Making Martyrs East and West

Book Description

For spiritual seekers exploring the rich traditions of Christian sainthood, this scholarly investigation reveals fascinating differences beneath apparent similarities. Cathy Caridi embarks on a meticulous examination of how two major Christian traditions—Catholicism and Russian Orthodoxy—have developed their processes for recognizing martyrs and saints over the centuries.

While both churches honor many of the same individuals who sacrificed their lives for Christ, Caridi uncovers a compelling question: do these traditions truly share the same understanding of martyrdom and sainthood, or do identical terms mask fundamentally different approaches? Through careful analysis of official church documents and previously unexplored medieval Russian sources, she traces the evolution of canonization practices in both East and West.

This exploration goes beyond surface-level comparisons to examine the procedural requirements each church considers essential for saint recognition. Caridi investigates whether the theological foundations underlying these processes are genuinely equivalent or whether centuries of separate development have created distinct spiritual frameworks that prevent mutual recognition of saints between the traditions.

Written with accessibility in mind, this study offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding how different Christian communities have preserved and honored their spiritual heroes. The work provides a unique window into the complex relationship between Eastern and Western Christianity, revealing how shared reverence for martyrs can coexist with divergent theological approaches to recognizing holiness.