“In thee rejoices the whole creation, O full of grace!” But why? Father Alexander explains why understanding these words regarding Mary, the Mother of God, is essential to our understanding of the world and the challenges we face. He speaks of Mary as “mother” and as “virgin” in this latest episode of Schmemann Speaks.

Some try to “look” holy, but they are missing something. As the Church moves beyond Mid-Lent toward Holy Week, Schmemann explains why there is no Christianity without the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. 

“Religion itself, because of secularism...is also the victim of a tremendous confusion.” Father Alexander Schmemann discusses "religion," "secularism," and reasons one should not come to the Church.

“No one can today doubt that we are in a deep crisis—not only political, not only economic, but first of all a spiritual crisis.” But the battle is not between structures and systems. So, Fr Alexander says, we must “discern the spirits.”

In this second part of Fr Alexander's discussion on "Faith as Conversion," he transitions from the question, “What is conversion in terms of our faith?” to “What is our conversion in terms of our Christian life?” Discussing the essential role the Church must play in this life, Schmemann also reminds us that we have not chosen God, but He chose us.

"Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Father Alexander Schmemann says these words  from the gospel begin the call to all people to convert—even if you are already Christian.  And conversion—not simply a one-time event or change—is much more "radical" and demanding than we might realize.