Catecheses of St Theodore the Studite to His Monks

Catecheses of St.Theodore the Studite to his Monks INTRODUCTION There is some confusion as to when the post-paschal instructions were given. The Greek text of the Small Catecheses by Skrettas, based on Auvray’s edition, gives no indication of dates for numbers 1-6; the list in the introduction to the Migne edition gives this one as In Dominica Sancti Thomae, sive prima post Pascha, but the Latin heading of the sermon itself has simply Post Pascha, and for number 5 In Octavam Paschae, though the Greek list gives this as for the Wednesday of Mid-Pentecost. It should be remembered that St Theodore and his monks were in exile in the Propontis at this time. This perhaps explains a number of allusions to shipping and metaphors taken from it in these Instructions. He appears to have some difficulty in keeping the community together. He refers to the problem again in no. 103, where he says he has to keeping mentioning it. CATECHESIS 2 That we must always die the chosen death, and on good order. Brethren and Fathers, Pascha is gone by and the feast has been completed; but rejoicing and feasting, should we wish, have by no means gone by, for we are always allowed to rejoice and feast spiritually, in accordance with the saying of Scripture, Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say: Rejoice! [Phil. 4:4.] But how shall this be? If we always keep fresh the memory of the sufferings of our Saviour Christ; that the Lord of glory was crucified for our sake, that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day, raising us with himself and giving us life with himself, so that being alive we may no longer live for ourselves, but for him who died and was raised for our sake, [2 Cor. 5:15.] so that we can confidently say with the Apostle, I live, but no longer I; Christ lives in me. What I now live in the flesh, I live in the faith of the Son of God who loved me and who handed himself over for me.[ Gal. 2:20.] This is the sum of the mystery: to be corpses to the world but alive to God. And so after Pascha we must be watchful and awake, pray and be stirred to compunction, weep and be illumined, always bearing in our bodies the death of the Lord Jesus, [2 Cor. 4:10.] dying each day by choice, always journeying from the body and dwelling with the Lord through leaving the thoughts of the flesh. Do not say, ‘It is not Lent now ‘. It is always Lent for the watchful. Do not say, ‘I have spent hours in ascetic activity and it is necessary to rest’. There is no rest here. Do not say, ‘I have grown old in virtue and I am not afraid’. There is always fear of reversal; and Satan in one instant has cast into the deep of sin many who had grown old in virtue. So let the one who thinks they stand beware lest they fall, [1 Cor. 10:12.] and the one who thinks they have been guarded see to it that they are not off their guard. So let there be guard and attention and moderation with regard to sleep, to food, to drink and to whatever else, so that the body may be kept under control and brought into servitude, [Cf. 1 Cor. 9:27.] lest, like a colt in fine condition which takes the bit between its teeth [St Theodore is thinking of the myth of the Charioteer in the Phaedrus, where this precise phrase occurs [254D], it push us down the precipice of sin. I ordered you in a previous instruction not to go off on your own and live by yourselves in more inaccessible places [St Theodore refers to this problem again in number 103, where he says he has to keep referring to it.]. Yet again some of you are doing just that. What do you want? That I should come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?[ 1 Cor. 4:21.] In short, I spoke and I was not listened to; in short, you clearly saw your brother disciplined for this very thing and you were not restrained. Take care that none of you falls into a similar sort of disobedience. These instructions are not given to no purpose or vainly. Because God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the churches of the Saints.[ 1 Cor. 14:33.] And so let everything be done fittingly and in order, [1 Cor. 14:40.] so that in all things the Lord may be glorified in you. Those of you, brethren, who come alongside [The metaphor is of a ship coming to harbour.] here and there take care for yourselves where and how you settle and dwell. Do not be like dissolute people, but like ones bound by the spirit; not like ones without supervision, but like ones under the supervision of the Lord, who oversees your every movement and action; not ones being driven randomly here and there, but remaining in stillness in your cells, attending to your manual work, your prayers and psalmody; not amassing treasure for yourselves from love of money, but content with what you have now. For he himself said, I will not abandon you, I will not desert you, so that we may say confidently, The Lord is my helper, and I shall not fear what man will do to me. Remember your brethren, and keeping before you the outcome of their lives imitate their faith. [Hebrews 13:5-7. St Theodore has freely adapted verse 7, which in the original refers to ‘leaders’ rather than ‘brothers’.] Such was the blessed Dometianos, whom we have praised and whose memorial is with the Saints. How great the business he achieved, how great the life he accomplished by few toils and struggles, inheriting eternal glory, a man of no worth in human terms, but since he chose virtue and loved God, God exalted him, in accordance with what is written, Because I will glorify those who glorify me, and the one who despises me will be dishonoured [1 Kingd. 2:30.]. It is right to rejoice and be glad in such brothers; but it is of no use unless we also make our own contribution. If we contribute as best we can, we too will have a portion with the Saints in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be the glory and the might with the Father and the holy Spirit now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. CATECHESIS 4 On taking care for ourselves and fleeing sin’s destructive places and ways. [Given on the Sunday of the Paralysed Man] Brethren and fathers, after the feast the season invites us once again to talk with you and to return to the usual instruction. And we have come with enthusiasm knowing that we are appointed for this, and woe to us if we do not talk with you as much as possible. So, what is there to say in the present circumstances? That each of you, like a merchant, having amassed spiritual wealth for himself during holy Lent, has reached holy Pascha like a harbour, laden with many excellent stocks of virtue, namely: fasting, vigil, prayer, hard work Take care. David once looked unguardedly on Uria’s wife. the passions become more ferocious with the relaxation of the flesh. as it is related of Saint Arsenios. and readers know what he suffered. they ease off and have no worries about the storms and dangers of the sea. Unless the person does not swiftly smooth out their tempestuous thoughts. you who are listening to this. I entered the depths of the sea. When someone comes to anchor in the former. that was in honour. The fear is that we may be sunk in harbour. the spirit of dejection.15].and all the other exertions of holiness. drink and sleep. But one whose senses are unbridled and who lets in desires like streams. For if they manfully shake off unseemly thoughts. and the beloved kicked [Deut 32. taste and touch. the spirit of pride. . the food of the undying worm. In the latter on the contrary. Or don’t you know what sin produces? Didn’t it introduce death into the world? Didn’t it destroy the earth? Hasn’t it filled the inhabited world with graveyards and tombs from the beginning of time until now? For humanity was incorrupt before the fall and none of the things I have mentioned would have started if the first-formed