Church Fathers 
Writings of the Church Fathers
Making the Correct Choice
In the matter of piety, poverty serves us better than wealth, and work better than idleness, especially since wealth becomes an obstacle even for those who do not devote themselves to it. Yet, when we must put aside our wrath, quench our envy, soften our anger, offer our prayers, and show a disposition which is… Read More ›
St. Basil on Scripture
The best way to discover our duty is to study the divinely inspired Scriptures, for in them we find both instructions about conduct and the lives of blessed men, delivered in writing. They are laid before us like living images of the godly life for the imitation of their good works. When we devote ourselves… Read More ›
Heavenly Citizenship
As for this mortal life, which passes in a few days and comes to an end, what difference does it make to a person who is going to die what empire he lives under as long as those who rule do not force him to commit unholy and unjust deeds? . . . With regard… Read More ›
The Eucharist must be understood Spiritually
Jesus received flesh from the flesh of Mary. He walked here in that flesh, and he gave that flesh to us to be eaten for salvation [John 6:54-63]. No one eats that flesh without first worshiping. . . . [Jesus said] “Understand spiritually what I say. You are not to eat this body that you… Read More ›
Give Primary Attention to Scriptures
You then, my true son, give primary attention to reading the divine Scriptures. Be attentive: for we must be attentive when reading the things of God, so that we not say or think anything too reckless about them. . . . Being attentive to divine reading, seek correctly and with unwavering faith in God the… Read More ›
Love the Lord your God
“You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul and your whole strength.” It seems to me that the love of the heart relates to a certain warmth of affection, the love of the soul to energy or judgement of reason, and the love of strength can refer to constancy… Read More ›
The Transfiguration
The Lord reveals his glory in the presence of chosen witnesses. His body is like that of the rest of mankind, but he makes it shine with such splendor that his face becomes like the sun in glory, and his garments as white as snow. The great reason for this transfiguration was to remove the… Read More ›
Offer a Sacrifice of Righteousness
What is the meaning of “Offer a sacrifice of righteousness” [P 4:5]? Seek after righteousness, bring an offering of righteousness. This — not the sacrifice of sheep and calves but the practice of righteousness — is the greatest gift one can bring to God; this is an acceptable sacrifice, an offering that is pleasing. Behold… Read More ›
