Recommended reading

This revised edition of Fr Alexander Schmemann's Lenten classic 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 life."

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. 

About the Author: Fr Alexander Schmemann was a prolific writer, brilliant lecturer, and dedicated pastor. Former dean and professor of liturgical theology at St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, his insight into contemporary culture and liturgical celebration left an indelible mark on the Christian community worldwide.  Click image to purchase.  

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In the “The Journey East!” John Michael Talbot takes us exactly where we need to go - to the Desert.  As Irenee Hausherr reminds us: “Whenever there is renewal in the life of the Church, there you will find the Desert Fathers.”  To engage the world in any century requires not that we retreat to the deserts of Egypt but rather into the Heart. The Kingdom of God is within! Through the retreat format of “The Journey East!” John Michael Talbot offers us the opportunity to deeply immerse ourselves not only in the lives, teachings and writings of the Desert Fathers but in what they desired the most - an experience of the Living God! Click image to purchase.