Explore every episode of the podcast Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church
Dive into the complete episode list for Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Episode 44: Dionysius the Areopagite, Introduction, C. Veniamin
In Episode 44 of our Mystical Theology, we begin our overview of the theology of Dionysius the Areopagite, one of the most challenging figures in the history of Christian doctrine.
[Episode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. Veniamin]
Series: Mystical Theology
Episode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. Veniamin
In Episode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, Dr. Veniamin pauses his presentations on the Christology of Cyril of Alexandria, in order to bring back in to focus the Cappadocian understanding of hypostasis, upon which Cyril bases his emphasis on the oneness of Christ, and also the uncreated character of divine grace. For a list of the various themes contained therein, see the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 32: Conclusions to Augustine, Part 1: Basil the Great & Gregory the Theologian, C. Veniamin
In Episode 32, we return to the Cappadocian Fathers by way of conclusion, following our overview of Augustine of Hippo, in order to bring us back to an Orthodox approach to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. We attempt a clarification of the essence-energies distinction as taught by Basil the Great, and proceed from there to a broader discussion of what is theology and who is a theologian according to Gregory of Nazianzus, the Theologian. Other themes touched upon are included in the Timestamps.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 31: Three Basic Mistakes, Augustine of Hippo on the Holy Trinity, Episode 31, Mystical Theology, Dr. C. Veniamin
Based on St. Augustine’s De Fide et Symbolo, this presentation discusses three erroneous presuppositions made by the Bishop of Hippo, and perpetuated by his followers, which have influenced subsequent generations in the Franco-Latin Christianity of the West. These assumptions, discerned by Fr. John Romanides, one of the foremost Orthodox theologians of our times, may be found in his lecture, “The Filioque” (see details below). Other themes touched upon are included in the Timestamps.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 28: Augustine’s Essentialism and the Essence–Energies Distinction of Basil the Great, Part 9 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Part 9 of our presentations on Augustine of Hippo a comparison is made between the theological approach of Augustine and Basil the Great vis-a-vis the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, based on our reading of Augustine’s De Trinitate Book IX, and of Basil’s Epistles 2 and 234. A brief explanation of what is meant by the “substance and attributes” distinction is also given. Other themes touched upon are included in the Timestamps.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 27: Further Reading & Commentary, Reading De Trinitate Book IX, Part 8 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Part 8 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 27 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we continue our reading and commentary on Book IX of St. Augustine’s De Trinitate; and in so doing we delve into Augustine's theological presuppositions. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 26: Reading & Commentary, Reading De Trinitate Book IX, Part 7 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Part 7 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 26 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we continue our reading and commentary on Book IX of St. Augustine’s De Trinitate; and in so doing we touch on such key questions as, “What is theology?” and “Who is a theologian?”. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 25: “What Is Meant By The Spiritual Life?”, Part 6 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Part 6 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 25 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we attempt to outline some of the distinguishing characteristics of the Orthodox spiritual life. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Episode 11: “By Way of Conclusion” Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
“By Way of Conclusion”, Episode 11 in our series, "John of the Ladder”, consists of concluding remarks regarding our brief overview of Steps 4 and 5 of the famous Ladder of Divine Ascent by the great John Climacus. Presented by Dr. Christopher Veniamin, themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Recommended background reading: The Ladder of Divine Ascent (Holy Transfiguration Monastery); Saint Silouan the Athonite, by St. Sophrony the Athonite (https://mountthabor.com/products/st-silouan-the-athonite); and The Enlargement of the Heart, by Archimandrite Zacharias (https://mountthabor.com/products/the-enlargement-of-the-heart-2nd-ed)
