Lawrence R. Farley

I found this book to be a nice introduction into how the Church has come from Apostolic times, the establishment of the Episcopacy, it's relation to other orders (presbyters and deacons), and its eventual growth from the intimate communities of the early centuries to the present manifestation.

This may be a misread on my part, but I felt a deep lament in the work as the author progressed from the concept of early Bishops as "of the people, by the people, for the people", to one which has become more rigid and distanced in structure, formalized and made more aggrandized, as though this progression has somehow stinted the role of the Episcopacy. I personally do not believe this to be so. It is different for certain, but not damaged or stinted. Has this growth of two millennia harmed Apostolic Tradition or Succession? I would definitely think not.

One point which came across well is that of the accessibility of a Bishop to his diocese in the present; whilst the ancient practice of having a Bishop presiding over every Liturgy and sacramental experience for one given community and living with them all the time is no longer practical, it will do well for the Church going forward to have the diocesan Bishop meet with parishes more frequently, and as Fr. Lawrence put it, not only on those "special" occasions with fanfare and dinners, but for a simple weekend visit, when normal parish services and activities can just resume and the pastor can move amidst his flock. I've heard of stories in my youth where a Bishop visited a small parish and served Vespers as a chanter on the kliros (choir) that evening. It's a beautiful image.

I personally over the last 40 years have witness an enormous change in interactions with Bishops and parishes, most notably in the frequency of visits, but also in the accessibility of the people to their spiritual pastor. This book appears to also reflect this, in the final observations in the "Practical Conclusions" chapter. As a child I would always remember the announcement "Vladyka is coming!" to be met with white faces and fear. I pray this will change, and we will see our Bishops more in a spirit of loving children who miss their earthly father.

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Matushka Olga was the wife of a Yupik priest in an Alaskan village. She was not only mother to her own eight surviving children, but also spiritual mother to those in her parish. Olga served quietly, working as midwife in her village and constantly caring for the needy. She had a special gift in working with those who suffered abuse, especially sexual abuse. After her repose on November 8, 1979, many people experienced her coming to them in dreams, bringing her healing gifts. Matushka Olga’s sanctity reveals the possibilities for genuine theosis and holiness, even for those living in the world.… (más)