Great Lent: A School of Repentance Its Meaning for Orthodox Christians

Alexander Schmemann's Great Lent: A School of Repentance offers Orthodox Christians a profound guide to understanding one of the Church's most sacred seasons. Rather than viewing fasting as mere abstinence, Schmemann reveals repentance as a transformative spiritual practice—the very foundation of Christian life itself. Beginning with Christ's first proclamation to "repent," this theological work explores how the seven-week Lenten season serves as a dedicated time for reconciliation with God and renewal of faith. Schmemann examines the deeper meaning behind Orthodox spiritual disciplines, addressing the question that many believers overlook: what does repentance truly mean in daily Christian practice? He guides readers through the Sundays of preparation, explains the significance of Lenten worship, and offers practical wisdom for keeping Great Lent with both bodily and spiritual intentionality. The author emphasizes that authentic repentance extends beyond confession to encompassing justice, compassion, and transformed living—loosening the bonds of injustice and caring for the poor. This essential Orthodox resource is ideal for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Church tradition, strengthen their spiritual practice, or experience Lent as more than an annual ritual. Whether you're exploring Orthodox Christianity for the first time or looking to enrich years of observance, Schmemann's accessible yet profound teachings make this audiobook a timeless companion for genuine spiritual transformation.