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"You do good when you type fast. I'm beginning to get the flavor. This is very good. Who's the big guy to read on this? (By "this" I guess I mean "sin, death, atonement in Orthodox Thought 101")"

Generally read the Cappadocian Fathers, +Symeon the new Theologian, +John of Damascus and of course +John Chrysostomos.

The "graffito" you mention is on the front of most Orthodox altar tables and is stamped into the leavened loaf we use for the consecration at the Divine Liturgy.

The "stomping" story you mention is from +john Chrysostomos' Pascal Sermon which is read at every Paschal resurrection Divine Liturgy in Orthodoxy. It is also graphically illustrated in the icon of the Resurrection.

Thanks. The "Grafitto" was on my set of emergency back-up stoles I got myself when I was ordained. It seemed to me to say it all. Then a friend sent me Chrysostom's sermon and it is on my bulletin board where I can read it often. Simply da BOMB!

THanks. Let me irritatingly impose one more time. Gimme some real live titles that a former shepherd (both spiritual and sho' 'nuff) and former LEO can afford. I'll read them happily. The little reading I've done among the orthodox has always been entirely excellent. I think I'll focus on reunion for Lent. I DO think we RCs have something, a lot, to offer, but I also feel a lack which I have a hunch can be filled by closer relations.

These are tough times. I know we need you, I dare say you need us. Wouldn't it just be great if we could work it out?