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Series: Mystical Theology Episode 24: “De Trinitate”, Book IX, Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 5, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Part 5 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 24 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we conclude our remarks on St. Augustine’s “Commentary on Ps. 134:3 (135:3)”, and then begin reading from Book IX of his “de Trinitate”. Particular attention is given to Augustine’s understanding of “sure knowledge” in the Life to Come in contrast to the Patristic understanding of the vision of God, as expressed by St. Irenaeus of Lyons. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 23: “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good” (Ps. 135:3), Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 4, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Part 4 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 23 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we discuss the significance of St. Augustine's commentary of Psalm 135:3: “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good”. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 22: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 3, Revelation of "I AM" (Exod. 3:18), with Prof. Christopher Veniamin
In Part 3 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 22 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we discuss St. Augustine's understanding of the revelation of "I AM", given to Moses on Sinai (Exod. 3:14). See Timestamps for other themes.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Episode 41: Cyril of Alexandria, With Scholion on Appolinarius of Laodicea, Intro to Christology, Pt 5, C. Veniamin
In Episode 41 of our Mystical Theology, Dr. Veniamin continues his presentation of the Christology of St. Cyril of Alexandria, emphasizing the divinity of the Logos made flesh, and an important note on the heresy of Apollinarius of Laodicea (c.310 - c.390). For a list of the various themes contained therein, see the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Recommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022): https://mountthabor.com/products/saint-gregory-palamas-the-homilies ; The Orthodox Understanding of Salvation: "Theosis" in Scripture and Tradition (2016): https://mountthabor.com/products/the-orthodox-understanding-of-salvation-by-dr-christopher-veniamin ; and The Transfiguration of Christ in Greek Patristic Literature: https://mountthabor.com/products/the-transfiguration-in-greek-patristic-literature-from-irenaeus-of-lyons-to-gregory-palamas (2022).
Further bibliography may be found in our "Scholar's Corner" webpage: https://mountthabor.com/pages/the-professors-suggested-reading-lists.
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Episode 9: Holy Myrrh and Holy Relics Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
“Holy Myrrh and Holy Relics”, Episode 9 in our series, "John of the Ladder, is based on the readings, “About Menas” and “About Saint Acacius”. In it, inter alia, Prof. Christopher Veniamin discusses the significance of holy myrrh and holy relics.
Themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Episode 8: How to Deal with Pain and Suffering Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
In Episode 8 of "John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin reads the sections “Macedonius the archdeacon” and “Again about the steward”, who are placed before us as an examples of Christlike humility. Themes include accepting injustice, how the Saints deal with suffering and the enemy, thoughts, reason and the imagination, the noetic and rational faculties, following the way of Christ, and the need for guidance.
Themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 21: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 2, Analogies, with Prof. Christopher Veniamin
In Part 2 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 21 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we present the terminology of St. Augustine's "analogies of Trinity". Our episode begins with a brief clarification regarding Augustine’s two sources of divine revelation: Holy Scripture (analogy of faith) and creation (analogy of being); and then proceeds to refer to Augustine’s place in the study of Patristic theology in the West. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Episode 7: Compassion, the Body, and St. Abbacyrus Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
In Episode 7 of "John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin talks about the compassion of the Saints, the place of the human body in the spiritual life, and the remarkable example of St. Abbacyrus, who teaches us how to handle adversity.
Themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 20: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 1, Introduction, Episode 20 in Mystical Theology, with Prof. C. Veniamin
In Part 1 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 20 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we present the theology of the most influential Christian figure in Western thought. Our introduction begins by making reference to Augustine’s seminal work on the Trinity, and setting the context of his approach to the mystery by identifying his two sources of divine revelation: faith (Holy Scripture) and philosophy (analogy of being). Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
In Episode 6 of "John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin discusses the benefits for lay folk of reading literature that is intended first and foremost for a monastic audience.
Themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 19: "Hypostasis": the Threeness of God, The Cappadocian Fathers, Pt 4, Prof. Christopher Veniamin
In Part 4 of “The Cappadocian Fathers”, Episode 19 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we present the doctrine of the mystery of the Threefoldness of God.
