Holy Cross Connection, Spiritual Gems from the Holy Cross Bookstore Spiritual Gems From The Holy Cross Bookstore, # 8: Fr. Patrick Viscuso - Guide for a Church under Islam
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Mar 26, 2025 Fr. Patrick Viscuso, a Greek Orthodox priest and expert in Byzantine canon law, shares his insights on the significance of his translation, *Guide for a Church Under Islam*. He unpacks the twelve-century document's reflections on ancient Christian practices amidst Islamic rule. Fr. Patrick discusses controversial interpretations and the relevance of pastoral guidance for today's church. He emphasizes the importance of reading canonical texts within their historical context and encourages lay readers to deepen their understanding of church history through these works.
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Canons As Living Pastoral Tools
- Fr. Patrick translates Byzantine canonical texts to help the modern Church appropriate its canonical tradition.
- He argues canons apply divine truth incarnationally to everyday life, not as dry laws.
A Pastoral Manual From Exile
- The 66 questions stem from a 12th-century pastoral manual addressing a patriarch under Islamic rule.
- Balsamon framed answers used for centuries as practical guidance across the Orthodox world.
Avoid Anachronistic Judgments
- Balsamon's rulings reflect 12th-century context and can appear intolerant if read anachronistically.
- Fr. Patrick urges placing such statements in their historical and cultural setting.
