In partnership with the Holy Cross Orthodox Press of Hellenic College, the FAITH Endowment is pleased to announce it is sponsoring the distribution of the first-ever English translation of Answers to Liturgical Questions by Iōannēs M. Phountoulēs to parishes throughout the USA. FAITH was the lead funder of the translation and publication costs for this monumental work. In commemoration of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs and as part of the Endowment’s 20th anniversary celebration, FAITH will also fund the distribution of a complimentary complete six-volume set to each Greek Orthodox parish in the United States upon request.
The Answers to Liturgical Questions series has long been recognized as the preeminent resource and gold standard in Greek Orthodox liturgical and theological education; until now, it was only available in modern Greek. With the release of the English translation, the series is now accessible to a broader audience seeking canonical information on Orthodox liturgical practices and theology. The series addresses an expansive range of topics and questions through historical context, theological references and primary source materials. According to His Grace Bishop Anthony (Vrame), Director of Holy Cross Orthodox Press, “Professor Phountoulēs sought to make the development of Greek Orthodox liturgy comprehensible to clergy, so that they in turn could make the faithful’s experience of worship more meaningful. Having these volumes in English can serve the same purpose for our Church today.”
The series author, Iōannēs M. Phountoulēs (1927-2007), was a Greek theologian and prolific scholar of Orthodox liturgy. As Professor of Liturgics and Homiletics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Phountoulēs dedicated over three decades to studying, preserving, and revitalizing liturgical life, particularly through his in-depth research and study of historical liturgical manuscripts.
The English edition also includes a new comprehensive index and glossary, allowing clergy and theologians to easily navigate its vast coverage of liturgical topics. It features over 5,000 footnotes providing detailed explanations and context for the original Greek terms and discusses historical practices. The translation from the original Greek texts was led by Fr. Patrick Viscuso, John Margetis, and His Grace Bishop Anthony (Vrame) of Synada, and a team of others over the span of five years. The set is also available for purchase at the Holy Cross Bookstore. Additional funding for the translation of the series was provided by the Melonakos Family of Michigan.
FAITH’s continued support of various educational initiatives, such as funding the publication and distribution of Answers to Liturgical Questions, ensures that future generations of clergy and laity understand the practices of the Greek Orthodox faith thereby advancing the understanding of Orthodox theology and liturgical practices in the United States and English-speaking Orthodox communities of the world. Since its founding 20 years ago, FAITH has made landmark contributions that have helped shape the Hellenic-American and Greek Orthodox communities. This includes awarding over 2,000 college scholarships and grants to aspiring young leaders, sponsoring scholarships for the National Finalists of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, funding the publication of Greek language instructional books, partnering with the Fulbright Foundation of Greece to promote U.S.-Greece scholarly exchanges, and much more.
Clergy can request a free six-volume set for their parish by completing the form at: thefaithendowment.org/requestbooks- all requests must be received by February 21, 2025.
Images courtesy of Holy Cross Bookstore