Themes broached are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Recommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022): https://mountthabor.com/products/saint-gregory-palamas-the-homilies ; The Orthodox Understanding of Salvation: "Theosis" in Scripture and Tradition (2016): https://mountthabor.com/products/the-orthodox-understanding-of-salvation-by-dr-christopher-veniamin ; and Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos, Empirical Dogmatics of the Orthodox Catholic Church: According to the Spoken Teaching of Father John Romanides, Vol. 1 (2012), Vol. 2 (repr. ed. 2020).
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St Isidore, St Laurence & St Sophrony, in John of the Ladder, Ep 5, Prof. C. Veniamin Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
In Episode 5 of "John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin presents two great examples of Christian obedience, St Isidore and St Laurence, and also adds a story from the life of his spiritual father, St Sophrony the Athonite; all of which serve to illustrate that inspired obedience in the Orthodox Christian tradition is nothing less than the practice of Christlike humility.
Themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 18: The Cappadocian Fathers, Pt 3: The "Monarchy" of God the Father, Ep 18, Prof. Christopher Veniamin
In Part 3 of “The Cappadocian Fathers”, which is Episode 18 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we present the doctrine of the “Monarchy” of the Father in the context of the mystery of the Triune God.
Themes broached are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Recommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022): https://mountthabor.com/products/saint-gregory-palamas-the-homilies ; The Orthodox Understanding of Salvation: "Theosis" in Scripture and Tradition (2016): https://mountthabor.com/products/the-orthodox-understanding-of-salvation-by-dr-christopher-veniamin ; and Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos, Empirical Dogmatics of the Orthodox Catholic Church: According to the Spoken Teaching of Father John Romanides, Vol. 1 (2012), Vol. 2 (repr. ed. 2020).
Join the Mount Thabor Academy Podcasts and help us to bring podcasts on Orthodox theology and the spiritual life to the wider community.
St Sophrony and the Divine Liturgy, John of the Ladder, Ep 4, Prof. C. Veniamin Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
In Episode 4 in the series, "John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin takes the opportunity to describe something of what it was like to experience the Divine Liturgy when St. Sophrony was serving. Serving in the Holy Altar for a number of years in his youth, watching his spiritual father (and the other holy fathers, genuine deciples of of the Saint) celebrate the Divine Liturgy with humble reverence and prayerful attentiveness, an indelible mark was imprinted "in his mind and in his heart".
Themes covered in this episode include the Liturgy of Basil the Great, the significance of the "Epiklesis", the Liturgy teaches us how to worship God: Abba Dorotheus, the educational role of the Church, What we do in church reveals our spiritual state, and others, which are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I wish to express my indebtedness to the spoken and written traditions of Sts Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites, Fr. Zacharias Zacharou, Fr. Kyrill Akon, Fr. Raphael Noica, Fr. Symeon Brüschweiler; Fr. John Romanides, Fr. Pavlos Englezakis, Fr. Georges Florovsky, Prof. Constantine Scouteris, Prof. George Mantzarides, Prof. John Fountoulis, Mtp Hierotheos Vlachos, Mtp Kallistos Ware, and Prof. Panayiotes Chrestou. My presentations have been
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Episode 40: Cyril of Alexandria, Introduction to Christology, Part 4, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Episode 40 of our Mystical Theology, Dr. Veniamin presents the foundations of Christology as formulated by St. Cyril, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria (d. 444), in the context of the Nestorian controversy (429 – 431). For a list of the various themes contained herein, see the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 17: The Cappadocian Fathers, Part 2: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa, "Mystical Theology", Episode 17, Prof. C. Veniamin
Episode 17 of our “Mystical Theology” series is deeper probe in to the trinitarian theology of the great Cappadocian Fathers: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa, and also Amphilochius of Iconium.
Following a reading of Letter 234 on the Essence–Energies distinction, we explore the various ways that the Cappadocians affirm the oneness of God the Holy Trinity, in preparation for their seminal teaching of the Monarchy of God the Father, and the mystery of the Threeness of God.
Themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As related to Episode 17 available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Obedience to One's Spiritual Father, “On Obedience”, Pt 3, John of the Ladder, Ep 3, Dr. C. Veniamin Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
Based on the reading of The Ladder of Divine Ascent, one of the most influential writings in the history of spirituality, the purpose of this series is to introduce the audience to the fundamental themes of obedience and repentance in the context of striving to discover the will of God, and to live according to Christ’s commandments, which constitutes the daily challenge of every Christian. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As related to Episode 3 available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
MT Academy “Holy Saturday, Gen. 1:1–13”, Orthodox Bible Study, Session 2, with Dr. C. Veniamin (Feb 13, 2024)
Teaser Recording of the second session of our Bible Study, which took place on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 (at 9 PM Eastern Time).
Discussion of the first reading for Holy Saturday, Gen. 1:1–13. See also the Timestamps below.
It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theology and the Orthodox Christian life, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos.
Embark on a spiritual odyssey with us as we weave through the mystical dimensions of Orthodox Christianity's view on the Genesis creation narrative. Grasp the profound concept of creation ex nihilo, where all sprung into existence from the void, through the illuminating teachings of Saint Gregory Palamas and Saint Maximus the Confessor. We unveil the majestic tapestry of the first three days of creation, deciphering the enigmatic name 'Elohim' and unveiling the whispers of the Holy Trinity within the Spirit of God, Ruach Elohim. We draw the lines connecting Christ, the Alpha and Omega, to the Hebrew alphabet's very own aleph and tau, painting a picture of the divine artistry at the heart of everything.
Wander the hallowed halls of the Orthodox tradition with us, where the sacred text of the Bible is not simply read but lived, contextualized by the collective wisdom of the Holy Fathers. In our shared contemplation, we discover the pivotal role of Church services and sacred hymnography in bringing Scripture to life, and how they guide us on our path towards spiritual purification, illumination, and sanctification. Join us in contrasting the ephemeral perfectionism sought by the world with the enduring example of Christ's humility, love, and mercy, as we reveal how the Gospel molds the Church, creating a sanctuary for the Word made flesh.
Finally, we delve into the lived Christian experience, sharing personal reflections on invoking t
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Series: Mystical Theology Episode 16: The Cappadocian Fathers, Part 1: Introduction, Prof. C. Veniamin
Episode 16 of our “Mystical Theology” series is an introduction to the remarkable contribution of the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa, and also Amphilochius of Iconium.
Athanasius the Great had emphasized the mystery of the Oneness of the Son and Word of God with God the Father, by means of their "consubstantiality"; while the Cappadocians, building on the work of Athanasius, formulated the teaching of the Church regarding the mystery of the Threeness of God.
Themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
MT Academy Bookclub, Saint Silouan the Athonite, “Spiritual Warfare”, Bookclub, Part 3, St. Silouan, Special Edition, Episode 3, with Dr. C. Veniamin (Nov 29, 2023)
Recording of the third session of our Bookclub, which took place on Wednesday, Novermber 29, 2023 (at 9 PM Eastern Time), available to channel members only.
We started our spiritual itinerary with Sts. Silouan and Sophrony, the Athonites, by reading the first few paragraphs from St. Silouan's own writings, specifically Chapter XVI, "Concerning Spiritual Warfare" - getting right into the nitty-gritty of "applied theology".
For your convenience, the page numbering is from 423ff in the older edition of Saint Silouan the Athonite; and pp. 373ff in the more recent SVS edition.
It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theology and the Orthodox Christian life, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos.
Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Recommended background reading: Saint Silouan the Athonite, by St. Sophrony the Athonite (https://mountthabor.com/products/st-silouan-the-athonite); Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (https://mountthabor.com/products/saint-gregory-palamas-the-homilies); and The Enlargement of the Heart, by Archimandrite Zacharias (https://mountthabor.com/products/the-enlargement-of-the-heart-2nd-ed).
