Steps of Transformation: An Orthodox Priest Explores the Twelve Steps

I write this book review bearing in mind the "...many thousands of men and women [who] have recovered from alcoholism" (title page of the fourth edition, 'Alcoholics Anonymous').Father +Meletios [now abbot of a robust monastery of the OCA in northern California, formerly pastor of St. Elias Church in Santa Cruz, CA.] traces an Orthodox journey through the steps of recovery, which have sustained the lives of many whom we know and love. Of course, as critics hasten to add, the 12 steps are not for everyone. Father Mel is not of this opinion.The author's sympathetic view of Alcoholics Anonymous establishes the varied illnesses that might be grouped under a wide umbrella of addiction. He identifies these illnesses by "dimensions," such as money, food, addictive drugs, sex, time, and personal power. Misuse or abuse of any singular dimension might characterize the life events for many more persons outside of 12-step groups than of millions to have practiced the steps in a recovery program.The second chapter of the book deals with the illness of alcohol abuse through a lens, which the author calls the "icon of broken humanity." The icon of brokenness shared among all humankind reflects the author's view that alcohol abuse is not the cause of the disease. Instead, alcohol abuse is but a symptom of disease that is at once and the same time unique among fellow addicts and universal, as potential, across the human spectrum.He accepts the perspective of the "Big Book" that the physical or biochemical component of the disease is hereditary or otherwise determined. Moreover, at least early treatment of the disease necessitates abstinence according to the author, for the "drinking alcoholic" is the icon of brokenness. Without abstinence, the drinking alcoholic's desire to be known, a desire that is common to the human "self," cannot be cured. But with abstinence or "non-problem drinking," there is hope of recovery.Abstinence and "non-problem drinking"--ideas in this text-- would appear mutually contradictory especially for a self-diagnosed alcoholic. There is no wiggle room, some might add with merit, between zero tolerance (abstinence) and minimal tolerance ("rational" drinking) when it comes to alcohol consumption by an alcoholic. However, in fairness to this excellent text, the debate ought to be framed in an expanded view of the disease trajectory that is contained in Steps to Transformation. In short, any hesitance over the definition of abstinence exists only outside of AA literature. Nevertheless, the expanded view of the disease trajectory appears in every edition of the Big Book.Framed by what I call an expanded view both in AA literature and his own book, Father Mel would be ready to tackle the problem among Orthodox of consuming sacramental wine. However, the solution does not come in this book, but might well inspire the author to delve into later. Consuming one species, such as the Body of Christ in the host, or substituting un-fermented juice for wine--neither are alternatives for Orthodox Christians.For Orthodox Christians there is a practical parallel between the 12-steps and askesis, which is exemplified in the annual Lenten journey toward Pascha. An exchange of powerlessness--as confessed when neither closing the door on the past nor wishing to shut the door on it--for genuine sorrow that prevents never repeating a misdeed once confessed, appear in steps four, five, six, eight and nine in the Big Book. The author suggests that these steps might be taken at any time of the year, and do not require Lent to undertake.The role of the presbyter (priest) or monastic in guiding aspirants to sober living requires greater emphasis in this text. However, what mention the author makes of sponsorship and confession, or sponsorship and spiritual direction, will resonate with Orthodox readers. I believe that the author has accomplished a feat of no small means to speak of recovery by anecdotes that disclose the prevalence of alcohol abuse inside and outside the Church.Such stories make this book necessary reading by all adult Christian education programs across jurisdictions of Holy Orthodoxy. Priests and deacons in formation should read this text as part of mandatory Clinical Pastoral Education modules in seminary. Bishops need to address treatment by forming prevention programs that envelop principles of compatibility between the Church and Alcoholics Anonymous, which Father Mel entertains in this groundbreaking monograph.

This is probably the best book I have ever read on spirituality and recovery. It is right on the mark in every aspect. I have been in recovery for 17 years and found the information to be helpful and right in line with the teachings and philosophy of the AA program. There are some who hold the belief that recovery can happen through faith alone, that a 12 step recovery program somehow dilutes a persons faith. This book dispells that kind of belief and speaks to (at least) my experience and the experience of many others. It is stressed in the book that AA/12 step programs are not intended to replace religion or church. AA/12 step programs can and should be a bridge to a genuine faith and provide a greater understanding of the importance and benefits of a living faith.The descriptions provided in Part I are striking in their accuracy and would be good reading for non-addicted people such as family members to get a better understanding of the alcoholic/addicts mindset and the nature of the disease.AA/12 step programs may not be the answer for everyone, but it was the only thing that worked for me and millions of others. I highly recommend this book for those looking to broaden their spiritual understanding in the framework of recovery. Or put another way, those looking to do more work on the 11th Step.

This book is an excellent resource for the Orthodox priest or layperson who is not an alcoholic but who needs to work with and understand those who are. It is also a very good source for meditation for alcoholics who are Orthodox Christians; and for anyone who wants to know more about alcoholism, the nature of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Twelve Steps, and even about Orthodox Christianity. Every part of the book rings true. For those who are working the Twelve Steps in an AA group, at just about every page you will say, "Yes! Been there, done that!" But you will also see a deeper spiritual walk in Orthodoxy, augmenting the Big Book; and equally important, a stimulus for learning more about Orthodox Christianity, the ancient Christian ways of prayer, and a personal walk through the Twelve Steps that comes close in so many ways to the monastic tradition of Orthodoxy. The author of this book speaks directly from experience, both as a recovering alcoholic and also as abbot of an Orthodox monastery. Refreshing and helpful!

I wish I could give this 7 stars. Other five star reviews have expounded all the details of why this work is so thoroughly good so I won't go into that end of it. I'll just add my personal note as someone in recovery to another vice or two other than alcohol. This book digs deeper into the psychology and spirituality of recovery than anything I have read to date. As I was devouring these pages I came to understand why I wound up converting to Orthodoxy, but I also realized that while the spirituality that is distilled into the 12 steps may have roots in the Ancient Christianity it is universal in its healing power. I wish all my friends who are struggling with any sort of compulsive behavior could read this book. I also wish the loved ones of those friends could read it to better understand and support them in their struggle.Thank you so much Fr. Mel. This book is truly a gift. May God allow it to bring healing to many!!

Arrived on time in good condition, as described. I'm very happy with the purchase.

Very informative and insightful.

GREAT SERVICE, GREAT PRODUCT!

Okay but repetitive and difficult to follow. The author keeps taking the reader to other programs and it’s getting confusing.

Good