Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church
Mystical Theology is a lecture series with Prof. Christopher Veniamin introducing the theology and spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. It approaches its subject with particular reference to the Holy Bible and the witness of the Church Fathers, past and present. Units cover early Christian thinkers such as Irenaeus of Lyons, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Athanasius the Great, the Cappadocian Fathers and Augustine of Hippo, as well as later figures like John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, Gregory Palamas, John of the Ladder, and Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites. The course also includes special editions, a unit on empirical dogmatics and the theology of Fr. John Romanides, and suggested background reading. It is produced by the Mount Thabor Academy, the educational arm associated with Mount Thabor Publishing.
Episodes
Episode 45: Dionysius the Areopagite, Authorship & Dating, C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 45: Dionysius the Areopagite, Authorship & Dating, C. VeniaminIn Episode 45 of our Mystical Theology, we continue our overview of the theology of Dionysius the Areopagite, one of the most challenging figures in the history of Christian doctrine. This episode also contains personal reflections on aspects of the spiritual life learned from St. Sop
Episode 44: Dionysius the Areopagite, Introduction, C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailIn 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.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I wish to express my indebtedness to the spoken and written traditions of Mtp Kallistos Ware, Vladimir Lossky, Fr. John Romanides and Mtp Hierotheos Vlachos. Responsibility for the conte
Episode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. Veniamin
Send us Fan Mail[Episode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. Veniamin]Series: Mystical TheologyEpisode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. VeniaminIn 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 br
Episode 41: Cyril of Alexandria, With Scholion on Appolinarius, Intro to Xtology, Pt 5, C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 41: Cyril of Alexandria, With Scholion on Appolinarius of Laodicea, Intro to Christology, Pt 5, C. VeniaminIn 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.
Episode 40: Cyril of Alexandria, Introduction to Christology, Part 4, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 40: Cyril of Alexandria, Introduction to Christology, Part 4, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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, se
Episode 39: Alexandria and Antioch: Christological Tendencies, Intro Pt 3, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 39: Alexandria and Antioch: Christological Tendencies, Intro Pt 3, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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.Q&As available in
Episode 10: “Repentance and The Prison”, in John of the Ladder, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 10: “Repentance and The Prison”, in John of the Ladder, Dr. C. VeniaminUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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 on
Episode 38: The Nestorian Perspective: Intro to Christology, Part 2, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 38: The Nestorian Perspective: Intro to Christology, Part 2, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 38 of our Mystical Theology, the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical dyophysite Christologies is described, and in the process the Christological views of Theodore of Mopsouestia (c. 350-428) and Nestorius of Constantinople (d. c. 451) are presented as
Episode 36: Could Christ have sinned? Intro to Christology, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 36: Could Christ have sinned? Intro to Christology, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 36 of our Mystical Theology, Dr. Christopher Veniamin introduces the central doctrine of the Christian Faith - the Church’s teaching on the mystery of the Person of Jesus Christ - by asking the question, “Could Christ have sinned?”. For themes included in this presentation
Episode 35: John Chrysostom: The Language of Holy Scripture, Eunomius & The Light of Tabor, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 35: John Chrysostom: The Language of Holy Scripture, Eunomius & The Light of Tabor, Dr. C. VeniaminWith Episode 34, we come to the end of Volume 1 of our series, Mystical Theology. Through Chrysostom’s appreciation of the Transfiguration of Christ on Tabor, we catch a glimpse of the theological presuppositions, the gnosiology, of one of the grea
Episode 33: Conclusions to Augustine, Pt 2: Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Moses
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 33: Conclusions to Augustine, Part 2: Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Moses, Part 6 of The Cappadocian Fathers, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 33, we have the second part of our Conclusions to the Unit on the Cappadocian Fathers and Augustine of Hippo. This consists of Gregory of Nyssa’s Life of Moses (paragraphs 152-169), in which St. Gregory presents the God
Episode 32: Conclusions to Augustine, Part 1: Basil the Great & Gregory the Theologian, C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 32: Conclusions to Augustine, Part 1: Basil the Great & Gregory the Theologian, C. VeniaminIn 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
Three Basic Mistakes, Augustine of Hippo, Episode 31, Mystical Theology, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 31: Three Basic Mistakes, Augustine of Hippo on the Holy Trinity, Episode 31, Mystical Theology, Dr. C. VeniaminBased 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 Christ
