Theological view on history of protopresbyters Alexander Schmemann and John Meyendorff

The article is devoted to the theology of history of two outstanding 20th century theologians - protopresbyters Alexander Schmemann and John Meyendorff. Continuing the tradition of the theology of protopresbyter Nikolay Afanasiev and at the same time opposing him, father A. Schmemann places the interaction of the Church and the world during historical process at the epicenter of his attention. The change of historical formations belonging to the world becomes a test for the Church every time. Having passed this test, the Church takes into itself the external forms of organization inherent in the world, and the world, on the contrary, experiences the ecclesiastical influence of the Church - this is the “royal way” of the Church, according to the thought of father A. Schmemann. Various temporary deviations along this path are characterized either by “hanging in history” and the Church's dependence on the forms of the world, or, on the contrary, by unrestrained eschatology and departure from history. Each turning point in history represents a typological situation for its theological evaluation. Protopresbyter John Meyendorff, continuing in general the approach of father A. Schmemann, makes certain adjustments to it. He is characterized by a shift in emphasis from the intra-church problems of the theology of history to problems related to the relationship of East and West on the paths of history. In addition, he departs even further than father A. Schmeman from the provisions of the theology of father N. Afanasiev with his opposition of history and the eschaton.