Radio Maria England PATRISTIC PILLARS - Fr Joseph Hamilton - St Gregory of Nazianzus's Festal Orations on the Nativity
Jan 2, 2026
Fr Joseph Hamilton, Rector of Domus Australia and specialist in Patristics, shares profound insights on St. Gregory of Nazianzus's Festal Orations. He discusses the concept of anamnesis in liturgy, contrasting it with mere nostalgia, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation for Christmas. The duo reflects on Gregory's critique of secular holiday excess and highlights the true luxury found in scripture. They also explore young people's attraction to faith amidst cultural despair, addressing heresy and the profound hope found in Christ's birth.
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Liturgical Memory Makes Salvation Present
- Anamnesis makes past salvific events present and active in worship rather than mere nostalgia.
- Fr Joseph explains that liturgical memory lets believers encounter different moments of Christ now, transforming time.
Spiritual Mentoring Called Bullying
- Fr Joseph recounts spiritually mentoring an Anglican convert who called it 'spiritual bullying.'
- He frames firm correction as aggressive mentorship that will benefit people eventually.
Enter The Mystery Actively
- Enter the anamnesis actively: engage liturgical moments to encounter different aspects of Christ.
- Use prayer and devotions (like the rosary) to imagine and participate in the mysteries now.