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Alexander Schmorell: Saint of the German Resistance
At the height of World War II, a small band of students in Munich, Germany, formed a clandestine organization called the White Rose, which exposed the Nazi regime’s murderous atrocities and called for its overthrow. In its first anti-Nazi tract, the group wrote, “...Nothing is so unworthy of a civilized nation as allowing itself to be ‘governed’ without opposition by an irresponsible clique that has yielded to base instinct...” The students risked everything to struggle against a world that had lost its moorings. Early in 1943 key members of the group were discovered and executed. Among those put to death was Alexander Schmorell, a young man of Russian birth whose family came to Germany when he was a small boy. This biography eloquently recounts the journey of an energetic and talented young man who loved life but who, deeply inspired by his Orthodox Christian faith, was willing to sacrifice it as a testimony to his faith in God that had taught him to love beauty and freedom, both of which the Nazis sought to destroy. In 2012, the Russian Orthodox Church officially recognized him as a martyr and saint. The story of Alexander’s life and death is made available to English readers here for the first time, vividly illustrated with black and white photographs.
232 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2017
11 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Elena Perekrestov
4 books1 followerElena Perekrestov holds an MA from the Russian School of Norwich University. A lifelong educator, she teaches at Saints Cyrill and Methodius High School (San Francisco, CA) and the Summer School of Liturgical Music at Holy Trinity Seminary (Jordanville, NY).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 15, 2017
Required reading for the current era.
February 16, 2021
St. Alexander was one of the two founders of the White Rose resistance against the Nazis. Hans was the other founder, later joined by Hans' sister Sophie. For various reasons Sophie is now the most well known.
St Alexander was half Russian half German. Raised Orthodox he served in the German Army in Russia as a medic.
St Alexander was the first saint glorified jointly by ROCOR and the MP after their reunification.
This is a nice pocket sized volume and well illustrated.
September 4, 2017
What an amazing, inspiring read. Profound and moving. The tragic story of young people standing up against opression and standing steadfast, true to their beliefs no matter the opposition or threat of death. It tells the story of the White Rose movement, but especially of Alxander Schmorrel. He truly is an inspiration.
I have ordered a copy for my own bookshelf.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.
I have ordered a copy for my own bookshelf.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.
June 30, 2017
Truly a captivating read. A book that is hard to put down. A great narrative concerning not only an "everyday" person's path to sainthood, but also of the larger "White Rose" group with which he played a major role. Many profound lessons are shared with the reader within its pages. Recommend reading!
March 24, 2021
Throughout the Trump administration, the progressive establishment laughably branded itself the #RESISTANCE despite the complete unanimity of opinion throughout every strata of media, entertainment, tech, academia and the deep state. When every component of the consensus building apparatus is actively promoting this alleged "resistance", how organic can it actually be?
They actually imagined themselves to be fighting an existential threat comparable to or greater than Adolf Hitler. Maybe some of them didn't fully embrace the hysteria, but this theoretical minority did absolutely nothing to quell the unrelenting howl of fauxtrage that emanated from every corner of the establishment for four years. Progressives generally aren't interested in questioning their worldview or their assumptions, but if they were, they'd be well served to read about the actual resistance that St. Alexander Schmorell and the White Rose circle mounted against the Nazis.
One of the most obnoxious misconceptions that's carelessly promulgated in progressive circles is that somehow Hitler's genocidal ambitions had Christian origins and that he represents the inevitable outcome of a society where "rightwing" views are left unchecked by the infinite virtue and spotless moral rectitude of the Left. Alexander Schmorell's story of the White Rose circle is as powerful a testimony as I can imagine of what it really means to stand up for freedom and your convictions. But let's be clear. We're not talking about freedom in the abstract or any contemporary political ideology. Alexander Schmorell was an Orthodox Christian. His opposition to National Socialism was aroused by its fundamental antipathy to the divine order and Germany's traditional Christian character. His dissidence cost him his life. He never renounced his faith despite everything the Gestapo put him through. The average BLM protest is going to get favorable coverage in the media and will immediately trend on Twitter.
There's a difference between resistance and #RESISTANCE. Alexander Schmorell showed us that difference for all time.
