Episode 5: “Discovering the Will of God”, Pt 2, Saint Silouan the Athonite, with Prof. C. Veniamin

Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church

Series: Mystical Theology
Unit 16: “Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher Veniamin
Episode 5: “Discovering the Will of God”, Part 2
Based on the reading of excerpts from St. Sophrony’s chapter, “The Staretz’ Doctrinal Teaching”, from the masterpiece, Saint Silouan the Athonite, this fifth episode will discuss the mystery of “Discovering the Will of God”, as presented by Sts. Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites, two of the greatest Orthodox figures of the 20th century. Dr. Christopher Veniamin is a spiritual child of St. Sophrony.
Themes covered include how to live by inspiration, the spiritual father and child relationship, the importance of ascetic striving, and of avoiding “self-analysis” in the spiritual life.
It is hoped that these presentations will help the enquirer discern the interwoven character of Orthodox theology and the Orthodox Christian life, and to identify the ascetic and pastoral significance of the Orthodox ethos.
Q&As related to Episode 1 available in The Professor’s Blog.
Recommended background reading: Saint Silouan the Athonite, by St. Sophrony the Athonite; and The Enlargement of the Heart, by Archimandrite Zacharias
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I wish to express my indebtedness to the spoken and written traditions of Sts Silouan and Sophrony the Athonites, Fr. Zacharias Zacharou, Fr. Kyrill Akon, Fr. Raphael Noica, Fr. Symeon Brüschweiler; Fr. John Romanides, Fr. Pavlos Englezakis, Fr. Georges Florovsky, Prof. Constantine Scouteris, Prof. George Mantzarides, Prof. John Fountoulis, Mtp Kallistos Ware, and Prof. Panayiotes Chrestou. My presentations have been enriched by all of the above sources. Responsibility however for the content of my presentations is of course mine alone. ©Christopher Veniamin 2023

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Κεφάλαια

1. Discovering the Will of God (00:00:00)

2. Seeking Spiritual Guidance and Obedience (00:05:54)

3. Obedience and Faith in Spiritual Guidance (00:12:47)

4. Spiritual State and Divine Inspiration (00:26:34)