Paradoxical Hope: Fr. Aleksander Schmemann’s Sermons on Radio Liberty

This article explores Father Aleksander Schmemann’s radio broadcasts that began in 1953 on Radio Liberty, coinciding with Joseph Stalin’s death. The article argues that his broadcasts represent a unique form of hope, particularly from an Orthodox Christian perspective. A core aspect of his theological thought emphasizes personal religious experiences, both internal and external, expressed effectively through literature and poetry. The article examines one of Fr Schmemann’s sermons, which discusses Russian poet Joseph Brodsky’s poem “ The Meeting of the Lord” (“Sretenie”). Through this sermon, the article demonstrates Fr Schmemann’s view of literature’s role in conveying spiritual insights. It underscores Fr Schmemann’s belief of the significance of personal religious experiences in one’s relationship with God, conveyed primarily through words, whether in liturgical settings or creative expressions like poetry. This profound connection between language, faith, and personal experience forms the foundation of Fr Schmemann’s paradoxical hope, inspiring him to reach out to a distant and suppressed audience.