Sergei O. Prokofieff (1954-2014) was one of the foremost researchers, authors and lecturers within the spiritual movement founded by Rudolf Steiner. A prolific writer of profound and illuminating works on anthroposophy, Prokofieffs legacy continues to inspire and guide readers around the world.
In A Life for Anthroposophy, editors Astrid Prokofieff and Hans Hasler present a rich tapestry of memories and reflections from more than 40 individuals who knew Prokofieff personally. Beginning with his childhood, the book features evocative and tender recollections from his mother, extended family, and close Russian friends. These early chapters trace his formative years, including his discovery of anthroposophy in the Soviet Union - a time when most spiritual study had to be pursued in secrecy, in what was effectively an underground movement.
The narrative then follows Prokofieffs remarkable journey to the West and his first visit to the Goetheanum in Dornach at Christmas 1981 - a life-changing milestone. Astrid Prokofieff offers a heartfelt and engaging account of how she met and married Sergei. Further contributions describe powerful encounters during lecture tours across the globe, along with personal anecdotes that bring to life the character, humour and spiritual dedication of this extraordinary man.
Complemented by Prokofieffs own autobiographical notes and reflections, A Life for Anthroposophy offers a multifaceted and deeply human portrait of an individual devoted to spiritual striving and service.
ASTRID PROKOFIEFF-SEUFERT, born in 1956 in Bonn, Germany, took an interest in Rudolf Steiners educational ideas in her youth and studied piano at the Academy of Music in Basel and eurythmy at the Goetheanum, Switzerland. She met her husband in 1981 and supported him in his work as an author and lecturer for some 33 years. Since 2014, together with Hans Hasler, she founded the Sergej O. Prokofieff Archiv, managing and promoting the worldwide publication of her late husbands works.
HANS HASLER, born in 1942 in the Grison Swiss Alps, worked in special education in Switzerland and in a Camphill home in Finland. Later he worked for many years at the Goetheanum in various positions, including as leader of the building administration. He is co-director of the Sergej O. Prokofieff Archiv, and has lived in Finland since his retirement
Foreword
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL
Sergei O. Prokofieff
33 Years as an Anthroposophical Author: an Overview
Brief Biography
A Perspective of the Future of the Anthroposophical Society and the Goetheanum
CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY
Sophia Leonidovna Prokofieva
Seryozhas Childhood and Youth
Valentina Chemberdzhi
Seryozha in the Circle of his Family
Katya Chemberdzhi
Memories of Childhood
Elena Abramova
Meeting in New Zealand
EARLY YEARS OF ANTHROPOSOPHICAL WORK IN THE UNDERGROUND, 1976-1981
Pyotr Alexandrovich Chaikovsky
A Friendship since the 1970s in Moscow
Georgi Kavtaradze
Some Cursory Notes of Meetings with Sergei Prokofieff
Dieter Hornemann
Work in the Underground, as experienced by a Foreigner
Peter Heusser
Memories of Journeys and Meetings with Sergei Prokofieff
1981-1985: FIRST JOURNEY AND RETURN
Astrid Prokofieff
Christmas 1981 in Dornach and a Turning-Point in Life
Heinrich Schneider
An Art Expedition to Moscow
Paul and Ulrike Mackay
Early Connections and Later Collaboration
Nicholas Nunhofer
Gifts of an East-European to People from the West
Sevak Edward Gulbekian
Reminiscences of Sergei O. Prokofieff
1985-2014: DORNACH, GERMANY, JOURNEYS
Virginia Sease
Sergei O. Prokofieffs Work in the Executive Council
at the Goetheanum
Elisaveta Nikolayevna Gulbina
Memories of Sergei Prokofieff
Rolf Herzog
Life Encounters
Ulrike Drew
Motzstra e Berlin
Astrid Prokofieff
A visit to India and a conversation with Dilnawaz
and Aban Bana
Oliviera Todorovic
Sergei Prokofieff in Belgrade
Van James
A Recollection of Sergei Prokofieff
Barbara Mraz
Companionship in Life
Fabio Montelatici
Life Encounters
Gerard Hermans
Meetings in Holland
Simon Blaxland-de Lange
Some Reflections of a Translator
Roger Pauli
Memories of my Friend Sergei
Diana Pauli
Some Notes about Sergeis Contributions to the Class Lessons
Carina Vaca Zeller
Impressions of a Friendship
Rebecca McGrath
Impressions of Sergei Prokofieff
Ulrich Oelssner
Building with Sergei Prokofieff
Christiane and Martin Wigand
Sergei Prokofieff in South Africa
Thomas OKeefe
In Memory of My Life-Encounter with Sergei O. Prokofieff