had steadfastly observed the commandment that had been given. says Scripture. and a tempest drowned me [Psalm 68. your food. For a physical harbour is not like a harbour of the mind. be compared to the unreasoning beasts [Cf. Psalm 48.13. and let the better not be dragged down by the worse.3].21]. Therefore let reason be in control. the spirit of gluttony. sin that has made humanity. smell. the fuel of the unquenchable fire of Gehenna. Jacob ate and was filled. having the Holy Spirit as the companion of their voyage. Govern your sight. that you may keep from being overwhelmed by the tempest of the passions. Someone touched without meaning to and they were enflamed to lust and gave birth to iniquity. hearing. and the spirits of wickedness join in the assault like storms: the spirit of fornication. will end by repeating those miserable words. stirs up a most dreadful storm for themselves. This is worth remembering: someone who sails across the physical sea is subject to storms and tempests without their wanting it. but let the spirit be master and act for the better. while someone who crosses the water of the mind is lord of tempest and of calm. Sin is the cause of the everlasting punishments. they are filled with calm. Flee the destructive places and ways of sin. the spirit of avarice. the spirit of despondency. at Christ’s resurrection creation too. but their meaning is clear. resists the demons. and finally betroths them to the kingdom of heaven. For one who strives after . destructive and deadly. except for the second verb in the allusion to Acts 1. overcomes the rulers of this age. This Instruction contains a number of words that are not attested in the standard lexica. make ourselves bright by our life and give off sweet fragrance by the spirit. May we all reach it too by the grace and love for humankind of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the text the feast is said to be ‘at the doors’. who have been honoured with reason and the image of God. like a deadness puts out fresh shoots and as it were comes to life again. ‘gather’ and ‘eat’. putting away its winter gloom. but in the text it is given as number 6 and described as Ante Mesopentecosten. Brethren and fathers. we must flee from it. raises them from death. and the ages of ages. because sin is like all this.3-4. the animals skipping around [an unattested word]. the sea tamed and everything being changed for the better. Most English versions of the New Testament give the former. and choose virtue. with all our might. brethren. how much more ought we. who has ‘conuescens’. but St John Chrysostom and St Jerome. the plants flourishing. might and honour. which would suggest that the sermon was given before the day itself. INTRODUCTION There is some confusion over the numbering of this instruction. which makes humans angels. If inanimate and irrational creatures are made radiant and lovely by the resplendent resurrection. now and for ever. Amen. But I must explain why I have said this. And yes. where the commentators are divided between ‘meet with’. with whom to the Father and the holy Spirit belong glory.And so. prefer the second. CATECHESIS 6 That one must give off a sweet fragrance through acquiring the virtues. we see the earth wearing green. The list in Migne gives it as number 5 and assigns it to the Wednesday of Mid-Pentecost. And therefore. so was the former. but repels demons. for the latter a scent of death leading to death. as you see I have [Luke 24. the scent of my son is like the scent of a fertile field that the Lord has blessed [Gen. See. which is at the doors. when he smelt a sweet aroma on his son Jacob. a perfume that each one produces [unattested] for themselves by a blending of the virtues. Adam too was a sweet fragrance for God.3-4] with the holy Apostles. because a spirit does not have flesh and bones. while now. Before his transgression. and — O what inexpressible condescension! — after the Resurrection he touched food. for each of them confirms the other. as it is written. giving off the virtues.15-16]. he appears to and eats [Cf. Handle me and see. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ for God among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.4 LXX]. who think like the Manicheans. as a truly master perfumer. made bright by immortality and incorruption and engrossed in heavenly contemplation. does he not have the possibility of being portrayed in an image? So if the latter is impossible. he ate and drank and let his side be handled. 2. Let us . This perfume is blessed.27]. saying. With this perfume women ran behind Jesus. that it is I myself. my brothers. So then. appropriately he dwelt in Paradise. And to those who thought that he was a spirit he said. But the iconoclasts. initiating them into greater and more ineffable mysteries. and the Jews marvelled. When it was already the mid-point of the feast. as it says in the Song of Songs [1.14-15] But this was before the Passion. enemy of Christ? If he has flesh and bones. so as to confirm his Resurrection. But he himself silently bears witness also to his being portrayed.9]. 27.39]. 1. and the Apostle bears witness to this when he says. Acts 1. With this perfume too let us also run as we celebrate with sincerity the holy Mid-Pentecost. Jesus went up to the Temple and taught. that is to say the scent that has been received spiritually. will pay the penalty of everlasting destruction [2 Thess. after the Resurrection. since it is written. What do you say to that. for the former an scent of life leading to life [2 Cor. And it is possible to say this as well. without having learnt?’ [John 7. This perfume attracts angels. But nevertheless. said.virtue is truly the sweet fragrance of Christ. The patriarch Isaac also. let us give off a sweet spiritual fragrance. This perfume is sweet to God. like a fragrant meadow filled with flowers. See my hands and feet. ‘How does this man know letters. though his holy flesh had no need to. The Greek name of the feast means ‘Assumption’. Apart from the necessary change of person in the verb. but well-pleasing on both we may attain the kingdom of heaven. who believe with orthodox understanding that we both see and worship our Lord Jesus Christ in an image. whose feast falls on 15 May. the Assumption of our Saviour Jesus Christ. since he refers to the recent celebration of St Pachomius. blameless. is at our doors. guiltless. so as not to limp on either account.[Ephesians 2.16 is one of the key quotations in the liturgical texts for the feast. And he has put all things under his . which comes from the Latin name for the feast. and to the ages of ages. as it written: By grace you have been saved. the whole clause ‘he descended into the lowest parts of the earth’ is the opening of the Irmos of the 6th Ode of St John of Damascus’s Easter Canon. to whom be glory and might with the Father and the holy Spirit. for our nature is being taken up beyond heaven. [Romans 8. and he has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.though. not only in this age. but in that which to come. Brethren and fathers. and this language has been preserved in the hymns of the Church. INTRODUCTION The feast seems to have fallen in the second half of May in the year that St Theodore gave this instruction. display a way of life worthy of the faith. and every name that is named. not ‘Ascension’. a feast of feasts. and a great and supernatural mystery. Amen. All the texts in the New Testament speak of Christ’s being ‘taken up’. now and for ever. The quotation from 1 Timothy 3.34] far above every principality and authority and power and dominion. pure. in Christ Jesus our Lord. brethren.5-6] who is at the right hand of God. CATECHESIS 7 On the Assumption of our Saviour Jesus Christ and on conducting ourselves in a manner pleasing to God. which St Theodore would have