Shows
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 44: Dionysius the Areopagite, Introduction, C. VeniaminSend a textIn Episode 44 of our Mystical Theology, we begin our overview of the theology of Dionysius the Areopagite, one of the most challenging figures in the history of Christian doctrine.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I wish to express my indebtedness to the spoken and written traditions of Mtp Kallistos Ware, Vladimir Lossky, Fr. John Romanides and Mtp Hierotheos Vlachos. Responsibility for the content of my presentations is of course mine alone. ©Christopher Veniamin 2026Join the Mount Thabor Academy Podcasts and help us to bring podcasts on Orthodox theology and the spiritual life to the w...
2026-03-1346 min
rpgDAN's Pen and Paper PodcastThabor - Florentin Will's Regelwerk für Angehende Magier von RBTV [Tutorial] |ROLLENSPIEL BASIC'S📖Dan's Webshop rund um P&P: https://www.dans-abenteuerwelt.de/
Seit 2022 mache ich meine ersten Schritte zu einem Onlineshop, in dem ich Battlemaps, Handouts zu meinen Let's Plays und auch Bücher anbieten möchte, die sonst im weißen Rauschen des Internets verschwinden.
In diesem Pen-and-Paper-Abenteuer entführt euch Spielleiter Florentin Will in die Magier-Akademie Thabor. Dieses Lets Play von RBTV ist eine ganz andere Erfahrung als die Tears Abenteuer mit den Hauptmoderatoren. Die Gruppe und der Spielleiter schaffen es trotz des Live Charakters der Aufzeichnung eine Angenehm ruhige, Immersive Atmosphäre zu schaffen. Das Charakterspiel tritt in den Vord...
2025-06-0926 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. VeniaminSend a text[Episode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. Veniamin]Series: Mystical TheologyEpisode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, C. VeniaminIn Episode 42: Caveat on Trinity and Grace of God, Part 6 of Cyril of Alexandria, Dr. Veniamin pauses his presentations on the Christology of Cyril of Alexandria, in order to bring back in to focus the Cappadocian understanding of hypostasis, upon which Cyril bases his emphasis on the oneness of Christ, and also the uncreated character...
2025-05-2534 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 41: Cyril of Alexandria, With Scholion on Appolinarius, Intro to Xtology, Pt 5, C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 41: Cyril of Alexandria, With Scholion on Appolinarius of Laodicea, Intro to Christology, Pt 5, C. VeniaminIn Episode 41 of our Mystical Theology, Dr. Veniamin continues his presentation of the Christology of St. Cyril of Alexandria, emphasizing the divinity of the Logos made flesh, and an important note on the heresy of Apollinarius of Laodicea (c.310 - c.390). For a list of the various themes contained therein, see the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blogRe...
2025-04-2725 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 40: Cyril of Alexandria, Introduction to Christology, Part 4, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 40: Cyril of Alexandria, Introduction to Christology, Part 4, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 40 of our Mystical Theology, Dr. Veniamin presents the foundations of Christology as formulated by St. Cyril, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria (d. 444), in the context of the Nestorian controversy (429 – 431). For a list of the various themes contained herein, see the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); The Orthodox Understanding of Salvation: "Theosis" in Scri...
2025-04-1427 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 39: Alexandria and Antioch: Christological Tendencies, Intro Pt 3, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 39: Alexandria and Antioch: Christological Tendencies, Intro Pt 3, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 39 of our Mystical Theology, the tendencies to be found in Alexandrian and Antiochian Christology are discussed as a prelude to our overview of the Christology of Cyril of Alexandria (d. 444). See also the themes in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); The Orthodox Understanding of Salvation: "Theosis" in Scripture and Tradition (2016); The Tr...
2025-04-0624 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 10: “Repentance and The Prison”, in John of the Ladder, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textEpisode 10: “Repentance and The Prison”, in John of the Ladder, Dr. C. VeniaminUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"“Repentance and The Prison”, Episode 10 in our series, "John of the Ladder”, is based on the reading of the first half of Step 5: “On Repentance… and about the Prison”, is one of the most challenging chapters in Patristic theology and the spiritual life. Presented by Dr. Christopher Veniamin, themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in...
2025-03-3041 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 38: The Nestorian Perspective: Intro to Christology, Part 2, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 38: The Nestorian Perspective: Intro to Christology, Part 2, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 38 of our Mystical Theology, the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical dyophysite Christologies is described, and in the process the Christological views of Theodore of Mopsouestia (c. 350-428) and Nestorius of Constantinople (d. c. 451) are presented as a prelude to the great contribution of Cyril of Alexandria. For other themes included in this presentation, see the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed...
2025-03-1326 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 36: Could Christ have sinned? Intro to Christology, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 36: Could Christ have sinned? Intro to Christology, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 36 of our Mystical Theology, Dr. Christopher Veniamin introduces the central doctrine of the Christian Faith - the Church’s teaching on the mystery of the Person of Jesus Christ - by asking the question, “Could Christ have sinned?”. For themes included in this presentation, see the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); The Orthodox...