Essentialism vs Essence–Energies, Part 9 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orth. Persp., Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 28: Augustine’s Essentialism and the Essence–Energies Distinction of Basil the Great, Part 9 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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 ou
Further Reading & Comm, De Trinitate IX, Pt 8, Augustine of Hippo: An Orth. Persp., Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 27: Further Reading & Commentary, Reading De Trinitate Book IX, Part 8 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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 de
Reading & Commentary, De Trinitate IX, Pt 7, Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Persp, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 26: Reading & Commentary, Reading De Trinitate Book IX, Part 7 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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 s
“What Is Meant By The Spiritual Life?”, Part 6 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox… Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 25: “What Is Meant By The Spiritual Life?”, Part 6 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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 e
Episode 11: “By Way of Conclusion”, in John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 11: “By Way of Conclusion”Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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. Pres
“De Trinitate”, Book IX, Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 5, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 24: “De Trinitate”, Book IX, Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 5, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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”. Particul
“Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good” (Ps. 135:3), Augustine of Hippo, Part 4, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 23: “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good” (Ps. 135:3), Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 4, Dr. C. VeniaminIn 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
Revelation of "I AM", Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 3, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 22: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 3, Revelation of "I AM" (Exod. 3:18), with Prof. Christopher VeniaminIn 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
Episode 9: Holy Myrrh and Holy Relics, in John of the Ladder, Dr. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 9: Holy Myrrh and Holy RelicsUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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
Episode 8: How to Deal with Pain and Suffering, in John of the Ladder, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 8: How to Deal with Pain and SufferingUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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. T
Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 2, Analogies, with Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 21: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 2, Analogies, with Prof. Christopher VeniaminIn 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 Au
Episode 7: Compassion, the Body, and St. Abbacyrus, in John of the Ladder, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 7: Compassion, the Body, and St. AbbacyrusUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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, w
Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 1, Introduction, with Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 20: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 1, Introduction, Episode 20 in Mystical Theology, with Prof. C. VeniaminIn 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 maki
Episode 6: Relevance of The Ladder for Those Living in the World, John of the Ladder, C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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 av
"Hypostasis": the Threeness of God, The Cappadocian Fathers, Pt 4, Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 19: "Hypostasis": the Threeness of God, The Cappadocian Fathers, Pt 4, Prof. Christopher VeniaminIn 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
St Isidore, St Laurence & St Sophrony, in John of the Ladder, Ep 5, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSt Isidore, St Laurence & St Sophrony, in John of the Ladder, Ep 5, Prof. C. VeniaminUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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 stor
The Cappadocian Fathers, Pt 3: The "Monarchy" of God the Father, Ep 18, Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical Theology Episode 18: The Cappadocian Fathers, Pt 3: The "Monarchy" of God the Father, Ep 18, Prof. Christopher VeniaminIn 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 T
St Sophrony and the Divine Liturgy, John of the Ladder, Ep 4, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSt Sophrony and the Divine Liturgy, John of the Ladder, Ep 4, Prof. C. VeniaminUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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 w
The Cappadocian Fathers, Part 2: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa, "Mystical Theology", Episode 17, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 17: The Cappadocian Fathers, Part 2: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa, "Mystical Theology", Episode 17, Prof. C. VeniaminEpisode 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 A
Obedience to One's Spiritual Father, “On Obedience”, Pt 3, John of the Ladder, Ep 3, Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailObedience to One's Spiritual Father, “On Obedience”, Pt 3, John of the Ladder, Ep 3, Dr. C. VeniaminUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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 t
