Schmemann's Challenge for Contemporary Roman Catholicism

Alexander Schmemann is widely recognized as systemizing the discipline of 'Liturgical Theology.' However, he himself considered his efforts to improve the liturgical celebrations of the Orthodox Churches of North America to be the main achievement of his career. This article analyzes Schmemann's work, focusing in particular on his contribution to practical liturgical renewal, his turbulent relationship with academic theology and his view of Roman Catholic liturgy. Then the argument is advanced that today, 40 years after Vatican II and in the wake of the external renewal of the official liturgical books, Catholics are in a better position to benefit from Schmemann's life work.