They actually imagined themselves to be fighting an existential threat comparable to or greater than Adolf Hitler. Maybe some of them didn't fully embrace the hysteria, but this theoretical minority did absolutely nothing to quell the unrelenting howl of fauxtrage that emanated from every corner of the establishment for four years. Progressives generally aren't interested in questioning their worldview or their assumptions, but if they were, they'd be well served to read about the actual resistance that St. Alexander Schmorell and the White Rose circle mounted against the Nazis.
One of the most obnoxious misconceptions that's carelessly promulgated in progressive circles is that somehow Hitler's genocidal ambitions had Christian origins and that he represents the inevitable outcome of a society where "rightwing" views are left unchecked by the infinite virtue and spotless moral rectitude of the Left. Alexander Schmorell's story of the White Rose circle is as powerful a testimony as I can imagine of what it really means to stand up for freedom and your convictions. But let's be clear. We're not talking about freedom in the abstract or any contemporary political ideology. Alexander Schmorell was an Orthodox Christian. His opposition to National Socialism was aroused by its fundamental antipathy to the divine order and Germany's traditional Christian character. His dissidence cost him his life. He never renounced his faith despite everything the Gestapo put him through. The average BLM protest is going to get favorable coverage in the media and will immediately trend on Twitter.
There's a difference between resistance and #RESISTANCE. Alexander Schmorell showed us that difference for all time.
February 25, 2017
*Full Disclosure: I work for the publisher of this book*
This is without doubt the most fascinating, gripping book I've read in the last year. The story of Alexander Schmorell and his compatriots in the White Rose resistance group is told in a way that is sure to inspire every reader. Sure, the "action" and chronology is exciting, but more important still is the account of St Alexander and the White Rose's philosophical and explicitly Christian objections to the path down which the Nazi regime had taken Germany.
There are plenty of obvious parallels one can find in the narrative to current events. But I would be quick to caution, the lessons to be learned are not as obvious as one might expect. I recommend this biography in the strongest terms to all. It's a quick read (about 240 pages in a 5 x 7 format) but sure to stay with you.
This is without doubt the most fascinating, gripping book I've read in the last year. The story of Alexander Schmorell and his compatriots in the White Rose resistance group is told in a way that is sure to inspire every reader. Sure, the "action" and chronology is exciting, but more important still is the account of St Alexander and the White Rose's philosophical and explicitly Christian objections to the path down which the Nazi regime had taken Germany.
There are plenty of obvious parallels one can find in the narrative to current events. But I would be quick to caution, the lessons to be learned are not as obvious as one might expect. I recommend this biography in the strongest terms to all. It's a quick read (about 240 pages in a 5 x 7 format) but sure to stay with you.
April 3, 2023
Excellent read, and eerily apropos for our times in the West. I read this a month postpartum and was afraid it would be too dark for me, but it actually had the opposite effect, perhaps because of the very fact that my recent birth giving experience has reminded me anew that with God’s help, fear actually ceases to exist within suffering. The stories of the Lives of Saints demonstrates this fact beautifully. “Perfect love drives out fear.” Below are some of my favorite quotes:
Berdyaev believed that "the rhythm of history is changing: it is becoming catastrophic." The civilization of Europe is in profound crisis; the bases of her culture are being undermined. "Our time is a time of spiritual decadence," of "withering" and of a "frightening empti-ness" which permeates all spheres of modern-day life, not the least of which are the arts. Ever since the Renaissance, European man had been "tearing himself from his religious center, separating himself from the might of God," and in spurning his cornerstone, he falls back into chaos.
What does the loss of Christianity mean for Europe?
"Man without God is no longer man."
And yet, human nature "has infinite capacity for regeneration and recovery."
"Persecution has never been any danger to the Christian life ... for it actually strengthens and spreads true religious life.
Christians have again shown that they know how to die.
The Orthodox Church is humbled and brought low from the outside, but within she is enlarged and lifted up in glory: she has her martyrs."
"Nothing is more unworthy of a civilized nation than to allow itself, without resistance, to be governed by an irresponsible ruling clique that is motivated by the darkest instinct."
