Rating: 
Summary: Don't Dismiss This Book Too Quickly
Review: As a Christian who is not Orthodox, but studies and is sympathetic to Orthodox beliefs and practices, I struggled with this book. It's frustrating when non-believers critique Christian topics because their very non-belief renders them unable to understand Christian life and culture. But since believers often can't or won't provide useful critiques of faults in Christian organizations and practices, who else but non-believers like Victoria Clark will do the job?Yes, Clark drags up embarrassing or even repulsive incidents in Orthodox history and paints an unflattering portrait of many of the priests, monks and nuns she encounters on her 18-month "pilgrimage" through several Orthodox countries. But by the end of the book Clark seems more sympathetic to the plight of a 2,000 year old body of believers who have suffered centuries of Islamic and, to a lesser extent, Western European dominance and persecution. Clark positively describes the growing vitality and energy associated with monastic communities in countries she visits. And she describes, although a little grudgingly, warm encounters with Orthodox clergy and lay people. A theme Clark explores which also troubles me is the tendency of contemporary Orthodox churches to emphasize nationalistic and even militaristic, as opposed to Christian, agendas. The seeming lack of Orthodox interest in missionary endeavors and converts is also disappointing, but seems consistent with the xenophobia Clark exposes among some Orthodox. It seems many Orthodox are more interested in maintaining their separateness, keeping their wounds unhealed and playing the martyr than building on and attracting converts to their community. If Orthodoxy offers the prospect of a superior lifestyle and superior way to worship and know God, which I believe it may, then why don't Orthodox more enthusiastically display this side of their faith to "outsiders" - or in some cases even their own nominal adherents? Then perhaps Orthodox, particularly in Russia, could stop whining about Catholics and Protestants "stealing" from their flock. The Apostles certainly were not afraid to competitively demonstrate the superiority of their faith in the religious hodgepodge of the Roman Empire. Clark's non-belief is humorous is some ways. Several times she marvels how some "coincidence" allows her to meet just the right person or make just the right connection to propel her research to a new insight. A Christian wouldn't be so surprised by such "coincidences". Near the end, reflecting on some of the admirable Orthodox she encountered, Clark writes, "They made me wish I could believe as they did." Poor Victoria Clark... another soul unable to move beyond her dead end belief in postmodern, secular humanism. I do not recommend this book as your only source for information about Orthodox history and current affairs, much less theology and beliefs. But Orthodox and would-be-Orthodox should read it and ponder Clark's points as should anyone wanting to better understand the political situation in Orthodox nations.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Dismiss This Book Too Quickly
Review: As a Christian who is not Orthodox, but studies and is sympathetic to Orthodox beliefs and practices, I struggled with this book. It's frustrating when non-believers critique Christian topics because their very non-belief renders them unable to understand Christian life and culture. But since believers often can't or won't provide useful critiques of faults in Christian organizations and practices, who else but non-believers like Victoria Clark will do the job? Yes, Clark drags up embarrassing or even repulsive incidents in Orthodox history and paints an unflattering portrait of many of the priests, monks and nuns she encounters on her 18-month "pilgrimage" through several Orthodox countries. But by the end of the book Clark seems more sympathetic to the plight of a 2,000 year old body of believers who have suffered centuries of Islamic and, to a lesser extent, Western European dominance and persecution. Clark positively describes the growing vitality and energy associated with monastic communities in countries she visits. And she describes, although a little grudgingly, warm encounters with Orthodox clergy and lay people. A theme Clark explores which also troubles me is the tendency of contemporary Orthodox churches to emphasize nationalistic and even militaristic, as opposed to Christian, agendas. The seeming lack of Orthodox interest in missionary endeavors and converts is also disappointing, but seems consistent with the xenophobia Clark exposes among some Orthodox. It seems many Orthodox are more interested in maintaining their separateness, keeping their wounds unhealed and playing the martyr than building on and attracting converts to their community. If Orthodoxy offers the prospect of a superior lifestyle and superior way to worship and know God, which I believe it may, then why don't Orthodox more enthusiastically display this side of their faith to "outsiders" - or in some cases even their own nominal adherents? Then perhaps Orthodox, particularly in Russia, could stop whining about Catholics and Protestants "stealing" from their flock. The Apostles certainly were not afraid to competitively demonstrate the superiority of their faith in the religious hodgepodge of the Roman Empire. Clark's non-belief is humorous is some ways. Several times she marvels how some "coincidence" allows her to meet just the right person or make just the right connection to propel her research to a new insight. A Christian wouldn't be so surprised by such "coincidences". Near the end, reflecting on some of the admirable Orthodox she encountered, Clark writes, "They made me wish I could believe as they did." Poor Victoria Clark... another soul unable to move beyond her dead end belief in postmodern, secular humanism. I do not recommend this book as your only source for information about Orthodox history and current affairs, much less theology and beliefs. But Orthodox and would-be-Orthodox should read it and ponder Clark's points as should anyone wanting to better understand the political situation in Orthodox nations.
