This revised edition of Father Alexander Schmemann's Lenten classic examines the meaning of Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the Prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian, the Canon of St Andrew of Crete and other neglected or misunderstood treasures of Lenten worship. Schmemann draws on the Church's sacramental and liturgical tradition to suggest the meaning of Lent in our life. The Lenten season is meant to kindle a 'bright sadness' within our hearts. Its aim is precisely the remembrance of Christ, a longing for a relationship with God that has been lost. Lent offers the time and place for recovery of this relationship. The darkness of Lent allows the flame of the Holy Spirit to burn within our hearts until we are led to the brilliance of the Resurrection.
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About the Author
One of the foremost Orthodox Christian theologians of the twentieth century, Fr Alexander Schmemann (1921-1983) was a renowned preacher to the East through his Radio Liberty broadcasts to Soviet Russia; and a priest to the West and Professor of Liturgics and Dean at St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY. Known primarily for his eucharistic centered theology, Fr Alexander was named by Skylight Publishing as one of the 'Spiritual Innovators: Seventy-Five Extraordinary People Who Changed the World in the Past Century.'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Father Alexander Schmemann, of blessed memory, the great Orthodox liturgical theologian, presents in this volume a series of brief yet spiritually incisive essays guiding the Orthodox believer through the season of Great Lent -- the period of prayer, fasting and alms-giving thaht precedes Pascha, the Orthodox Easter. Father Alexander explains the spiritual significance of the Lenten calendar, practices and special Lenten services, such as the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, in a fresh and thoughtful manner. This book is required reading for all Orthodox Christians on their Lenten journey.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Fr. Alexander's exposition of the mindset of Lent is indispensable. He demonstrates clearly how Lent is more than following rules and giving up "the good stuff" until we can indulge oursleves at Pascha. Lent is, rather, a time to rediscover who we are and why we are here. I recommend any serious Christian reread this book every year when Lent approaches.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By Seeker
Format:Paperback
I read this book as a catechumen making my first journey through Orthodox Lent, and found it a wonderful guide and aid in making sense of the sights, sounds, smells, prayers, prostrations, liturgies, etc etc that set this season apart from others in the Christian year.
That said, Schmemann wrote in a far more engaging style and tone in his extremely popular "For the Life of the World." "Great Lent", in contrast, is drier (for Schmemann) and seems to drag a bit at times. That's not to detract from the value of the book in its essential purpose: to educate and enlighten Orthodox Christians, catechumens and inquirers about the theology behind, and inspired by, Church practices in Lent. It serves that purpose well, and gets 4 stars for it. However, I wish to reserve the five stars for some of his other books, which are truly outstanding both in content and style, whereas the style in this particular book felt weaker than his other works.
The chapter on the presanctified liturgy, describing the two views of the Church (both in waiting and in fulfillment) was masterful and, to me, showed some of that same Schmemann spark that makes one get all giddy to get back in Church and live this stuff out.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for any curious about educating themselves about Orthodox Lent and the Church's views on it.
That said, Schmemann wrote in a far more engaging style and tone in his extremely popular "For the Life of the World." "Great Lent", in contrast, is drier (for Schmemann) and seems to drag a bit at times. That's not to detract from the value of the book in its essential purpose: to educate and enlighten Orthodox Christians, catechumens and inquirers about the theology behind, and inspired by, Church practices in Lent. It serves that purpose well, and gets 4 stars for it. However, I wish to reserve the five stars for some of his other books, which are truly outstanding both in content and style, whereas the style in this particular book felt weaker than his other works.
The chapter on the presanctified liturgy, describing the two views of the Church (both in waiting and in fulfillment) was masterful and, to me, showed some of that same Schmemann spark that makes one get all giddy to get back in Church and live this stuff out.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for any curious about educating themselves about Orthodox Lent and the Church's views on it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tremendous book on the meaning of Lent
I learned a great deal about the Christian understanding of Lent. This book greatly informed my Lenten observance this year, and I plan to re-read during pre-Lent every year.
Published 1 month ago by Grant Ruehle
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Rediscovery of the Great Tradition of the Lenten Journey
Alexander Schmemann takes readers on a liturgical journey of discovery or re-discovery for some of the spiritual treasures found in the great traditional liturgy of Lent in the... Read more
Published on February 11, 2011 by C. Stephans
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lenten Preparation and Devotion
Father Schmemann's descriptions of the Sundays leading up to Lent and each week following are great for the inquirer of Orthodoxy or those already living the Orthodox Faith. Read more
Published on April 5, 2009 by K. Dillinger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spiritual diseases identified
For those who appreciate Father Alexander's counsel, there are many gems to mine in this 133-page text. Chief among the precious stones is his discussion of spiritual diseases. Read more
Published on March 8, 2009 by Edward M. Freeman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Readable again and again
As with many books, I just want more and more and am sad when I reach the end. A book to indeed read every Great Lent to remind me of the purpose of and my calling for the journey... Read more
Published on March 6, 2009 by I. Holder
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must for the Lutheran Parish
This is easily one of the best books that I've read on Lent, but more to the point, on liturgy in general. That being said it is important to note that Fr. Read more
Published on September 24, 2008 by K. D. Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars
It completely changed my understanding of Great Lent.
Sadly Fr. Schmemann passed away 25 years ago, but his impact as the greatest modern Orthodox theologian lives on. Read more
Published on April 25, 2008 by Daniel J. Vandeberg
5.0 out of 5 stars
On a scale of 1 to 5 this is a 10++++read
This is the book you want to give your Protestant and Catholic friends. It will detail for them just what Lenten Liturgical Worship is? Read more
Published on March 21, 2003 by eric burgess
5.0 out of 5 stars
indispensable
Fr. Alexander knows his triodion (i.e. the liturgical book of Great Lent and Easter in the orthodox church). Read more
Published on April 18, 2002 by Daniel Schaerer
5.0 out of 5 stars
The appendix is the best part
The appendix concerning the relationship between the Eucharist and Penance is the best part of the book. Fr. Read more
Published on June 8, 2001 by M. B. Akins
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