Book Off the Press

I'm almost afraid to say it, but my book finally has been sent to press.  After more than six years, and so many re-writes that I cannot remember them all, it appears that my book may actually get published.

About two weeks ago, the Archbishop gave his blessing for me to fly to Greece to take my book to a printing press in Athens.  If all goes well, I should have a real, live printed and bound volume in my hands by January.

This project has been a labor of agony and ecstasy for so long that I can hardly believe it's almost over.  Now that the book has gone off to press, however, I am experiencing what every first-time author must feel--jitters about mistakes.  Now and then, I feel the urge to get out the final draft, read it again and try to "fix" it. I have to admit that I have sent several "fixes" to the press via e-mail since returning.

The Archbishop must be feeling something of the same anxiety because the other day he said to me, "Do you think there's time to say something more about so-and-so?"  When I said, "Well, it might be possible," he paused, then said hastily, "No, no. It's finished now.  We'll leave it as it is."

What's the book about? you ask. For now, I'll say only that I will send a full review in our next newsletter, but I will add that it is my hope that through this book, glory and praise will be given to God for the miraculous resurrection of the Orthodox Church of Albania that has occurred during the past twelve years under the faithful and visionary direction of Archbishop Anastasios.

       Please pray that all will go well with the printing process and that any mistakes will be caught before. the press run.