Join the Mount Thabor Academy Podcasts and help us to bring podcasts on Orthodox theology and the spiritual life to the wider community.
Episode 2: Parenting and Parish Priests, “On Obedience”, Pt 2, Ep 2, in John of the Ladder Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
Based on the reading of The Ladder of Divine Ascent, one of the most influential writings in the history of spirituality, the purpose of this series is to introduce the audience to the fundamental themes of obedience and repentance in the context of striving to discover the will of God, and to live according to Christ’s commandments, which constitutes the daily challenge of every Christian. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 15: Athanasius the Great, Part 5: On God the Word, Pt 3, “On the Incarnation”, Part 2, Prof. C. Veniamin
Episode 15 of our “Mystical Theology” series consists of Part 2 of our reading of excerpts from his famous, “On the Incarnation of the Word”. Themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
Episode 1: How to Find a Spiritual Father, in John of the Ladder, “On Obedience”, Part 1, Ep 1 Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
Based on the reading of The Ladder of Divine Ascent, one of the most influential writings in the history of spirituality, the purpose of this series is to introduce the audience to the fundamental themes of obedience and repentance in the context of striving to discover the will of God, and to live according to Christ’s commandments, which constitutes the daily challenge of every Christian. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 14: Athanasius the Great, Part 4: On God the Word, 2 & “On the Incarnation”, 1
Episode 14 of our “Mystical Theology” series consists of Part 2 of our presentation of God the Word according to St. Athanasius the Great, and includes the reading of excerpts from his famous, “On the Incarnation of the Word”.
Themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
Episode 15: “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 2, St. Silouan the Athonite (Fuller Treatment) Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Based on the reading of St. Sophrony’s masterful introduction to Saint Silouan the Athonite, “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 2 offers a fuller treatment of one of the most important subjects in the Orthodox spiritual life, and one which is especially helpful for spiritual fathers and leaders of the Church. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
Episode 39: Alexandria and Antioch: Christological Tendencies, Intro Pt 3, Dr. C. Veniamin
In Episode 39 of our Mystical Theology, the tendencies to be found in Alexandrian and Antiochian Christology are discussed as a prelude to our overview of the Christology of Cyril of Alexandria (d. 444). See also the themes in the Timestamps below.
Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin Episode 7bis: Conclusions (Better Sound Quality)
Episode 7bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an *enhanced sound quality* version of the original episode (with new title credits at the beginning, and an end card, plus an appeal for support tagged on at the end), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire. What was Hesychasm really all about? And why is it still relevant to us today in the 21st century?
The final episode in this unit is by way of conclusion, consisting of observations regarding the role and significance of St. Gregory Palamas in the life of the Orthodox Church, specifically, and in the history of Christian doctrine more generally.
Dr. Veniamin’s purpose is simply to remind us of the ascetic and pastoral context of Hesychast theology, which is the life of the people of God, going back to the patriarchs, prophets and saints of all generations - it is the life of that prayer and stillness which prepares us for the encounter with God.
Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin Episode 6bis: Triumph of Ascetic Theology Over Philosophical Speculation (Better Sound Quality)
Episode 6bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an *enhanced sound quality* version of the original episode (with new title credits at the beginning, and an end card, plus an appeal for support tagged on at the end), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire.
The sixth episode presents the differing perspectives of Palamas’ three theological opponents, Barlaam, Akindynus and Gregoras, who curiously shared a common intellectualistic approach to matters theological, which gradually, since Augustine of Hippo, became the fundamental approach of the West: philosophical speculation.
Themes covered in this episode include why the essence-energies distinction is not ditheism; Palamas’ disarming distinction between “Antilogia” and “Homologia”; St. Gregory held hostage by the Ottoman Turkss in 1354; and the outcome of Palamas’ discussion with the Turkish Mullah.
Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin Episode 5bis: Epistemological Presuppositions (Better Sound Quality)
Episode 5bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an *enhanced sound quality* version of the original episode (with new title credits at the beginning, and an end card, plus an appeal for support tagged on at the end), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire. In this fifth part, we discuss the philosophical background to the debate between St. Gregory Palamas and Nicephorus Gregoras, which took place at the 1351 Council of Constantinople.
Themes covered in this episode include the influence of Greek philosophy (particularly that of Plato and Aristotle) on the anti-Hesychasts of the 14th century, the relevance of the debate between Nominalists and Realists in the western Middle Ages, and the experiential, non-philosophical and non-dialectical "essence-energies" distinction in the ascetic tradition of the Orthodox Church. See also the Timestamps below.
Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin Episode 4bis: Iconography & Knowledge of God through Prayer (Better Sound Quality)
Episode 4bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an enhanced sound quality version of the original episode (with new title credits at the beginning, and an end card, plus an appeal for support tagged on at the end), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire. What was Hesychasm really all about? And why is it still relevant to us today in the 21st century?
In this fourth part, we discuss the accusation of Iconoclasm leveled against the Hesychasts, and Prayer as the chief means by which knowledge of God is attained.
The main themes covered in this presentation are included in the Timestamps below.
Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin Episode 3bis: The Jesus Prayer & Yoga (Better Sound Quality)
Episode 3bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an *enhanced sound quality* version of the original episode (with new title credits at the beginning, and an end card, plus an appeal for support tagged on at the end), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire. What was Hesychasm really all about? And why is it still relevant to us today in the 21st century?
In this third part, we discuss the accusation of Messalianism leveled against the Hesychasts, the practice of the Jesus Prayer, its relationship to Yoga, and the place of the body in prayer and worship.
The main themes covered in this presentation are included in the Timestamps below.
Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin Episode 2bis: The Emperor’s 6 Questions (Better Sound Quality)
Episode 2bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an *enhanced sound quality* version of the original episode (with new title credits at the beginning, and an end card, plus an appeal for support tagged on at the end), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire. What was Hesychasm really all about? And why is it still relevant to us today in the 21st century?
In this second part, we discuss the six incisive questions posed by Emperor John VI Cantacuzenus himself during the 1351 Council of Constantinople, which signaled the formal end of the Hesychast debates, between St. Gregory Palamas and his three main theological opponents: Barlaam the Calabrian, Gregory Akindynos, and Nicephorus Gregoras (Gregory’s third and most formidable theological opponent).
The main themes covered in this presentation are included in the Timestamps below.
Unit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher Veniamin Episode 1bis: Prolegomena
Episode 1bis of “Gregory Palamas: An Introduction” is mainly an enhanced sound quality version of the original episode (with a new title credit and end card, plus an appeal for support), which introduces the "Hesychast Controversy" of the 14th century in the declining decades of the Christian Roman Empire. What was Hesychasm really all about? And why is it still relevant to us today in the 21st century?
In this first part, we outline the nature and significance of the debate between St. Gregory and his three main theological opponents: Barlaam the Calabrian, Gregory Akindynos, and Nicephorus Gregoras.
Themes covered include the Vision of God; the Essence-Energies Distinction; God revealed as Light; the Tri-Hypostatic Character of the Light; and the Sanctification of the Human Body.
We shall also touch upon such topics as the Stigmata and the Mystery of the Transfiguration; the Beatific Vision; Speaking in Tongues and the Humble Way of Christ; Latin Ecclesiology vs Direct Unmediated Experience of God; and the Glorification or Deification (theosis) of the entire human person, body and soul.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 13: Athanasius the Great, Part 3: On God the Word, 1
In Episode 13 of our “Mystical Theology” series, we turn to St. Athanasius’ masterful defense of the Orthodox Faith, in his great works “Against the Gentiles” and “On the Incarnation of the Word”, and then in his “Against the Arians”, in which he presents the mystery of the Divine Economy culminating in the “enfleshment” of God the Word Himself.
