Over the last few years, OLTV has been producing recordings of past Orientale Lumen Conferences, both plenary lectures and liturgical services, as well as several special events around the world. We have also been making special recordings by scholars and theologians on various related topics dealing with liturgy, spirituality, theology, history, and ecumenism. The idea of these lectures is to preserve the wisdom and knowledge of key Church figures not only through their writings in books, but also in their person by video and audio recordings.

During my visit to Oxford last weekend to see Metropolitan Kallistos, we recorded six lectures on Church ecclesiology, or the study of the Church. His Grace entitled the series “The Mystery of the Church” and they are arranged into the following six lectures:

1: Why the Church? (57min)

2: The Church According to the Greek Fathers, Part 1 (53min)

3: The Church According to the Greek Fathers, Part 2 (46min)

4: The Church in 19th Century Russian Thought (33min)

5: The Church in 20th Century Orthodox Thought (47min)

6: The Church in Present-Day Dialogues (49min)

This series of lectures by Metropolitan Kallistos discuss various aspects of Eastern ecclesiology as it has developed through the ages. He begins with a discussion on the importance of the Church and its role in the world, and then moves on to discuss the theology of the Church as found in the Greek Fathers, Russian thought, and finally modern thought. Particularly emphasized is the theology of communion. This series is wonderful for all who desire to deepen their understanding of the ecumenical dialogue today.

In addition to these lectures, His Grace also recording a 45 minute talk on The Holy Icon: A Door Into Eternity. This reflection discusses the definition of an icon, their purpose, how they are used, and how they related to the Church doctrines of Incarnation, Creation and the Human Person. I found this lecture particularly educational that could be used as a Lenten program for personal enrichment or a parish day of recollection.

All of these programs will be available for purchase as CD or DVD recordings from the OL Conference online catalog or by calling 703-691-8862.