“Much more than a novella, Belov’s work is an allegory, a meditation, and a prayer. Its narrative and imagery bring the reader into another world, and linger in the mind long afterwards. An example of Christian literature in the best, classical sense, and proof that religious art is still possible in our culture. Highly recommended!”
—Dr. Lance Richey, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Professor of Theology, University of Saint Francis
“Mysteria reveals the greatest key to survival. It’s an inspiring read.”
—Mark Nysewander, teaching pastor, RiverStone Church, Kennesaw, Georgia
“In Mysteria of the Lord’s Passion, Leonid Belov demonstrates the power of entering into the Word of God, especially the Gospel account of the Passion of our salvation. Mysteria is an allegory about how God can work in our lives when we remove the focus from ourselves and surrender to Him.”
—Sister M. Anita Holzmer, OSF, Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration and Director of the Center for Franciscan Life, University of Saint Francis.
“Belov spins a simple yet familiar tale in such a manner that page by page, line by line, he draws the reader into the lives of the good folk of Rundschau. One discovers they, too, are among the crowd spellbound by the enactment of Mysteria. It is an engaging read of fear turned to hope, lives turned by faith.”
—Rev. Dr. William Deans, American Baptist minister
“Belov not only presents us with a delightful story, but offers us a remedy for the apathy of our age by demonstrating the power of the sacramental act, and of friendship, community, and faith. As a pastor, priest, and teacher, I highly recommend this book to readers both young and old.”
—Father James Krueger, founder and President, Mons Nubifer Sanctus
“The story is compelling, inspiring and heartwarming. It offers the reader a timely reminder of those once-in-a-lifetime seasons that shape our lives forever. I highly recommend it.”
—Gary Franklin, Teaching Pastor, Grace Church, Peachtree City, Georgia
“Mysteria is a fascinating tale of human response to life-threatening events that shake an entire community. Instead of despairing, the community becomes hopeful and active in their hope. Lives are forever changed as they join together to reenact the events of the passion of Christ. The story demonstrates how opening our minds to a deeper and greater understanding of the Divine can change the world and of what matters most in this journey of life.”
—Pastor Debora Crowley, High Priest and former Mission Center President, Community of Christ
“A narrated tale of life in the shadows of death, keenly focused upon friendship, loss, and self-discovery made possible by the intersection of heaven and earth in the passion of Christ. The Mysteria is chock-full of spiritual insight and surprise, none more so than “’Sometimes you need to die, and not just once,’ to grasp the fullness of God’s love.”
—Rev. Dr. John P. Gardner, senior pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana