Вторник, 18 мая 1982
Длинное письмо от о. С. Костова:
"…I would like to at least – though superficially – let you know how absolutely important my three years of study under your guidance and in your presence were to me both intellectually and spiritually. I eagerly absorbed or attempted to do so to the fullness of my capacity, that vision of the Church and simply of life itself, which you presented to us at all times in the chapel and classroom… For me personally – and Deborah has expressed the same feelings – this was an encounter with an authentic vision, thereby making it not only inwardly convincing, but also lasting and "influential"" .
Из предисловия к кандидатскому сочинению о.А.Гарклавса:
".. .particular credit must go to our advisor Fr. Alexander Schmemann. Not only did he provide the topic and incentive but the whole study is permeated with his vision of the Church. We would like to think that in a small way this work will corroborate the importance of his continuing efforts to redirect our broken lines to the fullness of new life in the Church" .
Выписываю это потому, что "свидетельства" такого рода помогают бороться с самым ужасным из всех сомнений: да не зря ли все? Как может что-нибудь "пробиться" сквозь эти стены, эту глухоту и слепоту (епископы, приходы, вся кошмарная "эмпирия" нашей "церковности")? И вот в минуту таких сомнений – эти свидетельства, как глоток холодной воды в аду.
Вчера вечером праздновали докторат Тома [Хопко]. Только самые "верные" – Дриллок, Лазор, Бэзил с женами. Радостное чувство единства, близости, настоящей семьи.