Book excerpt: The central theme of the Church provides the basis for the collection of statements and essays in this book. They were produced for various occasions and are designed to reach the lay Christian. Two or three of them, however, attempt to go deeper into the wonderful but complex mystery of the Church. Orthodox Christians will find them useful in considering some central perspectives of their ecclesiastical heritage. It will help non-Orthodox Christians to acquaint themselves with Orthodox ways of thinking concerning the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and, thus, facilitate contemporary dialogue and rapprochement. This provides starting-points for further thought, discussion and inquiry.