Alexander Schmemann

Alexander Dmitrievich Schmemann was an influential Orthodox priest, theologian, and author who spent most of his career in the United States. Born in Estonia to Russian émigrés, he grew up in France before immigrating to New York City to teach at Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. He became dean of the seminary in 1962, serving until his death in 1983. Schmemann was known for his influential sermons broadcast on Radio Liberty into the Soviet Union and for his extensive writings on liturgical theology, which explored the relationship between Christian liturgy and theology. He was also a key figure in the establishment of the Orthodox Church in America as an autocephalous institution. His work continues to be taught and studied in theological circles worldwide.