Of Water and Spirit: A Liturgical Study of Baptism

Of Water and Spirit: A Liturgical Study of Baptism by Alexander Schmemann

AT ONCE A theological and historical commentary on the rites of baptism and chrismation in the Orthodox Church. Fr. Schmemann was uniquely gifted in being able to convey not only a new level of understanding of the sacrament, but a whole new dimension of experience for anyone who took his teaching seriously. His methodology in this study is similar to that in several of his other liturgical studies. He first reproduces the actual text of the rite and gives historical background; he then sometimes critiques actual practice, and concludes each section by relating the theology of each action within the rite, throwing a flood of new light on rituals and actions that we have mechanically taken for granted. And as always, Schmemann ultimately connects the meaning of each particular sacrament to that of all the others, and to the sacramental vision that pervades the theology of the Church as a whole. Here is a book that can truly ''baptize'' one's understanding of baptism itself.

170 pp. paper $18.00

Members (Patrons+) receive 10% discount, plus many other perks!

Learn more and support cultural renewal here.

Exercise the virtue of patience, resist Amazon, and support Eighth Day Books. Give them a call at 1.800.841.2541 between 10 am and 8 pm CST Mon-Sat and engage in a conversation about books and ideas with a live human person who reads books and loves to discuss them. Or, if you insist, visit their website here.