Mother Maria Skobtsova (1891-1945) has emerged as one of the most fascinating religious figures of the twentieth century. As an Orthodox nun in Paris her home was at once a soup kitchen for the needy, a center for the renewal of Orthodox thought, and---under Nazi occupation---a haven for the rescue of Jews. For the latter cause she ended her life in a concentration camp. Like the Catholic Dorothy Day, her writings reflect her deep commitment to the gospel mandate that unites love of God and love of neighbor.
The introduction is by
Jim Forest, secretary of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, and author of many books including
Praying with Icons and
Confession: Doorway to Forgiveness