This thoughtful and insightful exploration of the remarkable resurgence of the Orthodox Church in Russia after the fall of Communism is well-researched and balanced in its approach. The author has visited Russia on many occasions and attempts to give an insider’s view, having talked to many officials of the Church as well as the faithful. He traces the often troubled history of the Church and examines how it withstood its suppression during Soviet times, and explores its current relationship with Putin and his government. The Orthodox Church has always played a vital role in Russian society and its current revival is no surprise. This is definitely a book for anyone interested in Russia and its history and literature, because without understanding Orthodoxy and its place in Russian life, both now and in the past, it’s just not possible to understand Russia. The book is perhaps a little too long but overall makes for some interesting and thought-provoking reading.

This outstanding book takes a look at orthodoxy in Russia today and its current and possible future effects on the country and its identity. I initially was hesitant about it because Burgess is a Protestant theologian, so I wondered how useful his insights on the religious and theological aspects of orthodoxy would be. But they are, I think, better for his interested and unprejudiced eye.

I loved how the richness of the Orthodox Church in so many aspects came through in the book. We see so much: church processions on holy days, publishing efforts, religious education of many types, and wonderful work to help others.

Burgess has lived in an visited Russia and is able to bring his experiences to the book. He's interviewed many people from what we'd call "celebrity priests" to everyday people of all kinds. This allows him to bring many different views of the church and its role in modern Russia into the book.

I loved his careful analysis and I think it has implications and lessons we can learn both in understanding Russia and in bringing back a Christian culture to the West.

Book received from Netgalley.

A very enjoyable book about the resurgence of the Orthodox Church in Russia. It discusses how they separate Church and State. How the patriarchs are bringing more people back into the church since the fall of Communism. As well as how much impact the church has on the everyday lives of people. The book is both a history as well as a theology book. I thought the book was well written and I will likely pick up a copy for my own shelves for research purposes.