The Romanian Orthodox Diaspora in Italy: Eastern Orthodoxy in a Western European Country

Description

This book provides a sociological understanding of transformations within Eastern Orthodoxy and the settlement of Orthodox diasporas in Western Europe. Building a fresh framework on religion and migration through the lenses of religious glocalization, it explores the Romanian Orthodox diaspora in Italy as a case study in the experience of Eastern Orthodoxy in a Western European country. The research brings to light the Romanian Orthodox diaspora’s reshaping of the more customary social traditionalism largely spread within Eastern Orthodoxy. In its position as an immigrant group and religious minority, the Romanian Orthodox diaspora develops socio-cultural and religious encounters with the receiving environment and engages with certain contemporary challenges. This book refutes the vague image of Orthodox Christianity as a monolithic religious system composed of passive religious institutions, rather showing current Orthodox diasporas as flexible agents marked by dynamic features. Preface Acknowledgments Praise for The Romanian Orthodox Diaspora in Italy Contents List of Tables Chapter 1: Introduction Summary Framing Religious Glocalization Exploring Diaspora Religions as Glocal Religions A Sociological Approach to Orthodox Christianity The Eastern Orthodox Diaspora(s) Research Design and Book Contents Methodology Conclusion: Orthodox Diasporas as Glocal Religions References Chapter 2: The Dis/Continuity of the Orthodox-Scape in Italy Summary A Historical Overview on Orthodoxy in Italy A Sociological Perspective on Orthodoxy in Italy The Orthodox Christian Jurisdictions in Italy The Establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Diaspora in Italy Places of Worship of Romanian Orthodoxy in Italy Conclusion: Local Orthodox Diasporas as a Religioscape References Chapter 3: The Settlement of an (Eastern) Latin Church in a (Western) Latin Country Summary Romanian Orthodox Clerics in Italy Religious Activities of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Italy Pastoral Activities of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Italy Social Work and Engagement of Romanian Orthodoxy in Italy Orthodox-Catholic Relations in Italy Conclusion: Romanian Orthodox Parishes as Religious Glocalities References Chapter 4: Entanglement and Forms of Orthodox Transnationalism in Italy and Beyond Summary Framing Multiple Religious Glocalizations Church-State Relations Institutional Forms of Transnationalism of Romanian Orthodoxy Transnational Forms of Religious Practice of Romanian Orthodoxy Shaping a European Orthodox Identity Conclusion: Romanian Orthodoxy as a Transnational Religion References Chapter 5: Epilogue: The ‘Living Tradition’ of Eastern Orthodoxy in Italy References References Index