Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann
Recent recognitions given to Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann
July 30, 1983 — Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
Convention
"I do not know of any modern Orthodox theologian who has made
more impact on our theology, spiritual lives and thoughts than the
Rt. Rev. Alexander Schmemann. Both in France and in the United
States, he has educated scores of bishops and hundreds of priests.
Alexander Schmemann has popularized Orthodox theology and brought it
down from its ivory tower to the people’s level. He has lectured
to academicians as well as to the smallest congregation in North
America. Father Schmemann is a pioneer in the field of liturgical
theology, and is often quoted by Orthodox and non-Orthodox
theologians, alike. His reaffirmation of the eucharistic theology
created a spiritual renaissance in thousands of parishes throughout
the Orthodox world . . . Without Alexander Schmemann, Orthodox
theology in this hemisphere would have been much poorer. On behalf of
the Archdiocese, I present to him, as an expression of our love and
gratitude, the Antonian Gold Medal, the highest award of the
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America."
Metropolitan PHILIP
August 25, 1983 — Seventh All-American Council of the
Orthodox Church in America, Banquet Address
". . . We all owe a personal debt of gratitude to Father Alexander Schmemann. The contribution made by Father Alexander to the organic transformation and eucharistic renewal in our Church cannot be measured. The only true measure of what he means to us is our love for him, a love which itself cannot be measured. I want him to know,
and I am sure that he does know, that we are in deep communion with him . . . through love, through prayer, through the eucharist."
Metropolitan THEODOSIUS
October 18, 1983 — Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
"Our school receives you with warmth and love and takes special pride in the fact that we bestow upon you today an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity as an expression of gratitude for all you have labored as an Orthodox clergyman, theologian, author and
teacher. Yours has been a monumental contribution to Orthodox letters
and theology as well as to the projection of our liturgical theology and mysticism. Together with all Orthodox Christians in the land, we congratulate you while we thank God for blessing us with your spirit and presence for so many blessed and glorious years. May God Almighty whom you have glorified and served so faithfully in your body and your spirit, keep you and our sister school of theology honored with the name of St. Vladimir in His loving care and saving grace. My paternal blessings,"
Archbishop IAKOVOS
October 19, 1983 — Meeting of the Holy Synod of Bishops of
the Orthodox Church in America
(Excerpts from the Minutes) "In keeping with the instructions
of the Holy Apostle Paul to ‘outdo one another in showing
honor’ (Romans 12:10), the members of the Holy Synod of the
Orthodox Church in America, recognizing Protopresbyter Alexander
Schmemann’s dedicated service to our Church, express their high
regard for him as Pastor, Educator, Motivator and Friend by bestowing
upon him the right of wearing a second jeweled Pectoral Cross."
The HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Orthodox Church in America
This high honor was to be bestowed upon Protopresbyter Alexander
Schmemann at St. Vladimir’s Seminary on January 30, 1984, on the
Feast of the Three Hierarchs, Patronal Feast of the Seminary Chapel.
The Word, Vol. 28, No. 2, February, 1984, pp. 4-5