Archpriest George Florovsky and Nikolai Zernov: crossings and divergences

The article examines the general context of the work of two prominent representatives of the first wave of emigration, Fr. George Florovsky and Nikolai Zernov. We outline their contributions to the development of Orthodox theology, Church history, and especially the Russian Student Christian Movement and ecumenism, particularly the Orthodox-Anglican Fellowship of Saint Alban and Saint Sergius. It is noted that Zernov supported the intercommunion of the Orthodox and Anglican Churches, while Florovsky considered such a position to be particularistic. We also consider the view of Florovsky and Zernov concerning sophiological controversy as well as the circumstances of Zernov’s obtaining the chair of Eastern Christianity at Oxford University. Finally, we present Florovsky’s critique of Zernov’s works on Russian religious thought, especially his understanding of the so-called religious-philosophical renaissance. The appendix contains a letter from Fr. Florovsky to Zernov, sent in 1962.