known. life from death. and because we are the body of Christ. Such is the mighty work of the ineffable love for mankind of our good God. and what the wealth of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. These then briefly are the events of the holy feast. occasions of laughter and dissoluteness and all such inordinate behaviour should be left to the lovers of the flesh and to the lovers of life. which is his body.18-20] For what came to pass? He who is supremely good came to us through a virgin birth.22-23] Do you see then to what height of glory human nature has been raised? Is it not from earth to heaven? Is it not from corruption to incorruption? How hard would not someone toil in order to become the intimate friend of a corruptible king here below? But we. but we have also soared aloft to sonship. he became a slave to the normal laws of nature. light from darkness. [Ephesians 1. but so as to go towards the fire that is ready. for their hearts are insensitive [Cf. let us preserve the nobility. and gave him to be head over all things to the Church. And this is the blessed life: but pleasures and trifles. although we were alienated and hostile in our intent by evil deeds.feet. nailing to it the record against us. And as we contemplate them. and with this in mind the blest Apostle cried out: What is the hope of his calling. For the desire of the flesh is fire. he ascended the cross. and yet deep embedded they do not cease to follow their self-chosen demon and to be entitled to be . the fullness of him who fills all in all. and what the exceeding greatness of his power towards us who believe. he descended to the lowest parts of the earth [Psalm 138.11] maintaining good conduct in ourselves. according to the working of the might of his strength which he worked in Christ? {Ephesians 1. compliant. let us not make the members of Christ members of a harlot. [1 Corinthians 6.15] but let us sanctify ourselves in both thoughts and deeds. and yet they rush towards it unbridled. obedient. let us reverence the gift. finally he was taken up in glory {1 Timothy 3. manifesting himself for us to God the Father. who see and do not see and hear and do not hear.18]. love of money is a pit. peaceable. humble. reliable. brethren.[1 Peter 2. let us not betray the grace.15] and abolished the pains of death and raised humanity with himself. Mark 8.17-18] and their ears blocked up so as not to distinguish good from bad. and now our nature is worshipped in the heavens by every creature seen and unseen. have not only been reconciled to God the Father. through our Lord Jesus Christ. let us yet refrain from carnal desires that war against the soul. 1 Timothy 4. Flight from the world. Amen.called miserable rather than blessed. This affiliation is of the Holy Spirit. talking to you and seeing you is for me comfort and consolation. apart from you my most dear members and children and brothers and fathers. because despising what is truly good they embrace rather perishable corruption. Let us see healthily. and to the ages of ages. using all our members healthily. So then I rejoice each time I speak to you and address you. Therefore this sacred fellowship is acknowledged to be one soul and one will for all. not relatives. fathers and children. not have you any except me. since after God I have no one else. My brothers. since two instructions are numbered ‘7’.2] let us keep to the discipline in which the saints disciplined themselves. an unprofitable sinner. while I am convinced that your reciprocal love and sight of me is the same also for you. as indeed did the blessed Pachomius. alienation. as it . let us hold fast to the confession in which we stand. whom we recently celebrated. so that guided by the word and as servants of the word we may become inheritors of eternal life according to the promise. now and for ever. [Romans 5. INTRODUCTION This Instruction is no. let us touch healthily. [Cf. brethren. not friends. The list in Migne is confused. not father. the denial of parents and all fleshly connections1 have secured this union for us. and let us boast in the hope of the glory of God. not brothers. 14 of the Large Catechesis. But we. to whom be the glory and the might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. LARGE CATECHESIS 14 On freedom from affections and on self-mastery.8] in Christ Jesus our Lord. let us hear healthily. and am filled with zeal and am on fire for your love according to God and your salvation that your work as it progresses may progress. not mother. and the reference to spring suggests that it the one meant. The title of the one for the Sunday of the Blind Man is the same as this one. says the Apostle. from which come dissolute behaviour and the seeds of Sodom. Eph. not to the sick but to those who are in good health. freed from fever of the soul. it is good not to drink wine.[Rom. as it shines.] And I too. 6:11. neither talk nor shout like them.2 It is good. let your food be regulated as prescribed. do not associate with secular people.increases. may increase. not as a regulation. so as to master and not be mastered by the flesh. as you are able. may shine to my inexpressible joy.3 But you are to act with regard to eating and drinking and everything else so as to rule and not be ruled by pleasures. One who abstains from wine is filled with the Holy Spirit. for I have not issued an order. And those of you who are assigned to the boats for going in and out and bringing in what is needed.] show yourselves to be above the passions as you trample down the pleasures and desires of the flesh and guard from every side your virginity and purity of soul and body.] For you will see yourself by abstinence from wine rising above thoughts. my brothers. We have in ourselves the tempest of the physical pleasures. why then do we add the waves of wine to it? Taste therefore and see that self-mastery in this regard is good. one who drinks water has drunk the streams of compunction. for the sake of your precious souls. 33:8. act thus to preserve your bodily health or in proportion to your toil. This is the best formula for soul and body: for the better not be dominated by the worse. so that God may be glorified by it. my children. now too stand steadfast and immovable from hope in God and by tearing apart the tangled wiles of the devil [ Cf. say by way of advice. Let your sleep be in moderation. . particularly for the younger ones. I have the same advice. awake to the love of God and aroused for those things that are better and abound in salvation. to flee irrational surfeiting and wanton indulgence. for through wine the passions are enflamed. but I am giving you advice in the matter. not to eat meat or to drink wine. You realize that it is springtime when every animate nature is moved to reproduction. And with regard to foods. as I said to you before Easter. However. I beg you then. Ps. [Cf. 14:21. or do anything that makes your brother stumble. Be careful regarding journeys outside and worldly contacts not to bring disturbances to the brotherhood. And this is the best. my children. but let your sailing4 be seemly. This is utterly satanic and is to occur no longer. In short people both do become and have become perfect from imperfect. 