Paperback: This revised edition of a Lenten classic (1969) examines the meaning of the 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 lives.
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.
Let us receive with joy, O faithful, the divinely inspire announcement of Lent.
Like Ninevites of old, like harlots and publicans who heard John preaching repentance through abstinence, let us prepare for ht Master's communion performed in Zion.
Let us wash ourselves with tears for its divine purification.
Let us pray to behold the fulfillment of Pascha, the true Revelation.
Let us prepare for adoring the Cross and Resurrection of Christ our God!
Do not deprive us of our expectations, O Lover of Man!
(Cheese-Fare Week, Tuesday Vespers, Apostikha)
You can buy Great Lent (1969) on Amazon UK and US.
About the author: The Reverend Dr Alexander Schmemann (1921-1983) was professor of Liturgical Theology and Dean of St Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood, New York.
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