The Liturgical Theology of Alexander Schmemann (1921-1983)

This course explores the liturgical thought of the twentieth-century's most seminal Orthodox liturgical theologian, Alexander Schmemann. After reviewing his biography - from his birth in Estonia to formative years in France and the lnstitut St.-Serge in Paris, as well as groundbreaking work as dean of North America's flagship Orthodox Seminary in New York, we will situate his work within the currents of modem theology. These are the Russian silver age of religious reflection, the nouvelle tht'mlogie of the pre-Vatican II period, and the Western liturgical movement represented by such luminaries as Guardini, Danielou and Bouyer. We will then trace Schmemann's influence on contemporary liturgical theologians such as Kavanagh, Lathrop and Fagerberg. A close and comprehensive reading of Schmemann's key works will allow us also to determine the validity of his critics' views.