2 1 The word is not in the lexica. [Ps. for war with the adversary. NOTES I take the Greek here to be masculine. but the meaning is clear. is not attested in the lexica. and we too at least have become and let us continue to become and let us not be slothful. beloved children. let us not be sluggish. with the Father and his all-holy and life-giving Spirit. The Lord gives strength and might. for his praise. Here it is linked with asotia. for victory. for to him belongs glory. This remark of St Theodore’s may explain why the normal fast days were prescribed from Thomas Sunday onwards. and to refer to ‘relatives’. since those of you who behave thus will be subjected to punishments. sodomitikos. This suggests that the adjective also has sexual connotations. Is what is put before you not sufficient? How are you going to make war on passion if you are defeated by a cabbage? You will become weaker than a feather if you do not fortify yourself by thought through self-mastery. which echoes the parable of the Prodigal Son. not neuter. and to the ages of ages. for glory. unattested word. healthy from weak. now and for ever. they do not get any. The elder brother in the parable asserts that his asotia includes squandering his money on harlots among other things.] Spreading his wings he received them and took them on his back. men from boys. for the battle line. [Cf Ps.] Thus then the Lord of glory will comfort your hearts and firmly establish your souls and tightly gird your loins. 32:11. 3 The adjective. In view of St Theodore’s earlier remarks about spring this seems the most likely connotation of the word. 67:35.I learn that some people are going down to the gardens and asking the gardener for vegetables to eat and that when. 4 Another . 144:18. very great from small. Amen. for inheritance of the kingdom of heaven.] Thus he loves to save us. they pick a fight with the gardener. for the routing of opponents. [Deut. thus he is near to those that call on him. because of the rule. And this we can learn from the end of things.8]. lovely and beautiful. they are rather corruption and change. that is to say as a figure1 of the divine beauty. while his garments became white as light’ [Matt. which should be our . that he was baptized. and as he has placed a pure soul in us. For since it has been made according to God’s image and likeness. it has also shared in that beauty. and that we should give it back to God like a pledge on the last day. that he was taken up in glory. 17. stinking and abhorrent. that he was buried. not turning back to the fair things of the present age or to the beauties of flesh and blood. discharging our duty in a few words. all the feasts of the Lord expound the mysteries of his sojourn in the flesh. ‘Lord. And who is adequate for all this? Who is worthy to attain that joy? Who else but one whose way of life is pure and undefiled? For since our God is pure. enjoying his ineffable manifestation as God and inexpressible joy. For in the same way that ‘his face blazed like the sun. They are not beauties. having turned away towards the ugly passions of sin and become disfigured. since we have been counted worthy to celebrate the forefeast of the divine Transfiguration. On the one hand. or rather the highest light. Since therefore it is agreed that our soul should be like this. so the elect will be with him in the kingdom of heaven.CATECHESIS 20 That we must preserve the beauty and untarnished loveliness of the soul. Brethren and fathers. with power and great glory to judge the universe.2]. by your will you granted power to my beauty’ [Psalm 29. And knowing this the poet speaks thus. from this then let us compose an instruction. in the same way he will come from heaven like lightning. it fall from God and his divine rewards. such as that he was born. that he was raised on the third day. for one who today is outstandingly beautiful and fair of face2 is tomorrow cast into a tomb. but idols of beauty. So there is nothing fair and loveable but exemplary virtue. the day of resurrection. that is to say to the beauty of the soul. that he was crucified. I beg and urge that we love this beauty and carefully guard this loveliness. he will also ask it from us pure. he comes to the pure. and about repentance. while the mystery of the Transfiguration hints at the restoration in the age to come. lest. And as Peter. James and John were with him on the holy mountain. in Christ our Lord. to inherit the kingdom of heaven. says the Lord.11]. he received the grace of prophecy once again. but once she had come to a remarkable repentance. And examples are manifest. after his denial.let it be quickly made clean again and brought back to its former condition. my brothers. But we hear the words.for who will boast that they have a pure heart? -. And Scripture says. by the medicine of tears took up again the burden of the apostolate. house of Israel?’ [Ezekiel 18.28].31]. let us do all that we have been commanded. All that remains is for us to hear. and why do we choose everlasting death rather than immortal life that is set before us? Our good Master cries out each day. Mary of Egypt. to pass over the numberless others. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet. So then. but when he repented. The prince of the Apostles. that we may be worthy to be called friends. had reached the uttermost limit of debauchery.14]. ‘Come to me all you that toil and are heavy laden. I will make them white as wool’ [Isaias 1. she attained the highest degree of virtue. but will have the light of life’ [John 8. But if admittedly it frequently happens that the soul grows slack and is defiled by unseemly thoughts -. ‘We do not want to know your ways’ [Job 21. I will make them white as snow. stained as they are by many sins. ‘I am the light of the world. David was a prophet and. But we turn to the opposite. So there is no excuse for claiming incapacity for someone who chooses to be saved. Do you see God’s ineffable love for humankind? Not only has he promised to purify. lest by delaying in evil it gives birth to death. unless they are insensible or bent on death3. ‘Why would you die. The same Master cries. if you do all that I command you’ [John 15. he did not give up. proclaiming by our actions. Though they are like crimson. One who follows me will not walk in darkness. . and I will give you rest’ [Matthew 11. ‘For you are may friends. ‘Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God’ [Galatians 5. but to bring the one who repents to the pinnacle of loveliness.18]. he too found salvation. And we are unwilling to get rid of the heavy load of our sins. And let no one ever say that they cannot be made clean again. but after he had swiftly had recourse to repentance. Manasse perverted Israel for fifty two years.21].12].14]. when he fell into the crime of adultery and murder. But God forbid that such things should be said of us. when they listen to the One who said. ‘Walk by the light of your fire and the flame you have kindled’ [Isaias 50.chief pursuit. of love for him and hatred of the devil. the beginning of the Indiction on 1 September. invisibly. And he was not only present in bodily form to those at that time. Brethren and fathers.to whom be glory and might. and to the ages of ages. and of humility. 61:1-2. we oppressed be forgiven. Since then the only-begotten Son of God has been sent from the Father as propitiation for the world. with the same good . The Lord heals them. he has sent me to bring good tidings to the poor. INTRODUCTORY NOTE As the opening quotation from the Gospel of the day makes clear. 3. may we. This word is unattested in the lexica. on which the Good Tidings are read in these words. but he is also present now. this Instruction was intended for the first day of the new ecclesiastical year. now and for ever. Who is oppressed? One broken by sins. NOTES 1. 58:6]. Who is blind? One short-sighted through attachment to the passions. Isa. for he is a physician of souls as well as bodies. 2. to proclaim forgiveness to captives and sight to the blind. we captives be freed. The Greek word is ‘agalma’. It was spoken at the beginning of the year. the beginning of the year has already come. The beginning of the second paragraph contains a quotation from the Anaphora of St John Chrysostom. This word is unattested in the lexica. CATECHESIS 24 Of the surpassing gift of God. which is the usual word for a ‘statue’. Amen. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. It is however used occasionally by the Fathers to refer to the ‘image of God’ in human beings. to announce a year acceptable to the Lord [Luke 4:18-19. to heal the broken hearted. because he has anointed me. Who is captive? One led away by unseemly thoughts. see again. the blind.The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. to send the oppressed away with forgiveness. and how they have at once found the good God to be their helper in their afflictions. what unfathomable goodness! And oh. Matt. For a mother nourishes her child with milk for a time. let us hold fast to love of him. as he longs for us more than a mother or a nurse and embraces us with affection. 117:13]. taking away the sin of the world. and this permanently. and when we are about to fall into pit of Hell itself.tidings. and healing every disease and every weakness [John 1:29. my soul had almost dwelt in Hell [Ps. what an incomparable gift! How then can we fail to love him? How fail to cherish him? How fail to cling to him unceasingly? So that if we were not so disposed. he has granted us a third grace: monastic completeness. he raised us up again. when we had fallen. In the words of the Master. For he is the destroyer of our life. hating and rightly turning away from the devil. he goes ahead and snatches us from dangers in his love for humankind. with regard to the soul with the most pure Mysteries. but he draws near and consoles us when we are afflicted. so that it would be appropriate for each of us to say. If the Lord had not helped me. earth would groan. And each one knows the temptations into which they have fallen. so the wicked one should be hated and rejected for his ways in equal proportion. So that this may not happen. Oh. strengthens us when enfeebled and heals us when wounded. with regard to our bodies with the fruits that the earth bears year by year.93:17]. Oh. For as our benefactor is loved and cherished in proportion to his benefactions. and though we are still sinning. encourages us when we are sorrowing. and mercy from God their Saviour [Ps. And I was thrust down and overthrown so as to fall. wounding it with many darts of . Let no one then remain unenlightened and unhealed. what ineffable love for humankind! He brought us from nonexistence into existence. he does not therefore turn away. he is a murderer from the beginning [John 8:44]. but let them draw near with faith and they will receive blessing from the Lord. 9:35]. and the Lord came to my assistance [Ps. the very stones would condemn our utter insensibility. while he our true master and father gives his own body and blood as food and drink. 23:5]. In addition he who is supremely good nourishes us when we hunger. He is the one who has divided our race into ten thousand opinions. massages us when we are running. heaven would instantly cry out against us. Brethren and Fathers. to whom be glory and might. let us fly from him! Let us fly most certainly. my brothers. for this reason a new song is being sung for new events. not through riddles and symbols. So let those of us whose ideas are puffed up humble ourselves beneath the mighty hand of God [1 Peter 5:6]. There has been nothing more blest than this in generations of generations. breaking down the middle wall of partition. because we joined to our foe and murderer. that we may attain. in Christ Jesus. for this reason Shepherds are running to see the salvation that has been proclaimed. press forward. He has abolished the law with its . For he is our peace. What is flight? The avoidance of wicked actions and thoughts. already the Manifestation of God is near and the day of joy is at the doors.sin and seeking to swallow down the inhabited world. doing well. And so let us chose the good with all humility and meekness and modesty serving the Lord. pursue. and Magi are bringing gifts fit for a king. nothing more wonderful among all the wonders that God has done since time began. our Lord. But. Amen. knowing that every achievement that is not guarded by humility is worthless. If we do not hate him. has appeared as peace on earth. for it is a great joy. the assumption of good works. because God. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. who has made both one. there will be no escaping the punishment that will be meted out to us. the hostility between us. CATECHESIS 32 On the Nativity of the Saviour and the vigorous pursuit of our ascetic life. who is glorified in the highest. but by coming to live with us and manifesting himself in his own person through his birth from a Virgin. in his flesh. such as has not been since time began. For this reason Angels are proclaiming the good tidings of the mystery and a star revealing that the heavenly has been brought to birth on earth. that we may inherit the kingdom of heaven. but let all of us. and also affinity with God. lest we run in vain. as he appeared of old to the fathers. now and ever and to the ages of ages. And the Apostle bears witness when he says. run on. that the Son of God has come to us. So then let us rejoice. even if they seem to feast. Indeed it is written. honour and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit. and this life has been revealed. to obedience. but throughout our life. and might reconcile both to God in one body through the Cross. Everyone who sins is a slave of sin. to humility. not weakening in our resolve. brethren. let us still hold to our monastic state. just as those who are governed by the flesh and in thrall to the passions are unable to feast. but did not see except through faith. on which the judge of all will be revealed and will appear in the glory in which he appeared to the Apostles at his divine Transfiguration. to whom are due glory. And this is confessedly a witness. I shall take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. to see him looking upon us with a kindly face and taking us into the kingdom of heaven. as it is written. For the great and manifest day of the Lord is drawing near. and the more so as we see the day drawing near. but straining ever more and more. thus putting to death that hostility through it. because we have been granted to give the Lord a return for all that he has given us. and let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. we remain in the house for ever. But may it be given to us too. if we hold firm the beginning of our undertaking to the end. and the confession in which we stand and we boast in our hope of the glory of God. concerning the Word of life. with all the saints. But what shall we give in return for all that the Lord has given to us? Already holy David anticipated and cried out the answer. And what is this return? The cross-bearing way of life that we have taken on. thus making peace. empowered by the Holy Spirit. that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of two. And so.commandments and ordinances. and we have received sonship. to meekness. by the grace and pity and love for mankind of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since then we too have been granted to have been called sons according to grace. now and always and to the ages of ages. while we have both seen and our hands have touched. nor are they at liberty. Amen. Meanwhile it is not for us to feast for just one day. and let us be eager for everything which is of the best. as he brings and judges every creature and rewards each according to its work. This is what the prophets and the just since time began desired to see. . but the slave does not abide in the house for ever. The son abides for ever. for they are slaves of the passions sold under sin. so we should be enthusiastic to listen to the word of God. brothers. giving himself as a ransom for all. we were under the reign of death. which he has poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Saviour! [7] What may we. Therefore the only Son of