Living Icons

“Plekon’s . . . assessment of Russian theologians who have played a leading role on the American church stage is illuminating and challenging. Fr. Plekon’s aim is to show the relevance of Orthodoxy as a living faith in the west, as well as in Russia and in this he succeeds to an exciting degree. Here is a book which contains strong theological argument, presented in a readable and stimulating way.” —Journal of Ecclesiastical History

“This gem of a book should be read by all. . . .I recommend without reserve this wonderful, well-written, spiritually enriching book: reading it is a like making a retreat. It shows how human goodness is the really interesting and exciting human story; it is evil that is dull.” —Orientalia Christiana Periodica

“His honest and open style is refreshing and reflective of many of the theologians he writes about. Catechists at all levels will be nourished by Living Icons and encouraged in their own struggles with people who are ‘literalists’ or exclusive in their understanding of Christ’s Gospel. Plekon’s Living Icons has a vision that is within its tradition yet beyond it. Those who believe that church unity is an important issue will find openness, willingness, and a creativity to find resolutions through dialogue about similarities.” —Living Light

“Written in nontechnical language and composed of chapters that can be appreciated individually, the book is an excellent choice for use in undergraduate as well as graduate courses dealing with modern Orthodoxy and modern Christianity generally. Theologically Plekon’s book is a signal contribution to a broader vision of Orthodoxy.” —Slavic Review

“This work offers a precious treasure, a presentation of the lives, work and engagements of these [living icons] presented in a remarkable spirit of sympathy and synthesis. This is a beautiful and important book.” —Contacts

“Living Icons is a well-written, well-researched book that gives a moving portrayal of the lives of these ten people without sentimentalizing them. It is essential reading for Orthodox Christians. . . ." —The Russian Review

“[I]t is heartening to encounter a significant new study by an Orthodox scholar and priest that hearkens back to a time when Orthodoxy infused creativity and inspiration, to the whole of the Christian Church. Plekon reflects the profound and perennial relevance of Eastern Christianity by examining the life and thought of 10 individuals of the twentieth century whose lives, rooted in the Orthodox faith, reveal a vibrant, living faith that is catholic and orthodox in the best sense of those terms.” —Cistercian Studies Quarterly

“[Plekon] provides fetching profiles of ten Orthodox figures. Telling the story through these lives, Father Plekon also provides an inviting introduction to an Orthodox world of piety, reflection, and radical devotion that is too little known in the West.” —First Things

“The author of this engaging book traces the spiritual journey of some of the most striking personalities of Orthodoxy of our time. . . . Through these witnesses, through their lives and work, this study reveals the true face of Orthodoxy and is at the same time an urgent appeal to today’s churches. . . [a] very beautiful book, full of spirit.” —Irenikon

“What he has to say is most always worth listening to, filled with anecdotes and pithy observations in which one catches something of his warm love for the church. And portraits of notable figures of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the twentieth century are interwoven with sage observations and insightful commentary on the state of Orthodoxy in the world and in America today. I think he has produced a splendid work.” —Theology Today