"All evil derives from the fact that some people, due to their own kindness, do not denounce those who, by their commands and words sow doubt into the hearts and minds of others and thereby give them the opportunity for subsequent evildoing.”
The violence of these persecutions has an inner logic that was perceived by Solzhenitsyn:
"Let us not forget that violence does not live alone and is not capable of living alone: it is necessarily interwoven with falsehood. Between them lies the most intimate, the deepest of natural bonds. Violence finds its only refuge in falsehood, falsehood its only support in violence."
…”everywhere and at all times, demons have been lurking in the dark, waiting for the moment when man is weak; when of his own volition he leaves his place in the order of Creation as founded for him by God in freedom; when he yields to the force of evil, separates himself from the powers of a higher order and, after voluntarily taking the first step, is driven on to the next and the next at a furiously accelerating pace.”
As Solzhenitsyn observes, apathetic passivity is a form of complicity: "[Violence] does not always, not necessarily, openly throttle the throat, more often it demands from its subjects only an oath of allegiance to falsehood, only complicity in falsehood. And the simple step of a simple courageous man is not to partake in falsehood, not to support false actions!"
For God's protection and providence encircle all men, yet they are not seen except by those who have cleansed themselves from sin and who continually keep their attention on God, and on Him alone. But God's providence is especially apparent to them when they enter into a great trial on behalf of the Truth; for then they perceive it as if seeing it with their bodily eyes.
Berdyaev believed that "the rhythm of history is changing: it is becoming catastrophic." The civilization of Europe is in profound crisis; the bases of her culture are being undermined. "Our time is a time of spiritual decadence," of "withering" and of a "frightening empti-ness" which permeates all spheres of modern-day life, not the least of which are the arts. Ever since the Renaissance, European man had been "tearing himself from his religious center, separating himself from the might of God," and in spurning his cornerstone, he falls back into chaos.
What does the loss of Christianity mean for Europe?
"Man without God is no longer man."
And yet, human nature "has infinite capacity for regeneration and recovery."
"Persecution has never been any danger to the Christian life ... for it actually strengthens and spreads true religious life.
Christians have again shown that they know how to die.
The Orthodox Church is humbled and brought low from the outside, but within she is enlarged and lifted up in glory: she has her martyrs."
"Nothing is more unworthy of a civilized nation than to allow itself, without resistance, to be governed by an irresponsible ruling clique that is motivated by the darkest instinct."
"All evil derives from the fact that some people, due to their own kindness, do not denounce those who, by their commands and words sow doubt into the hearts and minds of others and thereby give them the opportunity for subsequent evildoing.”
The violence of these persecutions has an inner logic that was perceived by Solzhenitsyn:
"Let us not forget that violence does not live alone and is not capable of living alone: it is necessarily interwoven with falsehood. Between them lies the most intimate, the deepest of natural bonds. Violence finds its only refuge in falsehood, falsehood its only support in violence."
…”everywhere and at all times, demons have been lurking in the dark, waiting for the moment when man is weak; when of his own volition he leaves his place in the order of Creation as founded for him by God in freedom; when he yields to the force of evil, separates himself from the powers of a higher order and, after voluntarily taking the first step, is driven on to the next and the next at a furiously accelerating pace.”
As Solzhenitsyn observes, apathetic passivity is a form of complicity: "[Violence] does not always, not necessarily, openly throttle the throat, more often it demands from its subjects only an oath of allegiance to falsehood, only complicity in falsehood. And the simple step of a simple courageous man is not to partake in falsehood, not to support false actions!"
For God's protection and providence encircle all men, yet they are not seen except by those who have cleansed themselves from sin and who continually keep their attention on God, and on Him alone. But God's providence is especially apparent to them when they enter into a great trial on behalf of the Truth; for then they perceive it as if seeing it with their bodily eyes.