God came. this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son. we put away sloth. he made us a kingdom (of heaven) and priests to his God and Father. just as we promised through the holy Schema. not being led away in ignorance by our former [10] deceits. but even to death. so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life [2]. let us walk in newness of life. For by listening we gain the greatest benefits. And what is 'oldness'? Indulgence. we become even more eager. by which Cain was inflamed and murdered his brother Abel because his gifts were preferred. subject to corruption. by which Adam our forefather was caught and became an outcast from Paradise and underwent a life of much grief. How? We were enslaved to the devil through Adam's transgression. so that. If we are slothful. poor wretches. as befits saints [9] with peace and harmony. Nor did he simply give him. just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father. [5] Have you seen the mighty love of his strength? Have you seen the measureless mercy of his love for humanity? How unsearchable are his mercies and inscrutable his acts of compassion [6]. with reverence and piety. says the Apostle. we too might walk in newness of life. if we are eager. [1] Brethren and Fathers.CATECHESIS 40 That we should conduct ourselves in newness of life. From these . and as a result he passed his whole life in fear and groaning. how shall we continue to live in it? Or are you ignorant that as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. say to all this? What may we think? Shall we willingly return to sin? Shall we long for dishonour? Shall we choose corruption and condemnation? By no means. we have died to sin. says Scripture. guilty and captive. [8] So. This is newness. Envy. Let us conduct ourselves with righteousness and holiness. He not only delivered us from death's possession. We were buried then with him through baptism to death. death on a cross [3]. but also. What then is the present word? For. just as we promised when we took the habit. just as the hungry long to eat and the thirsty to drink. and from both the outcome is good. having washed us from our sins by his own blood. but fleeing our former notions like fire and standing fast on the rock of our faith. with holiness and dispassion. sold under sin [4]. [6] Cf. It may be that St Theodore has the Anaphora in mind here. but its place. The Latin in Migne does not include the word. we have been called by God's mercy. Let us then stand with the freedom with which Christ has freed us. chose to do. support this. The references to Adam and his banishment from Paradise.two sins ten thousand evils surfaced in the world. Do you see what sin has brought about and the desire of the eyes and pride in one's way of life. we have run to be adopted as sons. holding on to the word of life. who have been commemorated by us today' strongly suggest that it was given on the Saturday before Cheese Sunday. as has been said before. persecution as happiness. St Theodore is probably quoting from memory The word 'heaven' is not in the text of the Apocalypse. reckoning them all secondary for the sake Christ: dishonour as honour. and the reference in the last paragraph to 'our holy fathers and brothers. just as our holy fathers and brothers. rather than 'kingdom'. [13] while in the age to come we shall inherit the kingdom of heaven in Christ Jesus our Lord. [11] But nevertheless. we shall appear here like beacons in the world. we have gained freedom. and let us be guarded by the glory with which Christ has glorified us. between Theophany and Lent. It is also that underlying the Vulgate's 'regnum'. [1] The manuscripts give no particular date for this Instruction. The standard Byzantine text has 'kings'. the theme of the next day's services. spitting on everything that belongs to empty vanity. [4] Cf. blows as pleasures. affliction as joy. 2:8. [2] John 3:16 [3] Phil. For if we too live like this. now and ever . Romans 7:14. Because of these Sodom and Gomorra were reduced to ashes by fire and brimstone as a warning to the impious. which is the accepted reading in modern critical editions. [5] Apocalypse 1:5-6. [7] Titus 3:6. . Romans 11:33. [12] whom we have remembered today. death as life. Because of these the Flood utterly wiped out all the high ground of the earth. whose names are in the book of life. which is alluded to in the Anaphora of St Basil in a similar context in the first person plural. rather than Romans. to whom be glory and might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. and to the ages of ages. most people call the present days ‘feasts’. The Greek bios is not easy to translate here. [11] 1 John 2:16. So intemperance is an evil. [3] and drew down upon themselves the anger of God and were overwhelmed with fire and brimstone. he was at once exiled from the delight of Paradise and intemperance for him became the begetter of death. St Theodore replaces 'desires' by 'deceits'. [4] ‘But the people of God sat down to eat and drink. So too the inhabitants of Sodom behaved wantonly ‘with food in abundance’. not indulgence in drunkenness and intoxication. because of they get drunk and debauched during them. it is the business of Christians to exercise self-control ‘and not to satisfy the desires of the flesh’. Nevertheless evil has progressed into law and leads the world as it wishes. entrapped by gluttonous eyes. CATECHESIS 49 On self-mastery and our present confession. [12] Philippians 4. Some translators go so far as to put 'riches'. and arose to play’. but when he acted intemperately and partook of the tree of disobedience. for revels and inebriation. So too Esau the hated. and through it death . flee intemperance even in partaking of things that are permitted.[8] Romans 6:2-4. [10] 1 Peter 1:14. [13] Philippians 2:15-16. [5] These are the sort of things that are going on during these days. [9] Ephesians 5:3. For our forefather Adam. brethren. not understanding that these days demand abstinence from meat.3. rejoiced and was made glad by divine visions and filled with divine revelations. Perhaps 'style of life'. That is proper to a pagan feast. On Friday of Meat Week [1] Brethren and fathers. 'standard of living'. as long as he abstained from the forbidden food in Paradise. shouting and demonic leapings require not only the day but most of the night as well. for we know that intemperance is the mother of sin. exchanged his birth right for a meal. But let us. [2] as the Apostle teaches. attained heavenly glory. and that we are leading a spiritual life. how would he not help in the future? Only let us stand nobly. because he has rescued us from such empty behaviour and transferred us to this blessed life. which only gives Catecheses for the Sundays of these weeks. whose life we have been reading. should we so wish. and we have learnt how God magnified him in this world under heaven. not wantonness. [9] But don’t be scared at what has been said. not disturbance. but peace. our denial of the world. so that the kings of the earth thought it important to write to him and to hear from him a written voice. follow their way of life. and to the ages of ages. this present confession. holiness and temperance. humble wretches. But we should give thanks to God. but moderation. ‘If God is on our side. for which we have also been persecuted. rivalled angels. for a word has gone out that the Mighty [8] is keeping an eye on our affairs and doubtless a royal official will suddenly arrive. to whom be the glory and the power with the Father and the Holy Spirit. but purity. but vigilance. expelled demons. now and for ever. in which it is always open to us to keep festival every day. our subjection. were a cause of wonder in the world. brethren loved by the Lord. Therefore I beg you. let us rejoice and congratulate one another that we have been given these gifts of grace by God. Amen.entered the world. friends and intimates. [2] Rom. From this it was that our inspired fathers sprang up. and he himself will give power to all who lead to the end a life that is well-pleasing to him to gain the kingdom of heaven in Christ Jesus our Lord. and that we imitate it our monastic profession bears witness. our obedience. Accordingly. 