Charles Rodenbough was one of the featured authors at yesterday’s 2nd annual event for authors at the O. Henry Hotel. In the above photo, Mr. Rodenbough is holding one of his books, entitled, “Separated at Birth How I Found my Orthodox Twin… A Protestant’s Journey in the World of Orthodoxy.” After the fall of communism in Russia, Mr. Rodenbough made several trips from his home in Madison, NC to Russia, often visiting remote villages with orthodox monasteries and churches.  This devout Presbyterian from North Carolina helped the Russian Orthodox Church redefine itself in post-Communist Russia, once religion was again tolerated.

As one example, Mr. Rodenbough worked with the artists of Palekh, who had to cease making religious paintings during Communism. Since they could again paint religious-themed works of art, Mr. Rodenbough helped them navigate the complexities of a free-market economy. He found himself being received by not only religious figures but also mayors of towns and managed to thrive in these situations in spite of the fact that he does not speak Russian. These ventures and adventures are outlined in his book, featured above. Of local interest, Mr. Rodenbough was instrumental in bringing a Russian Orthodox Church to the Triad in 2005,  Holy Cross Orthodox Churc, located on Greensboro Road in High Point.

It was a pleasure getting the chance to talk to Mr. Rodenbough; he was one of twenty local writers at yesterday’s “Writers Meet Readers”  event. Hats off to the O. Henry Magazine and O. Henry Hotel for providing this great event, which was free and open to the public. And thank you, Mr. Rodenbough,  for sharing part of your spiritual journey with us. We look forward to reading the book!

*Read a brief biography of Mr. Rodenbough, here.