Schemamonk Constantine (Cavarnos)
(1918-2011)
The noted author and lecturer Schemamonk Constantine (Cavarnos) fell asleep in the Lord on the morning of March 3 , 2011 at St Anthony's Monastery in Arizona , and was buried there the same day.
Dr Cavarnos was born in Boston in 1918 , and graduated from Harvard University , where he also received a Doctorate in Philosophy. He taught at several colleges in America , and contributed articles and reviews to various publications through the years. In 1956 , he founded the Institute of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies in order to promote interest in Orthodox spirituality , philosophy , and modern Greek culture.
He lectured in schools , seminaries , and parishes in this country and abroad , where his clear , lucid presentations were always well received.
Dr Cavarnos wrote nearly one hundred books including volumes on philosophy , theology , and the very popular series of Modern Orthodox Saints. His first book A DIALOGUE BETWEEN BERGSON , ARISTOTLE , AND PHILOLOGOS was published in 1949. His latest , THE PHILOKALIA , VOL. 2 , was released just this year.
Although he began his career with philosophical studies , he progressed to the true philosophy , which is how the Church Fathers describe monasticism. Dr Cavarnos admired the monastic life , and wrote several books on the subject. Even while living and working as a layman , he seemed to be detached from the world. The late Greek Orthodox Archbishop Michael used to call him "a monk living in the world." Meeting him , one sensed that here was a man of true piety and prayer.
In the course of his career , Dr Cavarnos knew many prominent people. He has written of his long friendship with the Greek iconographer and writer , Photios Kontoglou , who brought about a revival of Byzantine iconography. He also knew some of the Orthodox Church's great Spiritual Fathers , such as Archimandrite Philotheos Zervakos.
When Dr Cavarnos lost his sight , he embraced the monastic life and was tonsured at St Anthony's Monastery in Florence , AZ. I believe he always intended to end his life in a monastery , and that this was the fulfillment of his fondest wish.
It was my privilege to know Dr Cavarnos for almost forty years. Whenever my wife and I would travel to the Boston area to visit family , we always tried to make time to visit him at his home in Belmont , MA . He was a major influence in my life through his books , lectures , and paternal counsel. Our conversations at his home were just like his books: uplifting , edifying , and soul-profiting. His books remain as his legacy , and will continue to inspire and instruct future generations of those who seek the heavenly Kingdom.
There was an understandable sadness when I heard that he had completed the course of his earthly life. However , there is also a sense of joy because he is , I believe , with God and with all the saints who ever lived.
May the Lord be merciful to the ever-memorable servant of God , Schemamonk Constantine , and give him rest in Abraham's bosom , and number him among the just.
- Archpriest Joseph Frawley