2025-02-2835 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 35: John Chrysostom: The Language of Holy Scripture, Eunomius & The Light of Tabor, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 35: John Chrysostom: The Language of Holy Scripture, Eunomius & The Light of Tabor, Dr. C. VeniaminWith Episode 34, we come to the end of Volume 1 of our series, Mystical Theology. Through Chrysostom’s appreciation of the Transfiguration of Christ on Tabor, we catch a glimpse of the theological presuppositions, the gnosiology, of one of the greatest commentators of Holy Scripture in the history of Christianity. And we note that his theology, though expressed in somewhat different terms, is the same as that of Athanasius the Great and of...
2025-02-1527 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 33: Conclusions to Augustine, Pt 2: Gregory of Nyssa, Life of MosesSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 33: Conclusions to Augustine, Part 2: Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Moses, Part 6 of The Cappadocian Fathers, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Episode 33, we have the second part of our Conclusions to the Unit on the Cappadocian Fathers and Augustine of Hippo. This consists of Gregory of Nyssa’s Life of Moses (paragraphs 152-169), in which St. Gregory presents the God-seer Moses in his ascent towards God and deification (theosis). One of the key themes in Nyssa’s account is that of “divine darkness”. Other themes t...
2025-02-0231 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 32: Conclusions to Augustine, Part 1: Basil the Great & Gregory the Theologian, C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 32: Conclusions to Augustine, Part 1: Basil the Great & Gregory the Theologian, C. VeniaminIn Episode 32, we return to the Cappadocian Fathers by way of conclusion, following our overview of Augustine of Hippo, in order to bring us back to an Orthodox approach to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. We attempt a clarification of the essence-energies distinction as taught by Basil the Great, and proceed from there to a broader discussion of what is theology and who is a theologian according to Gregory of...
2025-01-2523 minMystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchThree Basic Mistakes, Augustine of Hippo, Episode 31, Mystical Theology, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 31: Three Basic Mistakes, Augustine of Hippo on the Holy Trinity, Episode 31, Mystical Theology, Dr. C. VeniaminBased on St. Augustine’s De Fide et Symbolo, this presentation discusses three erroneous presuppositions made by the Bishop of Hippo, and perpetuated by his followers, which have influenced subsequent generations in the Franco-Latin Christianity of the West. These assumptions, discerned by Fr. John Romanides, one of the foremost Orthodox theologians of our times, may be found in his lecture, “The Filioque” (see details below). Other themes touched upon are included in the...
2025-01-0623 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEssentialism vs Essence–Energies, Part 9 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orth. Persp., Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 28: Augustine’s Essentialism and the Essence–Energies Distinction of Basil the Great, Part 9 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Part 9 of our presentations on Augustine of Hippo a comparison is made between the theological approach of Augustine and Basil the Great vis-a-vis the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, based on our reading of Augustine’s De Trinitate Book IX, and of Basil’s Epistles 2 and 234. A brief explanation of what is meant by the “substance and attributes” distinction is also given. Other themes touch...
2024-12-2234 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchFurther Reading & Comm, De Trinitate IX, Pt 8, Augustine of Hippo: An Orth. Persp., Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 27: Further Reading & Commentary, Reading De Trinitate Book IX, Part 8 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Part 8 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 27 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we continue our reading and commentary on Book IX of St. Augustine’s De Trinitate; and in so doing we delve into Augustine's theological presuppositions. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher...
2024-12-0929 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchReading & Commentary, De Trinitate IX, Pt 7, Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Persp, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 26: Reading & Commentary, Reading De Trinitate Book IX, Part 7 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Part 7 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 26 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we continue our reading and commentary on Book IX of St. Augustine’s De Trinitate; and in so doing we touch on such key questions as, “What is theology?” and “Who is a theologian?”. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog
2024-11-2923 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church“What Is Meant By The Spiritual Life?”, Part 6 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox… Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 25: “What Is Meant By The Spiritual Life?”, Part 6 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Part 6 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 25 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we attempt to outline some of the distinguishing characteristics of the Orthodox spiritual life. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); The Orthodox Understanding...
2024-11-1625 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church“What Is Meant By The Spiritual Life?”, Part 6 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox… Dr. C. VeniaminSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 25: “What Is Meant By The Spiritual Life?”, Part 6 of Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Part 6 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 25 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we attempt to outline some of the distinguishing characteristics of the Orthodox spiritual life. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); The Orthodox Understanding of Salvation: "Theosis" in Scripture and...
2024-11-1232 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 11: “By Way of Conclusion”, in John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher VeniaminSend a textEpisode 11: “By Way of Conclusion”Unit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"“By Way of Conclusion”, Episode 11 in our series, "John of the Ladder”, consists of concluding remarks regarding our brief overview of Steps 4 and 5 of the famous Ladder of Divine Ascent by the great John Climacus. Presented by Dr. Christopher Veniamin, themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blogRecommended background reading...
2024-11-0323 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church“De Trinitate”, Book IX, Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 5, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 24: “De Trinitate”, Book IX, Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 5, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Part 5 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 24 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we conclude our remarks on St. Augustine’s “Commentary on Ps. 134:3 (135:3)”, and then begin reading from Book IX of his “de Trinitate”. Particular attention is given to Augustine’s understanding of “sure knowledge” in the Life to Come in contrast to the Patristic understanding of the vision of God, as expressed by St. Irenaeus of Lyons. Other themes broached in this epis...
2024-10-2624 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox Church“Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good” (Ps. 135:3), Augustine of Hippo, Part 4, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 23: “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good” (Ps. 135:3), Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 4, Dr. C. VeniaminIn Part 4 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 23 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we discuss the significance of St. Augustine's commentary of Psalm 135:3: “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good”. Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton P...
2024-10-1032 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchRevelation of "I AM", Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 3, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 22: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 3, Revelation of "I AM" (Exod. 3:18), with Prof. Christopher VeniaminIn Part 3 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 22 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we discuss St. Augustine's understanding of the revelation of "I AM", given to Moses on Sinai (Exod. 3:14). See Timestamps for other themes.Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); The Orthodox Understanding of Salvati...
2024-10-0840 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 9: Holy Myrrh and Holy Relics, in John of the Ladder, Dr. Christopher VeniaminSend a textEpisode 9: Holy Myrrh and Holy RelicsUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"“Holy Myrrh and Holy Relics”, Episode 9 in our series, "John of the Ladder, is based on the readings, “About Menas” and “About Saint Acacius”. In it, inter alia, Prof. Christopher Veniamin discusses the significance of holy myrrh and holy relics.Themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blogRecommended...
2024-09-3036 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchAugustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 3, Revelation of "I AM" (Ex. 3:14), with Dr. C. VeniaminSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 22: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 3, Revelation of "I AM" (Exod. 3:18), with Prof. Christopher VeniaminIn Part 3 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 22 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we discuss St. Augustine's understanding of the revelation of "I AM", given to Moses on Sinai (Exod. 3:14). Other themes broached in this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s Blog: https://mountthabor.com/blogs/the-professors-blogRecommended background reading: Christopher Veniamin, ed., Saint Gregory Palamas: The Homilies (Dalton PA: 2022); The Orthod...
2024-09-1541 minMystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchSpecial Edition: The Incarnation: “That God the Word did not become a Human Being”, Dr. C. VeniaminSeries: Christology Episode title: Special Edition: The Incarnation: “That God the Word did not become a Human Being”, Prof. Christopher VeniaminSpecial Edition: The Incarnation: “That God the Word did not become a Human Being”, is a deeper probe in to the mystery of the Person of Jesus Christ, our Lord, God, and Saviour.Following the teachings of St. Cyril of Alexandria, who gives us the foundations of Orthodox Christology, Dr. Christopher Veniamin expounds upon the significance of the asymmetrical union of the two natures of Christ in the single and unique “prosopon-hypostasis” of the Son and W...
2024-09-0428 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 8: How to Deal with Pain and Suffering, in John of the Ladder, Prof. C. VeniaminSend a textEpisode 8: How to Deal with Pain and SufferingUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"In Episode 8 of "John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin reads the sections “Macedonius the archdeacon” and “Again about the steward”, who are placed before us as an examples of Christlike humility. Themes include accepting injustice, how the Saints deal with suffering and the enemy, thoughts, reason and the imagination, the noetic and rational faculties, following the way of Christ, and the need for guidance.Theme...
2024-08-1624 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchAugustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 2, Analogies, with Prof. Christopher VeniaminSend a textSeries: Mystical TheologyEpisode 21: Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective, Part 2, Analogies, with Prof. Christopher VeniaminIn Part 2 of “Augustine of Hippo: An Orthodox Perspective”, Episode 21 of our series in “Mystical Theology”, we present the terminology of St. Augustine's "analogies of Trinity". Our episode begins with a brief clarification regarding Augustine’s two sources of divine revelation: Holy Scripture (analogy of faith) and creation (analogy of being); and then proceeds to refer to Augustine’s place in the study of Patristic theology in the West. Other themes broached in this episode are listed i...
2024-08-1246 min
Mystical Theology: Introducing the Theology and Spiritual Life of the Orthodox ChurchEpisode 7: Compassion, the Body, and St. Abbacyrus, in John of the Ladder, Dr. C. VeniaminSend a textEpisode 7: Compassion, the Body, and St. AbbacyrusUnit 15: “John of the Ladder: Principles of the Christian Life”, by Prof. Christopher VeniaminSeries: “Mystical Theology"In Episode 7 of "John of the Ladder, Prof. Christopher Veniamin talks about the compassion of the Saints, the place of the human body in the spiritual life, and the remarkable example of St. Abbacyrus, who teaches us how to handle adversity.Themes from this episode are listed in the Timestamps below.Q&As available in The Professor’s BlogRecommended backgrou...
2024-08-0425 min