This is a paperback book that gives a basic background, history and summary of The Orthodox church. It is useful for Christians to understand a branch of Christianity (although they would say "the main and only trunk) and is useful for those studying Russian or Greek history or a number of other smaller areas to understand a dominant religion and sometimes a state religion.
I am not interested in offering rebuttal to the material. ( )

The book begins by giving a lot of fascinating history of the Orthodox Church. To me, as a western Christian, it makes a lot of sense to start with the history because it helps explain the eastern mindset a bit.. especially since the eastern church hasn't had the same controversies that helped form the western church. The book finishes up by briefly explaining how the Orthodox Church worships, sacramental and practical. ( )

Great overview of the Orthodox churches; there's not much to complain about. I would've liked a bit more theology, but you can't have everything. To my surprise, the twentieth century history bits were my favorites- what could easily have devolved into an 'oh how we were oppressed by evil communists' rant was very balanced and insightful. It's odd that someone with such a firm grasp on history can still claim that the Orthodox church practices Christianity as is was practiced during the age of the great councils, but no doubt there's a way to finesse the somewhat obvious differences between the national (dare I say nationalist?) churches of the present and the ideas of primitive Christianity. ( )

A little bit dated now, but still the standard and best introduction to the Orthodox Church for English-speakers. I hope Metropolitan Kallistos issues a third edition of the book. ( )

Great introduction to Eastern Orthodoxy. ( )