Liturgy and Tradition: Theological Reflections of Alexander Schmemann

This collection of essays by the preeminent Orthodox liturgical theologian is intended as a companion volume to his Introduction to Liturgical Theology. Here can be traced the development of his thought, particularly his increasingly precise articulation of the nature and method of liturgical theology. Here too can be found Schmemann's constant stress on liturgy as an eschatological and ecclesial event. He repeated challenges the liturgical movement in both East and West to rediscover this understanding of the liturgy, an understanding which was so central in the life of the early church. The introduction by Thomas Fisch discusses Schmemann's contribution to the broader liturgical movement and places him in the vanguard of twentieth century thinkers.