Dimitri's Cross

The Life and Letters of St. Dimitri Klepinin, Martyred During the Holocaust

By: Helen Arjakovsky-Klepinine

Narrated by: Kristina Wenger

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

In February of 1943, Fr. Dimitri Klepinin, an Orthodox priest serving the Russian emigre community in occupied Paris, was arrested by the Nazis for issuing false baptismal certificates to Jews. One year later, he died in the concentration camp at Dora, near Buchenwald - a camp known as "the Man-Eater".

Father Dimitri, an associate of Mother Maria Skobtsova, was glorified by the Orthodox Church on January 16, 2004. In this volume, his daughter, born only five years before his arrest, lovingly tells the story of her father's life: his early search for faith and meaning in a life upended by revolution and exile; his decision to enter the priesthood; his devotion to his wife and children; his sacrificial service to his parish at the rue de Lourmel; and his heroic decision to do all within his power to save the Jews who came to him desperate for protection from the growing Nazi menace.

The final section of the book consists of Fr. Dimitri's letters to his wife from his initial confinement at Compiegne. In these letters we glimpse the humble, dauntless spirit of a man whose reliance on Christ was absolute and whose devotion to serving his fellowman did not waver, even to the grave.

©2008 Helen Arjakovsky-Klepinine (P)2020 Helen Arjakovsky-Klepinine

Dimitri's Cross a book for everyone

Dimitri’s Cross is an amazing book. The narrator was fantastic; very clear and easy to understand, as there were a lot of footnotes this was more helpful than normal. There are two parts to this book, one section told by his daughter, the author, and then many of his letters written to his wife.

The subject matter is hard, but the story is needed. Father Dimitri had such love for his family and it is obvious in both parts of this book. He often referred to his famly as puppies and birds and it was so sweet and so endearing. In many cases it might be almost thick with sugar but from Fr. Dimitri it was so normal and showed the love he had with his family.

I have read many books from this sad time in our history most with detail on the Auschwitz camp or even the priest block at Dachau, but this was completely different. Not only does this give great detail on Father Dimitri but also on Mother Maria Skobtsova. There are other books on Mother Maria but it was so wonderful to hear talk of them both in one writing.

I cannot recommend this book enough, and I do believe it should be required reading for all priests and religious. It is not a horribly long book but one i recommend slowly reading to take in all the details of this great saint

Dimitri's Cross

I’ve never heard of St Dimitri Klepinin prior to this audiobook so I am beyond happy to have been able to hear about his life.  His daughter is both the author and narrator and I can feel her desire to want to be thorough and accurate.  You can tell that she took her responsibility to tell her father’s story very seriously. The preface begins by her saying “It is not easy being the daughter of a Priest and Saint” which right away allowed me to understand how heavy this responsibility of making her father’s story known accurately as well as to stay objective was to her.  She put so much research and effort into writing St. Dimitiris’ life story and I truly appreciated that.  However, that being said, the first half is historically heavy.  Not necessarily a negative thing, especially since I learned a lot through her research and historical background to that time but I did lose track at some points.  There were times that I had to go back and forth several times because I couldn’t keep track of all the names and what role they played in all of this.  Perhaps this being my first audiobook also contributed to my confusion a bit.  Again, a lot of important information here and I wouldn’t want this to turn anyone away from wanted to read about St. Dimitri.  I believe it is important to read about all different types of Saints and St. Dimitri was not a Monastic but a married Priest and a father and lived a very different life than some of the wider known Saints.  I was especially moved with how his life began as a premature baby with a slim to none chance of survival.  His mother having him make the sign of the cross to all in the room and then to all their amazement he survived then having that come full circle to the end of his life when he was dying and did the sign of the cross was very touching and inspiring. Thus, after hearing this the title “Dimitiri’s cross” has a whole new multi-purpose meaning and was for sure that absolute perfect choice.  The last part of the audiobook were letters he wrote.  Hearing his own words, advice, his hope and spiritual comments were my favorite part of the audiobook.  His optimism and trust in Gods will is inspiring and a lesson that is relevant even in today’s times. 

Listen to this book!

This book tells of the life of St. Dimitri Klebinin who was martyred by the Nazis in a concentration camp at 39. Serving as an Orthodox priest for the Russian community in Paris, and all others who came to him, he was arrested for providing false baptismal certificate to Jews during the German Occupation, being full aware of the risk and possible consequences. St. Dimitri and his parish helped all who came to them, and he would go out of his way to reach those who needed his help. He also worked with Mother Maria (Skobtsov), who was also arrested, along with her son Yuri Skobtsov and Ilya Fundaminsky. All four were glorified by the Orthodox Church in 2004 as martyrs. This book, as powerful as it is, is even more saw because St. Dimitri's daughter is the author. She draws in accounts from many sources, and ends the book with a series of letters to her mother after his arrest and before his transport to the Dora concentration camp; she is even able to find several witnesses from the camp. For some this book may be an introduction to the Orthodox Church, and it also presents modern examples of those who are willing to give everything for Christ and for their neighbor. The narrator of the Audible version brings the text to life beautifully, just as she did in her narration of the life of another Orthodox saint of the 20th century

A Unique Hagiography of a Modern Saint

Prior to reading this book, I can't say I'd ever heard of St. Dimitri. However, his life story and courageous witness have left their mark on me.

Written by the saint's daughter, Dmitri's Cross offers a unique insider's perspective on the life of a martyred priest. Unlike accounts written by an outside party, Helen Arjakovsky-Klepinine's narrative combines both personal anecdotes and historical documentation to share her father's life with the world. Of particular note are the touching letters between the imprisoned Fr. Dimitri and his wife, full of spiritual encouragement and touching notes to his children.

Frequent footnotes explaining various Orthodox liturgical terms make this work accessible to a broad, not necessarily Orthodox, audience. Profound and inspiring, yet accessible, this biography will definitely be on my list of "books to recommend" to those interested in the lives of the saints.

Reminder that only Great Love can overcome Great Evil

“Dmitri’s Cross” is a beautiful and touching work about the life of an Orthodox priest who perished in a Nazi concentration camp. I would recommend this work to anyone who wishes to learn more about the life of this wonderful Saint, or someone who simply has an interest in the history of this period. Written by Father Klepinin’s daughter, this work reads as a child’s personal and insightful tribute to a beloved parent. Although the work is somewhat slow in the beginning, it is a rewarding and moving read. Furthermore, I also learned a great deal about the church diaspora in the years following the Russian revolution, which I did not expect. The reader will be moved and convicted to read about how Father Klepinin bore the yoke of Nazi occupation, as well as eventual imprisonment and execution with great humility, acceptance, and spiritual perseverance. Orthodox Christians know very well the importance of reading the lives of the Saints to enhance and inform our faith, but this book and the life of St. Dmitri serves as a reminder that everyday individuals can stand up to injustice and hatred with great love. Would definitely recommend and will read again in years to come.