In the Spirit: the Life and Work of Lex Hixon

Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Photograph of Alexander Schmemann, circa 1980s. Courtesy of Sheila Hixon

In 1983, Hixon added a renewed relationship to Christianity to his many religious commitments. He met Father Alexander Schmemann, a leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church who was born in 1921 in Estonia to a family of Russian emigres. He grew up in France and moved to America in 1951. Schmemann’s Russian language sermons were broadcast into the Soviet Union by Radio Liberty for decades. In 1961, he became the dean of St Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York, a short distance from Hixon’s house in the Bronx. 

Hixon wrote of his first meeting with Father Schmemann:

“Reading Vladimir Lossky for Lenten study, discovered Saint Seraphim. Was invited to St. Vladimirs some weeks later, on Lazarus Saturday and felt drawn into the living presence of the Saint through his ikon in the chapel. At first glimpse, recognized Fr. Alexander as my spiritual father, though knowing nothing about him. I kissed his hand and he asked, ‘Are you a local man?’ Began intense reading in Orthodoxy.”

New York Times clipping, “Ancient Church in transition Marks Good Friday”. Hixon is in the image on the left, standing in the background with his hands folded in front of his body. April 21, 1984. Lex Hixon papers, RG 345, Box 18, Folder 9. Divinity Library Special Collections
 

The Hixons studied the mystical theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church for three years at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, although Father Schmemann died of cancer shortly after they began their studies. One of Schmemann’s last formal acts was to grant the Hixons Chrismation in the church. When their intensive study concluded, the Hixons continued to attend the church as parishioners. They maintained a close relationship with Julia, Father Schmemann’s widow, who spoke at Hixon’s memorial service in 1995. 

Letter to Father John at St. Vladimir’s Seminary from Lex Hixon, May 27, 1984. Lex Hixon papers, RG 345, Box 18, Folder 10. Divinity Library Special Collection

Pilgrimages 

In 1984, the Hixons went to Kodiak and Spruce Island, Alaska, to pay respects to Saint Herman, a Russian Orthodox Monk who is considered the patron saint of North America amongst Orthodox Christians.

Clipping from the Kodiak Daily Mirror, detailing the dedication of St. Herman's Harbor in Alaska. Hixon is pictured in the back row. Lex Hixon papers, RG 345, Box 17, Folder 7. Divinity Library Special Collections

Access permit issued to Hixon for Mt. Athos, Lex Hixon papers, RG 345, Box 18, Folder 6. Divinity Library Special Collections 

 

In 1985, Hixon traveled to Mt. Athos, Greece, a peninsula and mountain often called “The Holy Mountain.” It is home to several Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Women and children are not allowed on the peninsula, and to complete a pilgrimage, men must attain an access permit. Hixon spent two weeks with Abbot Ephrem, a member of the Philotehou Monastery and kept a detailed diary of his experiences. He later included this diary in his unpublished work on Eastern Orthodox Christianity His Eyes are the Wine. 

Day Two entry from Hixon’s Mt Athos Diary, 1985, Lex Hixon papers, RG 345, Box 18, Folder 6. Divinity Library Special Collections

Photograph of an Icon from Hixon’s pilgrimage to Mt. Athos, 1985, Lex Hixon papers, RG 345, Box 18, Folder 6. Divinity Library Special Collections