Rating: 
Summary: One reporter's view
Review: For most westerners, Eastern Orthodoxy, if they consider it at all, is a riddle wrapped up in an enigma. I'm one of those westerners. Living in Turkey made me curious to know more about these enduring adherents to the Christian faith, and that led me to pick up Victoria Clark's book. She traces her physical journey from Mount Athos, a monastery and holy shrine off the coast of Greece, through Eastern Europe to Siberia and back to Istanbul. At the same time, she weaves into the narrative the historical "journey" of eastern Christianity from grand Byzantium through the schism of 1054 and into the present day of monastic revival and nationalism. Her main thesis is that the schism of 1054, which divided the western and eastern churches, was a catastrophe of history that is still being played out today. In addition she sharply criticizes the tendency of the Orthodox churches to get involved in nationalist politics, the so-called "philetism" wing, while praising the "hesychast" movement of mystic piety. These are the fallen angels to which the title refers. Indeed it's her analysis of philetism that is the most chilling and eye-opening, complete with quotes out of the mouths of supposed holy men and women that truly chill the blood. On the other hand, Clark gives ample space to the more winsome and moderate people she encounters on her visits to monasteries and church offices, albeit at times with a patronizing "what a cute monk" tone. She is a good storyteller, which keeps the history and political analysis rooted in the present and lively. The reviews on this site have been largely negative but it seems to me that they mistake the book for an academic study. It is rather a personal encounter with Orthodox Europe (not necessarily Orthodox doctrine), and that will appeal to some while obviously leaving others wanting more. However if you want to explore the East-West split, it's necessary to acknowledge the real reactions western people have when coming into contact with Orthodoxy, is it not? Such books are necessary and timely. Right now the world is occupied by the bloody collision of Muslim fundamentalism with the West, but at the same time Slobodan Milosevic sits at the Hague spinning similar tales that the West "has it in for" Orthodoxy. As Clark points out, his tales may find some resonance in a large segment of the world's population. Up until now, this religious culture has been hidden from our attention largely by the Iron Curtain and the veil of the Middle East, but that is bound to change as Europe seeks to expand and unify. Clark's book is about this decade's conflicts, but may actually end up being ahead of its time. We can hope that others will pick up the study and provide deeper analysis.
Rating:
Summary: One reporter's view
Review: For most westerners, Eastern Orthodoxy, if they consider it at all, is a riddle wrapped up in an enigma. I'm one of those westerners. Living in Turkey made me curious to know more about these enduring adherents to the Christian faith, and that led me to pick up Victoria Clark's book. She traces her physical journey from Mount Athos, a monastery and holy shrine off the coast of Greece, through Eastern Europe to Siberia and back to Istanbul. At the same time, she weaves into the narrative the historical "journey" of eastern Christianity from grand Byzantium through the schism of 1054 and into the present day of monastic revival and nationalism. Her main thesis is that the schism of 1054, which divided the western and eastern churches, was a catastrophe of history that is still being played out today. In addition she sharply criticizes the tendency of the Orthodox churches to get involved in nationalist politics, the so-called "philetism" wing, while praising the "hesychast" movement of mystic piety. These are the fallen angels to which the title refers. Indeed it's her analysis of philetism that is the most chilling and eye-opening, complete with quotes out of the mouths of supposed holy men and women that truly chill the blood. On the other hand, Clark gives ample space to the more winsome and moderate people she encounters on her visits to monasteries and church offices, albeit at times with a patronizing "what a cute monk" tone. She is a good storyteller, which keeps the history and political analysis rooted in the present and lively. The reviews on this site have been largely negative but it seems to me that they mistake the book for an academic study. It is rather a personal encounter with Orthodox Europe (not necessarily Orthodox doctrine), and that will appeal to some while obviously leaving others wanting more. However if you want to explore the East-West split, it's necessary to acknowledge the real reactions western people have when coming into contact with Orthodoxy, is it not? Such books are necessary and timely. Right now the world is occupied by the bloody collision of Muslim fundamentalism with the West, but at the same time Slobodan Milosevic sits at the Hague spinning similar tales that the West "has it in for" Orthodoxy. As Clark points out, his tales may find some resonance in a large segment of the world's population. Up until now, this religious culture has been hidden from our attention largely by the Iron Curtain and the veil of the Middle East, but that is bound to change as Europe seeks to expand and unify. Clark's book is about this decade's conflicts, but may actually end up being ahead of its time. We can hope that others will pick up the study and provide deeper analysis.
