In Making Martyrs East and West, Cathy Caridi examines how the practice of canonization developed in the West and in Russia, focusing on procedural elements that became established requirements for someone to be recognized as a saint and a martyr. Caridi investigates whether the components of the canonization process now regarded as necessary by the Catholic Church are fundamentally equivalent to those of the Russian Orthodox Church and vice versa, while exploring the possibility that the churches use the same terminology and processes but in fundamentally different ways that preclude the acceptance of one church's saints by the other. Making Martyrs East and West will appeal to scholars of religion and church history, as well as ecumenicists, liturgists, canonists, and those interested in East-West ecumenical efforts.

Cathy Caridi holds pontifical degrees in both Latin and Eastern canon law. She practices law and teaches in Rome and maintains a canon-law blog, Canon Law Made Easy.

The book discusses what a martyr is, the method by which they are recognized and added to the calendar, and the authority which is able to do this. Without a clear understanding, there is a risk that the mutual recognition of saints might produce some initial goodwill but would create greater problems and suspicion in the longer term.

John Burgess, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary:

Cathy Caridi's thesis is original. I know of no other scholarly work in English that offers such an extensive review of Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic canonization procedures.

James Muldoon, editor of Varieties of Religious Conversion in the Middle Ages:

This is a very well-written book, clear and with interesting examples of the various forms of canonization over the centuries. It will interest anyone concerned with East-West ecumenical efforts.