Themes covered in this podcast include creation in and through the Logos “out of nothing”, the “theologia – economia” distinction, the fundamental difference between “generation” or “begetting” (from the essence of God the Father) and “creation” (by the will and council of God), and the mystery of the Oneness of God the Holy Trinity in divine revelation.
Episode 14: “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 1, St. Silouan the Athonite (Fuller Treatment) Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
Based on the reading of St. Sophrony’s masterful introduction to Saint Silouan the Athonite, “Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 1, offers a fuller treatment of one of the most important subjects in the Orthodox spiritual life, and one which is especially helpful for spiritual fathers and leaders of the Church. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theology and the Orthodox Christian life, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos.
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Series: Mystical Theology, Special Edition Episode 3: “John Damascene: Christology”, Part 1
Introducing the theology and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church, with particular reference to the Holy Bible and the witness of the Church Fathers, past and present.
In “John Damascene: Christology”, Part 1, Episode 3 of our Special Editions, we begin our exploration of the Person of Jesus Christ, our Lord, God and Saviour, through Book III of the Damascene’s Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Based on the translation in to English by S.D.F. Salmond, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Christian Fathers, Series II, vol. ix (New York & Oxford, 1899), pp. 45–73, we shall also consult the Greek text for deeper insights. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
Q&As related to Special Edition Episode 3 available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blog
Episode 10: “Repentance and The Prison”, in John of the Ladder, Dr. C. Veniamin
Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Series: “Mystical Theology"
“Repentance and The Prison”, Episode 10 in our series, "John of the Ladder”, is based on the reading of the first half of Step 5: “On Repentance… and about the Prison”, is one of the most challenging chapters in Patristic theology and the spiritual life. Presented by Dr. Christopher Veniamin, themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 12: Athanasius the Great, Pt. 2: What did Arius Believe? Part 2
Introducing the theology and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church, with particular reference to the Holy Bible and the witness of the Church Fathers, past and present.
In Episode 12 of our “Mystical Theology”, we have Part 2 of our presentation of “Athanasius the Great: What did Arius Believe?”, as a preparation for our overview of St. Athanasius’ defence of the Orthodox Faith against the Arian heresy, which culminates in the glorious proclamation of Christ as true and perfect God by the Council of Nicaea in 325. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of theology and Christian living, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos.
Episode 13: “Concerning Shepherds of Souls” & “Concerning Monks" Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin Series: “Mystical Theology"
Based on the reading of St. Silouan’s chapters, “Concerning Shepherds of Souls” & “Concerning Monks”, in Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 12 offers reflections on great calling of pastors and monastics in the Orthodox spiritual tradition. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theology and the Orthodox Christian life, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos.
Series: Mystical Theology Episode 11: Athanasius the Great, Pt. 1: What did Arius Believe? Part 1
Introducing the theology and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church, with particular reference to the Holy Bible and the witness of the Church Fathers, past and present.
In Episode 11 of our “Mystical Theology”, we present “Athanasius the Great: What did Arius Believe?, Part 1”, as a preparation for our overview of Athanasius’ magnificent defence of the Orthodox Faith against the Arian heresy, a defence which culminates in the glorious proclamation of Christ as true and perfect God by the Council of Nicaea in 325. Some of the themes covered in this podcast are listed in the Timestamps below.
It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of theology and Christian living, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos.
Recording of the fifth session of our Bookclub, which took place on Wednesday, January 24, 2023 (at 9 PM Eastern Time), available to the public. Presented by Prof. Christopher Veniamin, a spiritual child of St. Sophrony the Athonite.
Broaching the challenging question of the significance of the word given to St. Silouan the Athonite, “Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not”, as expounded by Silouan’s disciple, St. Sophrony the Athonite, and also by Sophrony’s disciple, Elder Zacharias of Essex.
Our first text is St. Sophrony’s chapter, “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not”, from his remarkable book, Saint Silouan the Athonite.