13:14. One of them was the blessed Antony. [1] This Instruction is suggested for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son by the current Slavonic Triodion from Moscow. . but thanksgiving. and to rejoice with unlimited [7] joy. in which there is not intemperance. race. not hubbub. let us hold mightily to our ascetic practice and this confession. who is against us?’ [10] And if he helped us in the past. only let us attend [11] without faltering. not abuse. [6] who with God trampled down the passions. but tranquillity. estrangement from fatherland. not drunkenness. And so we too. performed signs from God. [3] Ezekiel 16.49. [4] Cf. Genesis 25:29-34 and Mal. 1: Esau I hate. [5] Exod. 32:6. [6] The verb anatello means to ‘rise up’, sometimes of the sun, at others of plants, and is used metaphorically of people with either image understood. In this passage the idea of plants is the one of which St Theodore is thinking. [7] This adjective, amuretos, is not in the lexica. The Greek editor suggests, ‘incorruptible’, ‘unending’, though he gives no reasons. [8] That is to say the Emperor. St Theodore plays on the words ‘mightily’, krataios, and ‘mighty’, kraton’. [9] This echoes the troparion from the Midnight Office, ‘The Judge will come suddenly and the deeds of each will be laid bare’. St Theodore implies that it is not only the just Judge who arrives suddenly. [10] Romans 8:31. [11] St Theodore in these two clauses deliberately echoes the deacon’s invitation at the beginning of the anaphora. Hence my somewhat unidiomatic translation of prosechomen. The present subjunctive of continuous action here contrasts neatly with the aorist of immediate action in the Liturgy. CATECHESIS 50 On the great and manifest day of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was spoken on Meat Sunday. Brethren and fathers, it is a universal law on this day for those who live in the world to stop eating meat and one may see among them great competition in meat-eating and wine-bibbing, and even spectacles of outrageous pastimes which it is shameful to speak about. It is necessary to participate with moderation and to give thanks to the Lord for what we have and to make worthy preparation for the banquet before us; while they possessed by the wiles of the devil do the opposite, demonstrating that they have accepted one rather than the other. Why have I mentioned these things? So that we humble monks may not direct our thoughts in that direction, nor desire their desire, which is not worthy of desire, but rather of misery; let us rather turn to consider the Gospel we are going to listen to, thinking, while the canon is being chanted, about the great and manifest day of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, when the judge will stand the sheep on his right but the goats on his left. And to those on the right he will utter that blessed and most longed for invitation, Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; while to those on the left he will utter that most unwelcome and piteous sentence, Depart from me, accursed, into the everlasting fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels. These words are full of dread, fear and alarm; they should make us, and them, as we reflect fall down and weep and make God merciful to us, before he has come to test those who listen. But although they are thus, let us, I beg, hear and heed the message of the Gospel, striving keenly to serve the Lord with fear and trembling, removing all wickedness from the soul, introducing instead all knowledge of good works, compassionate pity, goodness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and whatever else is good and estimable, that when we have led lives worthy of the Gospel of Christ we may become heirs of the kingdom of heaven, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom belong glory and might with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. CATECHESIS 51 On being confident and courageous in the present persecution. Given on Wednesday of Cheese Week. Brethren and fathers, the question for us to discuss to-day should be self-mastery, because the holy Lent is at our doors. However the common talk does not allow us to do this, as our thought and our talk is preoccupied with something else. For I have already told you in the previous instruction that the Emperor is commanding things against us, and now, so they say, is making threats against us through Nikomedes. If we were to meet them in a manner fitting God, he would not endure at all, but do what occurred to him. What more is to be said then? That to be persecuted again is to be crowned again; and that where sufferings are multiplied, there too the consolations of the Holy Spirit are multiplied; for the Apostle says, For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering, and our hope for you is sure; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation and salvation, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation. See how by these words he showed that we are partakers with one another in sufferings and in consolations, as being one body and one spirit, as we have also been called in one hope of our calling. So then, brethren, let us not fall, let us not lose heart, but let us all stand together, as good soldiers of Christ, bearing our arms, not physical ones, but ones empowered by God, for the destruction of strongholds, that is to say: prudence, courage, temperance and justice; and with them fulfilling that which was said by God, When they persecute you in one city, flee to another. And as we depart there, let us not worry what we shall eat, or what we shall drink, or how we shall be clothed. For he himself has said, I shall not leave you, or desert you. So that there too he would be opening a door for us and helping us in all ways. Do we not rejoice then, having such promises? Are we not leaping for joy that we are the Lord's disciples. Thus they persecuted the holy apostles also, to whom the Lord said, Blessed are you, when they revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake; rejoice and leap for joy on that day. So the present situation is one for joy and gladness; for it is for us the cause of inexpressible joy and eternal life and the kingdom which has no end. Do not go into the way of the nations, he says, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. This is to be understood of the heretics; then let us not enter their churches, nor their houses; but where the son of peace is, the seed of true religion, there let us stay, and there let us pass our time, as in times past. Let us guard ourselves from those who counterfeit the truth, from those who call themselves guides and are not guides, but deceivers who both deceive and are deceived, mislead and are misled, whose condemnation is deserved. Let us guard the faith unswerving and our way of life intact, not maltreating the one by the other, but being safe and perfect on either hand. The subject of the confession is about the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore one who does not confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is portrayed in picture is one who does not confess that he appeared in flesh; for it is the same to appear in flesh and to be portrayed in picture. One who does not worship his holy image, does not worship the Lord; for the prototype is revealed and worshipped in the image, and the image in the prototype of each person that