“Holy Saturday, Gen. 1:1–13”, Orthodox Bible Study, Session 2, with Dr. C. Veniamin (Feb 13, 2024)
Send us Fan MailMT 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 e
The Cappadocian Fathers, Pt 1: Introduction, Ep 16, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 16: The Cappadocian Fathers, Part 1: Introduction, Prof. C. VeniaminEpisode 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 t
“Spiritual Warfare”, Part 3, Bookclub, Episode 3, St. Silouan, Special Edition, with Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailMT 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 Sophron
Parenting and Parish Priests, “On Obedience”, Pt 2, Ep 2, John of the Ladder, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 2: Parenting and Parish Priests, “On Obedience”, Pt 2, Ep 2, in John of the LadderUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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
Athanasius the Great, Part 5: On God the Word, Pt 3, “On the Incarnation”, Part 2
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical Theology Episode 15: Athanasius the Great, Part 5: On God the Word, Pt 3, “On the Incarnation”, Part 2, Prof. C. VeniaminEpisode 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.Q&As related to Episode 15 availab
How to Find a Spiritual Father, in John of the Ladder, “On Obedience”, Part 1, Episode 1, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 1: How to Find a Spiritual Father, in John of the Ladder, “On Obedience”, Part 1, Ep 1Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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 introduc
Athanasius the Great, Part 4: On God the Word, 2 & “On the Incarnation”, 1, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 14: Athanasius the Great, Part 4: On God the Word, 2 & “On the Incarnation”, 1Episode 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 i
Part 2 of Intrusive Thoughts, in Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 15, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 VeniaminBased 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 subjec
Gregory Palamas: Conclusions (Better Sound Quality), Episode 7bis, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 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 "Hesych
Gregory Palamas: Triumph of Ascetic Theology Over Philosophical Speculation (Better Sound Quality), Episode 6bis, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 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
Gregory Palamas: Epistemological Presuppositions (Better Sound Quality), Episode 5bis, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 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 introdu
Gregory Palamas: Iconography & Knowledge of God through Prayer (Better Sound Quality), Episode 4bis, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 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
Gregory Palamas: The Jesus Prayer & Yoga (Better Sound Quality), Episode 3bis, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 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
Gregory Palamas: The Emperor's Six Questions (Better Sound Quality), Episode 2bis, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 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 th
Gregory Palamas: Prolegomena (Better Sound Quality), Episode 1bis, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailUnit 14: St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction, Prof. Christopher VeniaminEpisode 1bis: ProlegomenaEpisode 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
Athanasius the Great, Part 3: On God the Word, 1, in “Mystical Theology”, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 13: Athanasius the Great, Part 3: On God the Word, 1In 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 culminati
“Intrusive Thoughts”, Part 1, Silouan the Athonite (Fuller Treatment), Episode 14, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 VeniaminSeries: “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
“John Damascene: Christology”, Part 1, “Mystical Theology”, Special Edition, with Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical Theology, Special EditionEpisode 3: “John Damascene: Christology”, Part 1Introducing 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 C
Athanasius the Great, Pt. 2: What did Arius Believe? Part 2 “Mystical Theology”, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 12: Athanasius the Great, Pt. 2: What did Arius Believe? Part 2Introducing 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 Be
“Concerning Shepherds of Souls” & “Concerning Monks”, Episode 13, St. Silouan, Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 13: “Concerning Shepherds of Souls” & “Concerning Monks" Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “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 reflecti
Athanasius the Great, Pt. 1: What did Arius Believe? Part 1. Episode 11, in "Mystical Theology", with Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 11: Athanasius the Great, Pt. 1: What did Arius Believe? Part 1Introducing 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 prep
Part 2 of "Keep Thy Mind in Hell, and Despair Not”, Episode 12 in St. Silouan Bookclub: Special Edition, Episode 2, with Dr. C Veniamin
Send us Fan MailRecording 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 expo
Episode 10: "What Every Orthodox Christian Should Know About the Orthodox Faith", in "Mystical Theology", with Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 10: What Every Orthodox Christian Should Know About the Orthodox FaithIntroducing 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 10, “What Every Orthodox Christian Should Know About the Orthodox Faith" is based on a presentat
Episode 11: “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not”, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 11: “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not” Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of St. Sophrony’s chapter, “Keep Thy Mind in Hell and Despair Not”, in Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 11 attempts to discern the practical significance of the
