Monday, December 13, 2021 marked the 38th anniversary of the repose of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, Dean of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and one of the 20th century’s leading Orthodox Christian theologians.
Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary has begun concluding its special year of celebration in honor of the former dean and renowned theologian Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann (September 13, 1921–December 13, 1983). The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of Fr Alexander’s birth.
Yesterday, on December 13, Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary shared another powerful, timeless message resurrected from archived recordings of Schmemann. In this message, titled Lies about Christianity, Fr Alexander speaks of two fundamental reductions of Christianity, which endure in our day, that obscure what is “horribly difficult”—but truly life-giving—about following Jesus Christ.
But as 2021 comes to a close, there is more to come as part of the “Year of Schmemann” celebrations. The seminary will be posting the final Schmemann Speaks podcast episodes (now up to 14 episodes) of the year. The second volume of Fr Alexander’s A Voice for Our Time: Radio Liberty Talks is forthcoming (release date TBA). Finally, the seminary will have details in the coming days about next month’s annual Fr Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture.
May the memory of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann be eternal!
