Reuniting Rome with the Orthodox
How the Great Schism Unfolded—and Might Yet Be Healed
Dmitri Solzhenitsyn author Laurent Cleenewerck editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Creed & Culture Books
Publishing:10th Dec '26
£20.99
This title is due to be published on 10th December, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
A scrupulously fair exploration of how the Catholic and Orthodox churches were split asunder—and what a path to union might look like.
In Reuniting Rome with the Orthodox Dmitri Solzhenitsyn provides a careful theological and historical reflection on the prospects for full communion between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. He argues that unity is a moral and practical necessity, and that the obstacles standing in its way, though formidable, are more surmountable than they might seem.
With balance and precision, Solzhenitsyn:
- traces the arc of Orthodox–Catholic relations from the churches’ shared apostolic heritage to their growing divergence to the Great Schism of 1054;
- contends that the breakdown was ultimately fueled as much by a failure to practice love and charity as by doctrinal conflict; and
- finds hope for unity in the gradually warming relations between the churches seen since the twentieth century, as evidenced by symbolic reciprocal gestures and genuine theological breakthroughs.
Solzhenitsyn ends by offering a constructive vision for reunion, focusing on the core theological obstacles of papal authority and the filioque while also addressing broader Orthodox attitudes and the practical mechanics of reunion. In the end, he calls readers, Orthodox and Catholic alike, both to imagine what restored communion might look like in lived experience and to work—and pray—for unity.
"Dmitri Solzhenitsyn's work is an important contribution to the ecumenical dialogue taking place in our world. I hope that these writings will help convince people of goodwill that unity is not only a possibility but a paramount necessity for all who seek to live in faithful obedience to Christ's will. The metaphor of Pope St. John Paul II reminds us that the Church is a body with two lungs, the West and the East. Our Church, to be fully alive and spiritually healthy, needs to breathe with both lungs. This valuable text invites us to reflect on our responsibility for the path forward." —Cardinal Sean O'Malley
“An attentive and well-balanced reading of the history of the separation of the churches of East and West, this remarkable book offers a refreshingly hopeful contribution to the work of bringing to fulfillment Christ’s prayer that ‘they all may be one.’” —William Henn OFM Cap, author of The Honor of My Brothers: A Brief History of the Relationship Between Pope and Bishops an Professor Emeritus of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome
“Solzhenitsyn offers fresh insight into the schism between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, providing a comprehensive, candid, accessible and admirable overview of church divisions. This book is a provocative, albeit painful reminder of the treasures and traditions that the two ‘sister churches’ share—and also of the long journey toward unity that lies ahead.” —John Chryssavgis, Executive Director, Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross
“Solzhenitsyn presents to the reader everything needed to understand both the current state and possible future of Catholic–Orthodox relations. His incisive analysis of recent dialogues on the filioque and the primacy, provide him the theological foundations necessary for what comes next: suggestions for concrete steps necessary to heal these ancient wounds. I can only hope this book gets the wide readership it so richly deserves." —A. Edward Siecienski, author of The Filioque: History of a Doctrinal Controversy and The Papacy and the Orthodox: Sources and History of a Debate
“While adequately and objectively covering the history, this book actually deals with attempts and proposals for healing the Schism. That is of vital importance, since apart from solving differences, reunification, if it is to succeed, will require a conversion of heart by the faithful.” —Metropolitan Petros of Axum
“I applaud Dmitri Solzhenitsyn’s bold call for reunification of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, his analysis of how the lamentable divisions occurred, and his proposals for the way forward to renewed unity. This is indeed required by our shared obedience to Our Lord, who before his death prayed that we should be one as He and the Father are one (John 17:11). It is also necessary if we are to face joyfully together the vast challenges of the world today.” —Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe,O.P.
ISBN: 9781967613236
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
272 pages