Overview

For centuries, Catholics in the Western world and the Orthodox in Russia have venerated certain saints as martyrs. In many cases, both churches recognize as martyrs the same individuals who gave their lives for Jesus Christ. On the surface, it appears that while the external liturgical practices of Catholics and Russian Orthodox may vary, the fundamental theological understanding of what it means to be a martyr, and what it means to canonize a saint, are essentially the same. But are they? In Making Martyrs East and West, Caridi examines how the practice of canonization developed in the West and in Russia, focusing on procedural elements that became established requirements for someone to be recognized as a saint and a martyr. She investigates whether the components of the canonization process now regarded as necessary by the Catholic Church are fundamentally equivalent to those of the Russian Orthodox Church and vice versa, while exploring the possibility that the churches use the same terminology and processes but in fundamentally different ways that preclude the acceptance of one church's saints by the other. Caridi examines official church documents and numerous canonization records, collecting and analyzing information from several previously untapped medieval Russian sources. Her highly readable study is the first to focus on the historical documentation on canonization specifically for juridical significance. It will appeal to scholars of religion and church history, as well as ecumenicists, liturgists, canonists, and those interested in East-West ecumenical efforts.

Full Product Details

9781501768248

Table of Contents

Reviews

The book discusses what a martyr is, the method by which they are recognized and added to the calendar, and the authority which is able to do this. Without a clear understanding[,] there is a risk that the mutual recognition of saints might produce some initial goodwill but would create greater problems and suspicion in the longer term. * Journal of Theological Studies *

Author Information

Cathy Caridi holds pontifical degrees in both Latin and Eastern canon law. She practices law and teaches in Rome and maintains a canon-law blog, Canon Law Made Easy.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available