Nikolai : Portrait of a Dilemma

William C. Fletcher’s Nikolai: Portrait of a Dilemma explores the complex relationship between the Soviet state and the Russian Orthodox Church, focusing on the life of Metropolitan Nikolai, a figure emblematic of this turbulent period. Published in 1968, the book delves into the violent conflicts and ideological struggles that characterized the interaction between religion and state power in the Soviet Union, highlighting Nikolai’s tragic fate as he navigated these treacherous waters. Through a detailed narrative, Fletcher examines the broader implications of religious schism for liberty in a repressive regime, offering insights into the personal and institutional dilemmas faced by those caught in this conflict.