Episode 4: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 1, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church

Series: Mystical Theology
Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Episode 4: “Discovering the Will of God”, Part 1
Based on the reading of excerpts from St. Sophrony’s chapter, “The Staretz’ Doctrinal Teaching”, from the masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this fourth episode will discuss the mystery of “Discovering the Will of God”, as presented by Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites, two of the greatest Orthodox figures of the 20th century. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
Themes covered include repentance, the importance of the Saints of our times for us Christians living in the world, and spiritual guidance.
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 related to Episode 1 available in The Professor’s Blog.
Recommended background reading: Saint Silouan the Athonite, by St. Sophrony the Athonite; and The Enlargement of the Heart, by Archimandrite Zacharias
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 Kallistos Ware, and Prof. Panayiotes Chrestou. My presentations have been enriched by all of the above sources. Responsibility however for the content of my presentations is of course mine alone. ©Christopher Veniamin 2023
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Chapters

1. Introduction to 'The Staretz' Doctrinal Teaching' (00:00:00)

2. Publication of 'Saint Silouan the Athonite' (00:02:39)

3. Reading from Chapter 5: 'The Staretz Doctrinal Teaching' (00:06:31)

4. The experience of speaking to St. Silouan (00:07:25)

5. God's love for us is unconditional (00:14:02)

6. The presence of the saints (00:15:24)

7. Met. Neophytos' visit to St. Iakovos (00:24:54)

8. Saints of our age (00:31:00)

9. The Church (00:34:52)

10. Correct spiritual disposition required (00:38:23)

11. Reading: 'Discovering the Will of God' (00:39:31)

12. St. Sophrony's prayer (00:40:28)