Spirituality and Religion

Great Lent: A School of Repentance. Its Meaning for Orthodox Christians (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. Orthodox Fasting, Prayer, and Liturgical Renewal in the Lenten SeasonBy Alexander Schmemann

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Length1h 21m

About this audiobook

In Great Lent: A School of Repentance, Alexander Schmemann interprets the Lenten season not as a private exercise in moral improvement, but as the Church's communal return to the life of the Kingdom. Moving through fasting, prayer, almsgiving, the Prayer of St. Ephrem, the Presanctified Liturgy, and the scriptural and hymnographic rhythm of the Triodion, the book combines pastoral clarity with liturgical depth. Its style is lucid, meditative, and theologically dense, standing within the twentieth-century Orthodox renewal of sacramental and liturgical consciousness. Schmemann, a Russian Orthodox priest, theologian, and longtime dean of St. Vladimir's Seminary, wrote from a life shaped by emigration, ecclesial service, and profound engagement with modern secular culture. His central concern was to recover the Church's worship as the revelation of true life, rather than a religious ornament added to ordinary existence. This background explains his insistence that Lent is a transformative school in which Christians relearn desire, freedom, and communion. This book is highly recommended for Orthodox Christians seeking to enter Lent with understanding, but also for any reader interested in Christian spirituality, liturgy, and repentance. It remains a concise yet enduring guide to the inner meaning of ascetic practice. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

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