Rating:
Summary: Good effort, but bias
Review: I brought this book during my geneology project. I wanted to know more about the countries that some of my ancestors called home and their traditions (especially religious) Unfortunately, although this book was easy to read, the author seemed to bash Eastern Europe. For me, it was saddening. I wanted to know more about my history and didnt find anything too pretty in this book. Maybe the truth just hurts, but I am moving on to some other books about Eastern Europe and Orthodoxy to get another opinion. This was disappointing as the first book I read on Eastern Europe. The author did work hard though, and I did learn at least one side of the story, so I have to give some credit.
Rating:
Summary: Don't start here with the Orthodox Church
Review: I would agree with those who find the author woefully uneducated about her topic and would thus not recommend the book for those who are just starting to learn about the world of Orthodoxy. Still, her experiences do make an interesting read and you learn things dispite her biased interpretations. He doesn't cover exactly the same turf, but those looking for a meatier and more knowledgable account might try "From the holy Mountain: A Journey Among Christians of the Middle East" by William Dalrymple
Rating: 
Summary: Real Life, Not Ideal
Review: Ms Clarks work is first and foremost an enjoyable and fun book to read, youll find yourself flipping page after page. As for the criticism youll see in the other reviews, Ill help you out. Theyre complaining that a book about roses doesnt talk about sunflowers. They say she doesnt write a scholarly academic book, She Doesnt Claim To! They say her book isnt a good introduction to the Orthodox Christian Faith, She never said it WAS!! She is a journalist and a rather average mind reflecting a rather average secular west euro point of view, all of which she tells you up front and honestly. Thats good , all Orthodox who read this book should take to heart how you are seen by such a person. Her book is about Nationalism and Mysticism in the Eastern Euro mindset, written in a popular not academic style(thank god!) illustrated by encounters with average Orthodox. If you want an intro to the Orthodox Faith try Timothy Ware The Orthodox Church, this book is about average people in real life not about an Orthodox ideal. P.S. the reviewer who said Ms Clark is part of an organized effort to smear the Orthodox proves the books point exactly
Rating: 
Summary: writing is very average and dull
Review: The author means well but this is a very simple and boring book. I agree with the reviewer who said you must read William Dalrymple's FROM THE HOLY MOUNTAIN. He is not an eastern orthodox christian but his writing is humorous and he is an amazing travel and historic writer who respects every culture he writes about.. be it the Indian Djinns or Muslims..you will learn alot unlike this book which I agree with others is mediocre and lacks a good read. As far as the authors argument of why orthodox christians lack missionary work .The Catholic and Orthodox churches have had huge conversions from the Protestant church.That number answers her question.
Rating: 
Summary: "not altogether academically sound"
Review: There is a saying in Greece that translates roughly into "a priest should be a priest and a mule-owner a mule-owner". What it means in plain English is that a priest should be and act like one and a laic (non-priest) likewise. Ms Clark is a journalist who has ventured into an eminently difficult academic field without the background, discipline and method of an academic. If she had stuck to the "travelogue" part, her book would have been [with another title] an interesting read. She writes well and most people would be interested in how another person felt when travelling through such culturaly rich and aestheticaly pleasing lands. The "academic" part is another matter. The Patriach was kind enough to answer her questions, but when meeting him Ms. Clark felt as a pupil whose topic was interesting but "not altogether academically sound". Ironically one could not describe this book in better terms. Ms. Clark tries to understate the hellenic (greek) character of Byzantium. The word "Romaioi" on which she mostly basis this is the ancient Greek, scripture Greek and modern Greek word for "Romans". What she may not know is that Greeks have been calling themselves "Romioi" for centuries. She also overstates the "religious nationalism" or Phyletism (this translates into "tribalism" in Greek) aspect. Nationalism that goes beyond healthy national pride does exist but it is quite limited to few uneducated individuals in Greece. Outside Greece this was nothing but a reflex reaction to violent change. Overall such amateurish attempts to introduce Orthodoxy to the layman are quite damaging as the average non-Orthodox (or non academically knowledgable)reader would get a very misguided idea of our faith. Ms. Clark reminded me of an incompetent professor I know who is very good at lecturing but who does not realy understand what he is saying.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for policy makers
Review: Victoria Clark is a reporter, not a specialist, let loose in an area she is not always competent to analyze. Yet that's precisely what most westerners are when they plunge into the countries nurtured by the Christian East. People in the west (including the US State Department) often assume that religion is of marginal importance in these places. Clark proves them wrong, in lively and readable prose. Her reactions are predictable, even naive at times to those with experience in East Europe. The justification for western attitudes seems self evident to her. Yet even for an Orthodox Slav like myself, she is an excellent indicator of the hidden gaps in communication between east and west. This book is a must for anyone interested in the Balkans or Russia. I hope those who make policy read it, and then decide to go further in understanding the phenomena and places she discusses. (It's also a great book for Orthodox Christians who want to know how they're seen by others--and who want some insight into where their own darkest weaknesses lie.)
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