August 9, 2024
"Alexander Schmorell: Saint of the German Resistance" by Elena Perekrestov is a concise, masterfully crafted, and meticulously researched biography that offers profound insight into the life of St. Alexander of Munich. Perekrestov's writing strikes a delicate balance between complexity and accessibility, making the narrative engaging without sacrificing depth. The biography stands out for its thoroughness, incorporating a wealth of details from historical documents, transcripts, and personal interviews with St. Alexander’s friends, family, and associates. These sources help paint an honest and comprehensive picture of St. Alexander’s worldview and life. Moreover, the book is invaluable as one of the few comprehensive records of his life, offering inspiration through his unwavering devotion to God and his consistent adherence to Christ’s command to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). His compassion extended to everyone around him, even his enemies, and remained steadfast unto his death, as he "never forg[o]t God."
November 27, 2018
A great little gem concerning not only an "everyday" person's path to sainthood (St. Alexander Schmorell), but also of the larger "White Rose" group with which he played a major role. Recounted for the first time in English, this book is an inspiration for those who face anti-Christian ideaology and debased humanity around the globe.
The Holy Martyr Alexander Schmorell (now also St. Alexander of Munich) was a medical student during World War II and one of the founding members of the anti-Nazi group, the White Rose. Along with the other members of the White Rose, he tried to rally popular support amongst Germans to try to resist Hitler and the Nazi regime. He was arrested in February 1943, and was executed on July 13, 1943, at Stadelheim Prison in Munich. On 5 February 2012, he was glorified at the Cathedral of the Holy New-Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Munich, Germany. He is commemorated by the Church on July 13.
St. Alexander pray to God for us!
The Holy Martyr Alexander Schmorell (now also St. Alexander of Munich) was a medical student during World War II and one of the founding members of the anti-Nazi group, the White Rose. Along with the other members of the White Rose, he tried to rally popular support amongst Germans to try to resist Hitler and the Nazi regime. He was arrested in February 1943, and was executed on July 13, 1943, at Stadelheim Prison in Munich. On 5 February 2012, he was glorified at the Cathedral of the Holy New-Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Munich, Germany. He is commemorated by the Church on July 13.
St. Alexander pray to God for us!
October 10, 2019
This book is about one of the lesser known saints and martyrs of the Russian Orthodox Church who was a part of the German Resistance during World War II who worked against the Nazi Regime. We get to know about his life and how he came to be a martyr as well as a saint. Alexander Schmorell was a part of the White Rose movement that opposed the Nazi regime and were persecuted for their convictions and action. This gives us another look at Germans during World War II, not all of them were Nazis or believed in the racial purity that the Nazis believed. There were those in Germany who secretly worked against the Nazi regime and Alexander Schmorell was one of them. I would recommend this book to others in order to learn about a little known saint in the 20th Century and about the German Resistance Movement during World War II. I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review from Netgalley.
April 2, 2022
I am glad that my father recommended this book to me, after asking about saints during WWII. I enjoyed St.Alexander’s story very much. I look forward to now reading about Sophie Scholl.
St.Alexander, intercede for our souls.
St.Alexander, intercede for our souls.
May 26, 2021
“I do have some idea of right and wrong, because that has nothing to do with politics.” -Sophie Scholl
...an 80 year old idea that feels fresh and relevant, as is this entire book.
...an 80 year old idea that feels fresh and relevant, as is this entire book.
July 21, 2021
Timely inspirational story of young friends doing what they could to inspire a nation against destructive tyranny.
July 24, 2021
Truly inspiring. If you are interested in the subjects of beauty, suffering, and martyrdom this is the book for you.
January 12, 2022
This was an easy read about a phenomenal person. I definitely recommend it for young Christian's trying to navigate the world today.
February 12, 2022
St. Alexander Of Munich pray to God that our souls may be saved!
May 18, 2024
ST. ALEXANDER PRAY FOR US!
October 6, 2024
Very good for a spiritual and religious insight of the White Rose resistance against the Nazis movement.
May 23, 2025
A true saint of our time, and a needed record in these trying times.
April 30, 2018
A member of the White Rose resistance movement, Alexander Schmorell followed and died for his convictions. This book shares details about his childhood, education and actions, and it describes how prison strengthened his faith. While the book read like a textbook, I appreciated its insights and the notes and resources shared at the end. Through this book, I have gained a greater appreciation for this saint and inspiration to follow my convictions no matter what the cost.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews