Comments on: Within A Mandorla

By: The vesica piscis « Wed-Gie

The vesica piscis « Wed-Gie — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:11:23 +0000

[...] Within A Mandorla (glory2godforallthings.com) Share this:TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. [...]

By: PJ

PJ — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:56:41 +0000

Have you listened to his keynote address at the 2011 Orthodox Institute? Extremely edifying and educational.

http://ancientfaith.com/specials/orthodox_institute

By: fatherstephen

fatherstephen — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:35:21 +0000

Fr. Hopko is a remarkable treasure – one of the best teachers of any background that I’ve encountered. I am sometimes “crosswise” with him lately on OT interpretation – but it’s all within the range of Orthodoxy. He’s certainly well “above my pay grade.”

By: PJ

PJ — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:19:37 +0000

Fr. Hopko is excellent. He holds the historicity of the Old Testament in high regard. I was surprised to hear him explain that God allowed the OT holy wars because Israel’s survival had to be ensured so as to pave the way for Christ. This I typically do not hear from Orthodox, though it’s a view I’m sympathetic to.

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:06:42 +0000

Thank you Michael,

The book looks very interesting and Fr. Hopko’s lectures are always very good as well. I will start with the book as it is available on-line. Thanks again,

Martin

By: Michael Patrick

Michael Patrick — Wed, 30 May 2012 04:00:13 +0000

Martin, it occurred to me today to recommend two things to you. Both have a relation to psychology.

The first is an online book I’m now reading by Fr. Theophanes (Constantine) titled “The Psychological Basis of Mental Prayer in the Heart” You can find a description here with links to the three volumes: http://timiosprodromos4.blogspot.com/2006/01/description-of-work.html

This is a survey of ancient and Christian views of man’s nature that provides a solid intellectual foundation for Hesychasm – deifying prayer of the heart.

The second is Fr. Thomas Hopko’s CDs, published by SVS Press, titled “Sin: Primordial, Generational, Personal”
http://www.svspress.com/product_info.php?products_id=3475

These short lectures may be helpful for people, like me, who were taught erroneous Western ideas about sin, guilt, and punishment. Incidentally, Hopko’s other SVS CDs titled “The Word of the Cross” have an exceptionally good explanation of the cross and why we suffer even after Christ said “it is finished”.

By: fatherstephen

fatherstephen — Tue, 29 May 2012 23:49:17 +0000

dinoship,
St. Basil, and the St. Gregory’s could have kept pace with St. Maximus as the vocabulary was explained, but I’ve met very few modern scholars who “get” him thoroughly.

By: PJ

PJ — Tue, 29 May 2012 23:30:30 +0000

There is a difference between a great intellect and an extraordinary intellect.

By: dinoship

dinoship — Tue, 29 May 2012 23:24:19 +0000

We do indeed celebrate Saint Leo, Bishop of Rome on the 18th of February as a great defender of the Orthodox faith, especially since heplayed such a strong part (having sent four legates) in the 4th ecumenical council…
However, comparing most Saints’ writings to Saint Maximus the confessor or the Cappadocians…? Well, it is like comparing A. Salieri or M. Giuliani to Mozart and Beethoven (to use a musical parallel).

By: PJ

PJ — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:51:02 +0000

Speaking of hymnography, I just acquired “On Pascha” by Melito of Sardis, edited by Alistair Stewart-Sykes (Anglican) and put out by SVS Press. Can’t put it down. It sheds light on topics we often discuss here, especially apostolic interpretation of Scripture. I highly recommend it.