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

by Marco Guglielmi (Author)

In this case study, Marco Guglielmi develops a theory of 'diaspora religion as glocal religion.' Building a framework of religion and migration, he explores specifically the experience of the Romanian Orthodox church in Italy as an example of Eastern Christianity in Western Europe. Highlighting variations in practice and belief, the book brings to light the hitherto neglected socio-cultural and religious facets of Orthodox communities in countries that are largely defined by other religious traditions.

Back Jacket

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.

Author Biography

Marco Guglielmi is a Research Fellow at the University of Padua, Italy. His research interests include Orthodox Christianity, religion and migration, and interreligious dialogue.