Monastery of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk
December 13, 2023
Today we gather to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the exodus of one of the luminaries of the Orthodox Church in America, the departed servant of God the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann.
People may debate this or that aspect of Fr. Alexander’s legacy and teaching, but the reality and power of that legacy remain beyond debate. His dedication to pastoral formation and theological education was reflected through his years of service as Dean and Professor at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. His vision for the establishment of a proper ecclesiastical life in North America was foundational and is still concretely expressed on all levels of our existence as the Orthodox Church in America. He was a champion of both the authority of bishops and synods and an architect of conciliarity properly understood. Throughout his life and ministry, he maintained the heart of a pastor and the love of Christ for all.
On behalf of the Holy Synod and all the monastics, clergy, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America, I offer our collective gratitude for his life, his example, his teachings, and his legacy.
As we pray for Fr. Alexander’s blessed repose, may we continue to be inspired and enlightened by his love for the Church and her worship.
May his memory always point us back toward the gratitude that elevates and ennobles humanity, the thanksgiving that originates in and is perfected by the Eucharistic action of the Divine Liturgy.
Furthermore, placing our trust in the merciful God, we also hope that as we pray for him, Fr. Alexander now prays for us and all the children of the Orthodox Church in America.
May his memory be eternal!