... realizing something they thought long-dead was very much alive in the modern day! Some of the twists of the story are truly gut-wrenching and disappointing, but the passion of some leaders to put The Church ahead of politics and borders is true testimony to the life and vitality of Orthodoxy. Highly recommended for those new to Orthodoxy, those seeking to learn about the Bride of Christ, and those who question the heart, life, and love of this pre-denominational church!

When I first heard his Southern drawl...let's see... back in 2007, I felt immediately like he'd fit right in with my family- my oftentimes goofy, always affectionate family who takes our love and need for Christ and His Church very seriously. "I like him!" I told my dad, founder of Ancient Faith Radio, and my guide into the world of Internet podcasting, after both laughing through and being moved by the wit and wisdom of the Texas priest we'd all come to know (all of us Ancient Faith Radio listeners) as Father Joseph Huneycutt.

Converting to Orthodoxy, especially here in the good ol' United States where Orthodox Christianity does not, nor has ever, played a prominent role in our American cultural heritage, can be difficult to say the least. I know after my husband and I converted in 1999, I really struggled awhile to find my place, my identity, as an American Orthodox Christian. While the theology and structure of the Church has remained mercifully and miraculously safe from differing opinions and interpretations, navigating the many small "t" traditions stemming from the various ethnicities within this great and historically rich Faith of ours can be confusing to us zealous American converts looking to assimilate ourselves into the Church (Should I, too, cover my head, grow out my beard, wear a prayer rope around my wrist 24/7?) . Our staunch determination to become the most legitimate Orthodox Christians we can be, via the imitation of our cradle Orthodox brothers and sisters, has resulted in many a changed appearance and a not a little insecurity. It is easy, I have discovered first-hand, to focus more on the externals than the internal - to, even with the best of intentions, lose sight of the "one thing needful" .

In his new book, "We Came, We Saw, We Converted," Father Joseph, host of the popular blog and podcast, "Orthodixie", takes on that very challenge, the challenge to be both American and Orthodox, with frankness, humor and grace. He reminds us that fumbling a bit, that not having all the answers, is not only natural but perhaps even spiritually healthy:

"Knowing that you don't know much is a sign of maturity", writes Huneycutt. "Do we want to move from adolescence into adulthood? Then we need to swallow our pride and admit that the first step in acquiring an adult faith is authentically uttering, 'I don't know.'"

This is an important and timely book. How badly I wish I'd had access to it thirteen years ago! Thank you, Father Joseph, for making us laugh and inspiring us to be prayerful, and patient with ourselves and one another as together with complete dependence upon Christ for wisdom and direction we work to infuse our American society with the Truth, beauty and Mystery of the Orthodox Christian Faith.

I read Wise Lives for Lent and I was deeply disturbed by how unwise I am, and I how unwise a life I lead. That may not sound like much of an endorsement, but believe me it is. I didn't spend my money to read fluff. When I buy a spirituality or scripture book, I want substance, and this book delivered substantial spiritual insight and opportunity for growth. Did reading the book prove an occasion to be convicted of my sin? Yes. Did it move me to prayer? Yes. Did it give me hope and point the way? Yes. Thus I can ask the question: Was the book worth it? Oh, yes, most definitely.
Fr. Reardon is by far my favorite religious writer. He has a gift for clarity, revealing meaning, and his writing is full of zingers that give me pause to think.
Great book. I hope he is working on another.

Mention "Orthodoxy" to the average American, and they're likely to give you a doubtful look and say, "That's Jewish, isn't it?"

Such is our ignorance about the oldest branch of Christianity. Peter E. Gillquist, later Father Peter Gillquist, tells of how he and other young members of the Campus Crusade for Christ went on a search for their own, personal, Christian Holy Grail. It began on U.S. college campuses in the 1960s, and culminated in the late 1980s with the reception of 17 Evangelical Orthodox Church parishes with 2,000 members into the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in America.

Gillquist and his fellow seekers, a number of whom also became Orthodox clergy upon their conversions, did not make a hasty decision based on a "Paul on the Road to Damascus" vision or a sudden inspiration from a spell-binding preacher. They carefully studied and discussed the Bible, particularly the New Testament, from cover to cover; prayed for guidance; met repeatedly with various members of the clergy; and moved slowly but steadily from their roots (most of them, anyway) in mainline Protestantism, to the conclusion that the true, original, uncompromising Church of Jesus Christ was the Orthodox Church.

From forming their own Evangelical Orthodox Church, the seekers moved gradually but steadily toward a logical conclusion: They should meld their denomination into one of the established Orthodox archdioceses. After being rebuffed at the last minute when they expected to meet the Patriarch of Constantinople, the Orthodox former evangelicals finally turned to the Antiochian archdiocese, which welcomed them warmly and received them into its ranks.

Gillquist's sincerity about his and his colleagues' conversion is unmistakable, and the book tells one a good deal about what one religious writer has called "the best-kept secret in American Christianity: the Orthodox Church." The narrative moves along at a stately pace, much as one might expect of a Divine Liturgy, in which everything has a time and place.

As a lifelong Protestant who has found his religion unsatisfying for years (I no longer attend services), I have been fascinated by, and drawn to, Eastern Orthodoxy for a long time. As such, I found this book illuminating and informative, a read well worth it, if you find religion and the search for same an interesting topic. I learned things about both Orthodoxy and the teachings of the New Testament that I never knew before, when reading this book. These Christian seekers' journey makes a great story.

Not read as yet. Trying to finish The House of Versace first. But, great topic. Will be enjoyed.

This was a wonderful book, not only of hope but also of strength. What a wonderful and inspiring journal! Thanks to God, Lynette, her family and to Fr. Veronis for putting it together and sharing her journey with us all. I don't know what I expected when I decided to read this book, but Lynette's words have brought something into my life that I can't quite define -- her relationship with God has created renewed hope and faith in my life. In the face of her struggle she brings a sense of both joy and humility in a very real, tangible way.

Diversity is the sign of a great writer. This is Fr. Joseph's third book and he has touched on the serious "Defeating Sin and Overcoming the Passions" to the practical "One Flew Over the Onion Dome" to now; the funny "We came, We saw, We converted". When I was young and watching Bill Cosby's Fat Albert series on television, I would remember what he would say in the opening credits; "If you're not careful you just might learn something in the end".

Who would have known Elvis Presley was (possibly) named for a saint Elvis from Wales? Pgs.187-192
Jesus likes rides in little red wagons. Pgs. 87-94
God bends the rules. "That's the way Love is. That's the rule". Pgs. 123-128

We Came, We Saw, We Converted is a wonderful book of real and not so real stories of humor that teach a real moral or at least get you to think about your life in relation to yourself, your neighbor and God and how one might want to "shut up, go home and pray more". Pg.13. After listening to Fr. Joseph's podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio for so long and his recap of all the oldies on the radio, HE is my ear worm in this book. [...]

Fr. Joseph's third book is outstanding. If you are a fan of the Orthodixie blog or podcast on Ancient Faith Radio, you must purchase "We Came, We Saw, We Converted." Even if you are not already a fan of Fr. Joseph's internet ministries, you should still purchase "We Came, We Saw, We Converted." Fr. Joseph possesses a unique ability to make us laugh at ourselves and appreciate the people around us as we struggle together towards salvation. The stories in "We Came, We Saw, We Converted" will make you laugh at yourself, will help you avoid being critical of others, and will reassure you that there are many others out there experiencing the same joys and facing the same struggles common to the Orthodox experience in America. My personal favorite, "An Empty Church is a Peaceful Church," made me laugh until I almost cried. I am glad I took the time to read this book, and I expect you will feel the same way.