The Radiant Word leads the reader on a thoughtful pilgrimage through the major feasts of the Church Year, lighting the way into the mystery of Christ with Scripture and the Orthodox tradition of holy icons. These lively reflections by V.K. McCarty, author of the popular From Their Lips: Voices of Early Christian Women, explore the Gospel message underscoring God's radiant Word with explorations and insights bright with good news and eschatological hope. To the young priest is offered the invitation to preach these sermons; to the faithful is an invitation to enjoy the embrace of Christ through them and to be inspired to action in the world in the spirit of righteousness.  PRAISE FOR THE RADIANT WORD  Once, when I was ministering to a dying Russian believer in hospital, I laid out all the liturgical vessels necessary for Communion, and afterwards the man's wife helped me pack them away. Picking up a tiny enamel icon of the Virgin, she held it in the palm of her hand and said to me: 'This is so lovely. It is exactly how I know our Church is true and good.'  I felt the same with V.K. McCarty's lovely book of sermons. Like a radiant set of icons, their intrinsic beauty and grace speaks volumes about the living faith of the Church, and this preacher's spiritual fire which will warm the reader's heart. -- Revd Fr. John A. McGuckin, Nielsen Professor Emeritus, UTS /Columbia University, New York; Professor, Oxford University Faculty of Theology.