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

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.

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

St Vladimir's Seminary

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