Great Lent: Journey to Pascha | Fr. Alexander Schmemann

About this sermon

This updated edition of Fr. Alexander Schmemann’s Lenten classic explores the profound significance of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, the canon of St. Andrew of Crete, and other often overlooked treasures of Lenten worship.Drawing from the Church’s rich sacramental and liturgical heritage, Schmemann reflects on the true purpose of Lent in our lives. The season is designed to awaken a “bright sadness” within us—a deep remembrance of Christ and a yearning to restore our lost relationship with God. Lent provides the sacred time and space for this renewal, allowing the darkness of repentance to give way to the radiant light of the Resurrection.A renowned writer, brilliant lecturer, and devoted pastor, Fr. Alexander Schmemann served as dean and professor of liturgical theology at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. His keen understanding of contemporary culture and liturgical tradition has left a lasting impact on the Christian world. Table of Contents: 00:00:00 - Title & Epigraph 00:00:55 - Foreword 00:03:45 - Introduction 00:15:23 - Preparation for Lent 00:51:32 - The Lenten Worship 01:30:05 - The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 02:16:20 - The Lenten Journey 03:17:25 - Lent in Our Life 04:10:05 - Appendix: Holy Things for the Holy (Some Remarks on Receiving Holy Communion)