Episode 9: "Origen", Part 3, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical Theology Episode 9: Origen, Part 3Introducing 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.Origen, who flourished in the 3rd Century, is one of the most difficult and important chapters in the history of early Christian doctrine. An Orthodox appreciation o
Episode 10: “The 3rd Form of Prayer”; “Development of Intrusive Thoughts”, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailEpisode 10: “The 3rd Form of Prayer”; “Development of Intrusive Thoughts”Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"Based on the reading of excerpts from St. Sophrony’s masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, Episode 10: “The 3rd Form of Prayer”; “Development of Intrusive Though
Episode 8: "Origen", Part 2, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical Theology Episode 8: Origen, Part 2Introducing 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.Origen, who flourished in the 3rd Century, is one of the most difficult and important chapters in the history of early Christian doctrine. An Orthodox appreciation o
Episode 9: “Tradition & Scripture”; “Three Forms of Prayer”, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
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Episode 7: “Clement of Alexandria”, Part 2; “Origen”, Part 1, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. C. Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical Theology Episode 7: Clement of Alexandria, Part 2; Origen, Part 1Introducing 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.This Episode, "Clement of Alexandria, Part 2; Origen, Part 1, continues Clement of Alexandria, Part 1, by counterbalancing Clemen
Episode 6: “Clement of Alexandria”, Part 1, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
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Episode 8: “On Love”, Part 2, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
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Episode 7: “On Love”, Part 1, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
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Episode 5: “Irenaeus of Lyons”, Part 2, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
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MT Academy Bookclub, Saint Silouan the Athonite, Spiritual Warfare", Part 1, Special Edition, Episode 1, with Dr. C Veniamin, Pt 1 (Sep 27, 2023)
Send us Fan MailRecording of the first session of our Bookclub, which took place on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (at 9 PM Eastern Time), available to the public.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
Episode 4: “Irenaeus of Lyons”, Part 1, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 2: Irenaeus of LyonsEpisode 4: Irenaeus of Lyons, Part 1Introducing 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.This Episode, "Irenaeus of Lyons, Part 1", is an introduction to Irenaeus of Lyons, a spiritual child of St. Polycarp of
Episode 6: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 3, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
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Episode 3: “Philo of Alexandria", Part 2, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
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Episode 5: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 2, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
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Episode 2: “Philo of Alexandria", Part 1, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
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Episode 4: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 1, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin
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Episode 1: “Holy Scripture & Greek Philosophy”, in "Mystical Theology", with Dr. Christopher Veniamin
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Episode 3: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 3, & “Concerning Obedience”, Part 1. “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”
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Episode 2: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 2. "Sts. Silouan and Sophrony: Principles of the Christian Life"
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Episode 1: “On the Knowledge of God”, Part 1. “Sts Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Spiritual Life”
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Episode 7: Conclusions, “St Gregory Palamas: An Introduction.”
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 14: Gregory PalamasEpisode 7: ConclusionsAre you ready to unravel the profound mysteries of Orthodox theology? We promise an enlightening journey as we immerse ourselves in the world of theosis and the revelation of God. Our exploration mentions briefly the significant contributions of Dionysius the Areopagite and the criticisms put forth by William of
Episode 6: Triumph of Ascetic Theology Over Intellectualism, “St Gregory Palamas: An Introduction.”
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 14: Gregory PalamasEpisode 6: Triumph of Ascetic Theology Over IntellectualismThe sixth episode in our series presents the differing perspectives of Palamas’ three theological opponents, who curiously shared a common intellectualistic approach to matters theological, which gradually, since Augustine of Hippo, became the fundamental approach of the West
Episode 5: Epistemological Presuppositions, "St. Gregory Palamas: An Introduction."
Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 14: Gregory PalamasEpisode 5: Epistemological PresuppositionsThe fifth episode in our series discusses 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 Plat
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