Schmemann Speaks

Jan 13 2022 37

Schmemann Speaks Podcast artwork

Schmemann Speaks is a podcast featuring the words and wisdom of Fr Alexander Schmemann (1921–1983), from the archives of St Vladimir's Seminary. His words—captured decades ago—are anything but dated. They are further proof that Fr Alexander remains a voice for our time. The podcast is part of St Vladimir's "Year of Schmemann" celebrations, commemorating 100 years since the birth of the Seminary's beloved and renowned former dean and professor.

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Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part IX

Jan 13 2022 61 mins

The discussion concerning temple imagery continues, and Fr Alexander also explores the nature of sacrifice and how it relates to Mary.

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part VIII

Jan 07 2022 53 mins

Father Alexander explores the theme of the temple—one of the key symbols of Christian faith and doctrine, and discusses what the Church means by associating Mary so strongly with temple imagery.

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part VII

Dec 09 2021 41 mins

In this episode, Fr Alexander discusses Mary as the new Eve, Eve as fundamental to mankind becoming fully itself, and woman as the climax of the world given to us. He also explains why the creation and relationship of man and woman is so critical to Christian theology.

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part VI

Oct 26 2021 46 mins

As he explores the Feast of Nativity, Fr Alexander defines the "double mystery" of Mary's virginity and points to Old Testament prophecies. He also explains why it is important that Mary is NOT an "exception" within the human race, in contrast with Western theology.

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part V

Sep 21 2021 59 mins

Fr Alexander speaks about the liturgical poetry of the Feast of Nativity, and he stresses the importance of properly understanding the virginity of Mary—that it is not about absence, but fullness.

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part IV

Aug 30 2021 24 mins

Father Alexander discusses the miracle of the virgin birth, first addressing what is a miracle and what is not.

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part III

Aug 26 2021 50 mins

Father Alexander turns to a fundamental question in his discussion of the explosion of Mariology in the early Church: Who is Christ?

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part II

Aug 16 2021 59 mins

There was a "substantial difference" between early Christian worship and the liturgy of the Church after Constantine with regard to Mary. What happened? To address this, Fr Alexander points to the eschatological experience of the early Church as he continues his historical study of the veneration of Mary.

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part I

Aug 08 2021 47 mins

How do we explain the "silence" regarding Mary in the early Church, before the "Mariological explosion" in Christianity during the first millennium? Fr Alexander begins a brief historical study of the veneration of Mary with this critical question in mind, as he addresses those who would criticize devotion to the Theotokos as merely an "addition" to th

Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret' (Introduction)

Jul 31 2021 60 mins

Fr Alexander says he speaks about Mary with "fear and trembling," not only because of the difficulty of the subject, but "I really feel that to speak about Mary is a tremendous test, first for theology itself..." To speak about her is indeed a profound challenge. Apart from the term "Theotokos," we lack adequate theological terms to express the mystery