Our Father by Alexander Schmemann offers a profound and accessible commentary on the Lord’s Prayer, one of the most central prayers in the Christian tradition. Drawn from a series of radio broadcasts originally delivered to listeners in the Soviet Union, this work reflects Fr. Schmemann’s remarkable ability to illuminate the spiritual depth of even the most familiar words of the Gospel.
In this short but powerful book, each petition of the Lord’s Prayer is explored with clarity and insight. Schmemann shows how this prayer reveals the heart of the Christian life—our relationship with God the Father, the coming of His kingdom, forgiveness, trust, and the daily struggle for faithfulness. The prayer given by Christ becomes not merely words to repeat, but a guide for understanding the purpose and meaning of our entire life.
Written in a clear and engaging style, Our Father remains a beloved introduction to Orthodox Christian prayer and spirituality. Whether read for personal devotion, spiritual study, or pastoral reflection, this classic work continues to help readers rediscover the depth and transformative power of the prayer taught by Christ himself.
About the Author
Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann (1921–1983) was one of the most influential Orthodox theologians of the twentieth century. Born in Estonia and raised in the Russian émigré community in France, he later moved to the United States where he served for many years as professor and dean of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York.
Fr. Schmemann was a leading voice in the renewal of Orthodox liturgical theology and played an important role in the development of the Orthodox Church in America. His sermons were broadcast for decades on Radio Liberty into the Soviet Union, bringing spiritual encouragement and theological teaching to countless listeners behind the Iron Curtain.
Through his writings, lectures, and pastoral ministry, he helped introduce Orthodox theology and spirituality to a broad audience in the West.
Other Books by Alexander Schmemann
- For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy
- Great Lent: Journey to Pascha
- The Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom
- Introduction to Liturgical Theology
- The Historical Road of Eastern Orthodoxy
- Celebration of Faith, vol. I: I Believe
- Celebration of Faith, vol. II: The Church Year
- Celebration of Faith, vol. III: The Virgin Mary
- Church, World, Mission
- The Historical Road of Eastern Orthodoxy
- Journals of Father Alexander Schmemann
- O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?
- Of Water and the Spirit
- Our Father
2 Reviews
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Accessible and Profound
This commentary on the only prayer Christ left to us is both accessible in its presentation and profoundly affective for a deeper understanding and experience of prayer. I warmly recommend it.
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Our Father
This small book is a joy to read and reread. I now give it away as a gift.
