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.

EPISODE 1
"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.

Schmemann Speaks: Faith as Conversion, Part I

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.

Schmemann Speaks: Faith as Conversion, Part II

“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.”

Schmemann Speaks: Discern the Spirits

“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.

Schmemann Speaks: The Problem of Religion

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

Schmemann Speaks: The Precious Cross

“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.

Schmemann Speaks: The Virgin Mary

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.

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

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 II

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 III

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

Schmemann Speaks

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

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 V

Recorded live at Three Hierarchs Chapel during Great Vespers for the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos on the evening of September 30, 2013.

SVS Octet: Blessed is the Man, Lord I Call, Gladsome Light

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 VI

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 VII

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 VIII

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 IX

Are we prepared to truly serve the King, the One we exalt with "Hosanna!" upon his entry into the Jerusalem of our hearts? Fr Chad Hatfield, president of St Vladimir's Seminary, asks us to look into those hearts of ours, speaking on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2022 at St Vladimir's Seminary's Three Hierarchs Chapel.

Serving the King

What does God's sign to Noah have to do with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? Saint Vladimir's Seminary President The Very Rev. Dr Chad Hatfield takes us back to Genesis to explain. He delivered this homily at the Seminary's Three Hierarchs Chapel on Pentecost Sunday, June 12, 2022.

The Rainbow in the Cloud: A Reflection for Pentecost



LIVE recording from ORIENT: Sacred Song and Image
St. Vladimir's Seminary Chorale

Recorded May 7, 2012
St. Malachy's Roman Catholic Church
New York City, NY

Let God Arise (Znamenny Chant, arr. Benedict Sheehan)

The Angel Cried

Do Not Lament Me, O Mother

Troparion to St. John Chrysostom, from Pascha: Hymns of the Resurrection, sung by the St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary Male Choir and conducted by Dr. David Drillock

Grace Shining Forth (Valaam Motif)

Sessional hymn at Matins for the Feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple, November 31.
Trinity St. Sergius Lavra Chant, tone 4
Sung by the St. Vladimir's Seminary Octet at MAGNIFICAT, November 25, 2013

Photo: Leanne Parrott Photography

Before Thy Conception, O Pure Virgin

Sticheron at Vespers for the Nativity of our Lord, Kievan Chant, tone 2, arr. Hierodeacon Herman

The St Vladimir's Seminary Octet, directed by Hierodeacon Herman, from the album "St Vladimir's Live: The Chorale and Octet in Concert"

What Shall We Offer Thee, O Christ?

St Vladimir’s Seminary President The Very Rev. Dr Chad Hatfield delivered one of the keynote addresses at the second annual Paideia Conference in May and June 2024, as Orthodox scholars and theologians gathered to talk about the life of the mind, the creation of culture, and our life in Christ. (Image: Paideia Society)


Post-World War II Shifts in Religion and Culture

Recorded live at Great Compline, Thursday in the First Week of Lent, February 26, 2015.

Composer: Nicholas Custer

My soul, my soul, rise up! Why art thou sleeping? The end is drawing near and so thou shalt be troubled. Watch then, that Christ thy God may spare thee, for He is everywhere present and fills all things.


Great Canon Kontakion

From the Apostica at Holy Friday Matins

Byzantine Chant, tone two, arr. Rassem El Massih

Seeing Thee Hanging On The Cross

The St. Vladimir's Octet, conducted by Hdn. Herman

Sticheron at Vespers for the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

Russian Chant, tone 1: "O Marvelous Wonder" harm. Nicholas Reeves (b. 1981)

The Dominions & Thrones

The St. Vladimir's Octet, conducted by Hdn. Herman

Kontakion at Matins for the feast of the Nativity of Christ

Russo-Bulgarian Chant, tone three


Today the Virgin Gives Birth

"Hymn to the Theotokos" from forthcoming CD titled, Every Day Will I Bless Thee, performed by a women's sextet at St. Vladimir's Seminary.
Composer: Monk Martin (Gardner

Hymn to the Theotokos

St. Vladimir's Seminary Chorale, "Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and Other Lenten Hymns." David Drillock, dir.

O Taste And See (Kievan Chant)

LIVE recording from ORIENT: Sacred Song and Image
St. Vladimir's Seminary Chorale

Recorded May 7, 2012
St. Malachy's Roman Catholic Church
New York City, NY

Bogoroditse Devo (Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos)

LIVE recording from ORIENT: Sacred Song and Image
St. Vladimir's Seminary Chorale

Recorded May 7, 2012
St. Malachy's Roman Catholic Church
New York City, NY

Composed by Dr. Nicholas Reeves, Assistant Professor of Liturgical Music, St. Vladimir's Seminary

St Vladimir's Seminary

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