A Chorus of Faith

In honor of his career--his teaching and his scholarship--and his wide influence, among both scholars and nonacademic audiences, comes this Festschrift for Orthodox Christian theologian and ethicist Vigen Guroian. Guroian's depth and breadth are unique; he has made singular contributions to the fields of ethics and theology as well as composed popular works on gardening. He has compared Christian West and East in an irenic and illuminating fashion. He has engaged with political theology as well as with the greats of children's literature. To aptly honor Guroian, this Festschrift includes both personal remembrances and topical reflections within the various fields he has influenced.

"These fourteen essays honoring Vigen Guroian show how his re-invigoration of Orthodox faith and life exceeds that of any other American theologian than Alexander Schmemann. They cover the full extent of his work--from ecology and gardening to children's books and liturgics, as well as personal friendships. The chapters devoted to Guroian's treatment of marriage and sexuality are especially strong. There is no better place to encounter afresh the life and work of this remarkable man."
--Ralph C. Wood, emeritus professor of theology and literature, Baylor University

"To know Vigen is to have the good fortune of knowing one of the most interesting and lively characters one will ever meet. While his scholarship in many fields and his extensive writing on a variety of topics is impressive and ever fresh, it is Vigen's persona that sparkles and attracts. Vigen's directness and tendency to tell the truth--no matter its fallout--is legion, often startling to his listeners, but is especially appreciated by his audience. These traits are lovingly recalled in this volume of essays by those who (having benefited from his teaching and friendship) wish to convey their appreciation to Vigen for sharing with them the breadth of his insights and the depth of his wisdom."
--Annette Kirk, president emerita, Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal

"A glance at Vigen Guroian's wildly eclectic literary corpus--encompassing Orthodox theology, ethics, gardening, interpretation of children's literature--reflects a mind of uncommon imagination and breadth; but absolutely consistent in the conviction that to
witness to the reality of the kingdom of God necessarily embraces doing patristic exegesis
and hugging trees, immersion in symphonies and plunging hands into dirt. Like one of his
theological mentors, Alexander Schmemann, Guroian is convinced that to allow the
desiccating categories of 'sacred' and 'secular' to shape our perceptions of reality fundamentally contradicts the Orthodox insistence that the heavenly King is 'everywhere present and fills all things.' This collection of tributes to a beloved scholar, teacher, and friend brilliantly conveys the singular character of Vigen Guroian, and compels in the reader profound gratitude to its contributors for their fine representation."
--Warren Farha, founder and owner, Eighth Day Books

Carrie Frederick Frost is assistant professor of religion and culture at Western Washington University. She received a PhD in theology, ethics, and culture from the University of Virginia under the tutelage of Vigen Guroian. Frost is the author of Maternal Body (2019) and Church of Our Granddaughters (Cascade, 2023) and editor of book reviews for Journal of Orthodox Christian Studies.

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