Episode 1: Prolegomena, "St Gregory Palamas: An Introduction."

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Series: Mystical Theology
Unit 14: Gregory Palamas
Episode 1: Prolegomena

The first episode in this series of presentations is of an introductory character, touching briefly on each of the main themes contained in Palamas, and sets up the scene for a more in-depth treatment of St Gregory’s ascetico-theological vision.

Throughout these presentations, reference will be made to Holy Scripture and to many of the Holy Fathers.

A wide range of themes will be covered, including the nature of revelation and the knowledge of God, direct personal experience of God from this life, the Jesus Prayer, the Vision of God, and the sanctification of the body and its final place in the life to come.

Recommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies(Dalton PA: 2022).

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction
02:09 Stages in St. Gregory’s Life
07:26 Objections to St. Gregory‘s theology
10:40 Experience of God
11:16 Essence–Energies Distinction
19:09 God as Light
22:18 Transfiguration
28:20 Stigmata
30:00 Speaking in Tongues
30:23 Transfiguration of human body
31:48 Direct contact with God
34:30 Physical technique in Prayer
36:50 Union of “nous” with heart

It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the profound interrelationship between Orthodox theology and the Orthodox Christian life, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos contained therein. 

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Dr. Christopher Veniamin D.Phil. (Oxon.)