Speaking the Truth in Love: On Education, Mission and Witness in Contemporary Orthodoxy

These collected lectures were written during Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko’s decade as dean of St Vladimir’s Seminary from 1992 to 2002, and all deal with what it means for Orthodox Christians to speak and to act in a loving manner in societal and ecclesiastical settings, particularly in twentieth-century North America. Especially relevant are his remarks regarding education and spiritual formation in Orthodox theological schools: his historical background regarding the formation of Orthodox seminaries in the United States is enlightening. In an effort to dispel misconceptions, he also presents readers with an insightful view of Orthodox participation in ecumenical activities. Additionally, he comments on the relationship between clergy and laity and makes some pertinent observations about the challenges to the Church in post-modern and post-communist societies. The thread holding these essays together is St Paul’s admonition to speak the truth in love and to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ (Eph 4.15).