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

Send us Fan MailSeries: Mystical TheologyUnit 14: Gregory PalamasEpisode 1: ProlegomenaThe 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).TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction02:09 Stages in St. Gregory’s Life07:26 Objections to St. Gregory‘s theology10:40 Experience of God11:16 Essence–Energies Distinction19:09 God as Light22:18 Transfiguration28:20 Stigmata30:00 Speaking in Tongues30:23 Transfiguration of human body31:48 Direct contact with God34:30 Physical technique in Prayer36:50 Union of “nous” with heartIt 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. Join the Mount Thabor Academy Podcasts and help us to bring podcasts on Orthodox theology and the spiritual life to the wider community. Support the showIf you enjoy our podcast, consider supporting our The Mount Thabor Academy Patreon page, to unlock exclusive, member-only content.Print Books by MOUNT THABOR PUBLISHINGeBooks Amazon Kindle Contact us: [email protected]. Christopher Veniamin D.Phil. (Oxon.)