This is our third week of looking at interesting women who are noted in the lectionary as saints of the church for their work in spreading the Gospel. While Evelyn Underhill used her gifts as writer to explain mysticism; Adelaide Case used her teaching talents to improve the learning experience. Both were witnesses to Christ working in their lives. Our focus this week is on a woman whose work promoted ecumenical dialog.
Hapgood used her gift of language to translate French and Russian works of literature, introducing Leo Tolstoy and Victor Hugo to American audiences. Beginning in 1887 Isabel began travelling to Russia where she met Tolstoy and spent time on his country estate. In 1891 she wrote an article for The Atlantic magazine about him, and his goal of living the ideal life.
During her 22 year career as journalist she wrote for the New York Evening Post and the Nation. She was in Russia in 1917 interviewing the Russian Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow Tikhon, when the Russian Revolution started. She was one of the first journalists to report on the execution of the Romanov family. Hapgood managed to leave Russia with the assistance of the American Consul.
Her friendship with Patriarch Tikhon began in 1903 when she became interested in Russian Orthodox choral singing. Her first translation of Church Slavonic works was published in 1906. Due to his imprisonment during the Russian Revolution the second edition wasn’t published until 1922, with an endorsement from Tikhon dated November 3, 1921.
Hapgood promoted Russian Orthodox church music performances at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and for President Woodrow Wilson at the White House. Her work led to ecumenical dialog between the Russian Orthodox, Episcopal, and Anglican churches.
As the reading from Revelation designated for her June 26 remembrance reminds us, in God there is no distinction between people or denominations. “[The Lamb is] worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10) All are part of God’s kingdom.
Isabel Hapgood died in New York City on June 2, 1928. The Collect for June 26 sums up her ministry, “Loving God, we thank you for the work and witness of Isabel Florence Hapgood, who introduced the Divine Liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Church to English-speaking Christians, and encouraged dialogue between Anglicans and Orthodox. Guide us as we build on the foundation that she gave us, that all may be one in Christ; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, unto ages of ages. Amen.”
What gifts has God given you that build up the Kingdom?
Isabel’s calling as translator and journalist might not be considered ‘religious’ by some. How would you respond to such criticism?
