Name: Mary: The 'Well-Guarded Secret', Part I by St Vladimir's Seminary
Duration: 47 min 52 s
Description: 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.

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.

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

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', Part I

St Vladimir's Seminary

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