- (Update: 13 December 2021)
Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary has begun concluding its special year of celebration in honor of 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.
On December 13, 2021, the date of Fr. Alexander's remembrance in the Church, the Seminary released another powerful, timeless message resurrected from archived recordings of Schmemann. In it, 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.
The "Year of Schmemann" celebrations kicked off Tuesday, January 26, 2021 with the release of an unearthed recording of Schmemann (embedded below). His words, captured decades ago—on a recording that had recently come into the Seminary's possession—are anything but dated. They are further proof that Fr. Alexander remains "A Voice for Our Time."
Celebrations continued Saturday, January 30, 2021 with The 38th Annual Father Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture. The online event coincided with the release of the book, A Voice for Our Time: Radio Liberty Talks, Vol. 1, featuring an English translation of Schmemann’s broadcasts into the Soviet Union. New York Times bestselling author Rod Dreher, who wrote the foreword for the book, delivered this year’s lecture. The second volume from St. Vladimir's Seminary (SVS) Press is forthcoming.
On March 17, 2021 St. Vladimir's launched the new podcast, Schmemann Speaks, featuring the words and wisdom of Fr. Alexander from the archives of the Seminary. Listen to the latest episodes below, or subscribe and download Schmemann Speaks on your favorite platforms (Spotify, iTunes, Google Music, and more to come).
May the memory of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann be eternal!
