Schmemann Speaks

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 the Faith.

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 of Mary in the Church, Schmemann argues. Furthermore, much of Mariology is distinctly non-biblical in character. How then, do we explain the Church's devotion of her? Is it mere "devotional exaggeration"? In this introduction to a larger discussion about Mary, Fr Alexander says the time for a theological study of Mariology has come, for the Theotokos is key to an understanding of the world and of life itself.

“In thee rejoices the whole creation, O full of grace!” But why? Father Alexander explains why understanding these words regarding Mary, the Mother of God, is essential to our understanding of the world and the challenges we face. He speaks of Mary as “mother” and as “virgin” in this latest episode of Schmemann Speaks.

Some try to “look” holy, but they are missing something. As the Church moves beyond Mid-Lent toward Holy Week, Schmemann explains why there is no Christianity without the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. 

“Religion itself, because of secularism...is also the victim of a tremendous confusion.” Father Alexander Schmemann discusses "religion," "secularism," and reasons one should not come to the Church.

“No one can today doubt that we are in a deep crisis—not only political, not only economic, but first of all a spiritual crisis.” But the battle is not between structures and systems. So, Fr Alexander says, we must “discern the spirits.”

In this second part of Fr Alexander's discussion on "Faith as Conversion," he transitions from the question, “What is conversion in terms of our faith?” to “What is our conversion in terms of our Christian life?” Discussing the essential role the Church must play in this life, Schmemann also reminds us that we have not chosen God, but He chose us.

"Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Father Alexander Schmemann says these words  from the gospel begin the call to all people to convert—even if you are already Christian.  And conversion—not simply a one-time event or change—is much more "radical" and demanding than we might realize.