"THE WAY"

(An Introduction to the Orthodox Faith)

PREFACE 

Several years ago I had compiled a number of my studies, which had originally been written in German for poemantic purposes, as an aid for German visitors in Greece, who desired to learn about the Orthodox faith and tradition.  That book, “LEBEN IM LEIBE CHRISTI” (Life in the Body of Christ), Athens 1990, and its acceptance which had given rise to repeated editions, but also the coercion of spiritual children and friends, were the reasons behind my decision to repeat that endeavour in English as well. Thus, a series of my texts from the more recent years was compiled once again for a similar purpose – the presentation of various aspects of the magnitude called ORTHODOXY – this time translated into English, so that they might assist as an introduction to Orthodoxy for English readers.  The translation was undertaken by Mrs. K.N. and I am grateful for this. With this undertaking, she too has participated in the poemantic aspirations of this book, thus providing a considerable service to our fellow-man. For this, I ask God to reward her blessed labour as He sees fit.  I have also personally reviewed the translation as regards its theological terminology and I bear all responsibility for any vagueness or flaws therein.  I would also like to express my gratitude to a brother in Christ and comrade-in-arms, Mr. Thomas F. Dritsas ( former Moderator of the Orthodox Website www.oodegr.com ), for his addition of the valuable last chapter, as well as for the other helpful suggestions which he has provided for our readers. I pray that this book will fulfil the purpose of its compilation, which is none other than the spherical presentation of ORTHODOXY; that is, the Faith and the Life which were delivered to us by the Apostles of Christ and our Holy Fathers throughout the ages, as the successors and the continuers of their work. I also wish to thank the select friend and collaborator, Mr. Thomas Dritsas, a distinguished member of the Missionary team O.O.D.E. (Orthodox Outlet for Dogmatic Enquiries), who was kind enough to write the last Chapter of this book (Chapter 12), which provides valuable information for the reader. Finally, my thanks - but also my deep gratitude - are extended to the Sacred Nunnery of Saint Stephen at Meteora, for their willingness to undertake the publication of the book.  May the Lord God bless the significant missionary opus of the Holy Mother Superior of the Monastery and all the resident Nuns, and strengthen them in their labours for the preservation of our immaculate Faith.   Fr. George D. Metallinos Halandri, 20-10-2010 Memory of Saint Gerasimos of Cephallonia.

Page created: 30-8-2010.

Last update: 16-8-2023