ST. GREGORY PALAMAS represents Orthodox theology at its most sublime. Patristic theology in the fourteenth century, of which St. Gregory is indubitably the greatest exponent, touched the very boundaries of theological expression.
St. Gregory’s sermons are among the finest in Patristic literature. In his treatment of the manifold themes contained therein, he is remarkably consistent in maintaining a balance between originality of thought and strict adherence to the tradition of his predecessors. Moreover, his genius resides in the ease with which he demonstrates, as only a master of the spiritual life can, the refreshingly practical significance of the doctrines of the Church for the Life in Christ.
DR. CHRISTOPHER VENIAMIN is a disciple of Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov).
Born and raised in London, of Greek Cypriot parents, Dr. Veniamin holds the four-year first degree in theology from the University of Thessalonica in Greece, his doctoral degree in theology from the University of Oxford in England, and is Professor of Patristics at St. Tikhon’s Seminary in Pennsylvania. Dr. Veniamin joined the STS faculty in the fall of 1994, and on September 31, 2005, received the distinct honor of being elected its first ever full professor.
An avid cantor, Professor Veniamin also holds the four-year degree in Byzantine Chant from the SS. Romanus Molodus and John Damascene School of Ecclesiastical Music in Thessalonica, and is a pupil of Eleftherios Georgiades, former Lampadarios of the Great Church of Christ.