is depicted. And if the Iconoclasts say that they worship, they lie; for they profess, he says, to know God, but by their deeds they deny him. We then worship Christ and his image, we worship the Mother of God and her image, the shouts and caperings. which we have received from our holy fathers. But our manner of life is not like this. We serve one another. Psalmody succeeds psalmody. So then each one of us is a debtor. and that we may not be ashamed of our expectation and that we may without condemnation accomplish with you the contest now proposed and that we may all reach the kingdom of heaven. but according to his mercy the call is freely given. timely stillness. lowly as we are. Amen. to answer according to reason. but I aim to make you more fervent. my Lord. ‘Buy what we need for the feast’. and all the other things. try to achieve. Government of thoughts in accord with the mind. Jesus was telling him. not because of any works of justice that we have done. And this is the apostolic teaching. which are the results of the activity of the evil one. to say always with a contrite heart. But blessed is God. nor do I wish to call those in the world unhappy. that is not discordant. because Judas held the purse. we keep close to one another. Who am I. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. and if there is need for some bodily consolation at the feast. everything is ordered with stability and measure. O Lord. CATECHESIS 52 On self-mastery and prayer. What you are doing. prayer prayer. whose condemnation is deserved. spoken on the Friday of Cheese Week. drinking bouts and drunkenness. for hear what the Lord says to Judas. Not one of those at table knew why he said this to him. not by way of flattery but truth. or that he should give something to the poor. For the rest pray for our humble selves. in Christ Jesus our Lord. do quickly. reading reading. Since too you know the sort of things that take place in the world. Do you see that among them the consideration both of the feast and of the poor was a matter for concern? Which we also. I often call your way of life blessed. that on opening our mouth the Lord may give us utterance. and this is the deposit which I entrust to you to guard unharmed and unperverted. fitting speech. as it is written.saints and their images. But what is it? Night and day we praise the Lord according to the legislation which has been handed down to us by our holy fathers. to whom be glory and might. in the heart meditation of divine words. revels and intoxication. and what the house of my . now and always and to the ages of ages. for we have done nothing good upon earth. who has granted us to be admitted to such a way of life. as you see. For some thought that. Brethren and fathers. Hence the blessed Apostle wept for the enemies of the Cross of Christ. Should not we then. and that the true fast of the obedient and the subject is the cutting off of one’s will. People bring trouble on each other. being filled with compunction and cleansed of passionate habits. For thus we shall profit ourselves before the rest. to whom be glory and might. Given on Cheese Sunday. according to what we have been commanded by the Apostle to make supplications and prayers. that you have loved me? And such is ours. having mercy and pity for those who are living in the distraction of life. those who are in the grip of heresies. they wrangle with one another. If you will forgive them their sin. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. those in the darkness of paganism. with the other concerns.father. those who have been led away into error. if want to walk in their footsteps. while rarely are such things found in the world. praying with unremitting grief of heart. For are we not all one another’s brothers? Are we not of one blood? Are we not of the same dust? Is not someone who sees a beast of burden being carried over a precipice seized with pity? How much more then for brothers and fellow believers. Hence the great Moses cried to God. With all this in mind the blessed Chrysostom has already said. Amen. For this reason one must grieve and be sad for one who is truly conscious that he is under this sentence. has brought us also with love for mankind to this . It is a fearful word. not simply have in view what concerns ourselves. Because day succeeds night with the care of this age. CATECHESIS 53 On fasting. Brethren and Fathers. to speak like the Prophet. now and always and to the ages of ages. and delivered from which may we be granted to reach eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. but also pray on behalf of the world. The majority of the world is hardly to be saved. wipe me out of your book of life. And indeed each of the saints had the same sympathy and made entreaty for the others. Adultery and theft and cursing and lying have been poured out upon the earth. so that a person is unable to draw breath. but nevertheless it is true. our good God who gives us life and brings us from year to year. and all those other things which it is not easy to detail. if not. Hence the Prophet Jeremy lamented over Israel and left behind various lamentations in writing. the deception of wealth. in brief all mankind. forgive. not making ourselves miserable. And so I ask. not set about with tumult. our Lord. but in no way to enter. unwounded by the arrows of the thoughts. What is the struggle? Not to walk according to one’s own will. to whom be the glory and the might. . spoken at the beginning of the fast. except that for you there is also change of diet. for they shall see God. but to let oneself be ruled by the disposition of the superior. to speak like the Apostle. another to vigil. not opening the door to the passions. So that the enemy has power to suggest. Quite simply during these holy days it is possible to see great zeal and attention. If the spirit of the powerful one. full of mercy and good fruits. do not let it find your place. if there is anything virtuous. whatever pure. now and for ever. in which each of the eager. enters the contest. whatever of good report. compliant. whatever lovely. not giving place to the devil. rather peaceable towards each other. if there is anything praiseworthy. Blessed are the pure in heart. fair. CATECHESIS 54 On fasting and dispassion. rise up against you. Given on Wednesday of the First Week. do it. another spending even longer in prostrations. not angry. But the true subject behaves with obedience not at any particular time. and others in other ascetic actions. for thus we are able to become a dwelling of God in Spirit. yet above all unsleepingly keeping watch over our thoughts. but let us advance with cheerfulness of heart. Amen. eating only every two or three days. but keeps up the struggle always. since hubbub is damaging in a community. Thus we may be made worthy to hear. not slandering. let us not open our door to the devil. whatever just. and the God of peace will be with you all. multiplication of prostrations and increase of psalmody are in accord with the established tradition from of old. speaking suitable words. one devoting himself to self-mastery.present time of fasting. Quite simply. whatever noble. rather let us keep guard over our soul as a bride of Christ. This is better than the other works of zeal and is a crown of martyrdom. innocent. it says. Whatever is true. and loving. as we are taught. as their choice directs. since too unreasonable stillness is profitless. not evil. not envying. in Christ Jesus. breathing in seasonable stillness. and to the ages of ages. keeping vigil for so long or so long. We are lords of ourselves. let us welcome gladly the gift of the fast. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. for just as those who run in the stadium need the vocal support of their fellow contestants. Also because what is unusual. by which our good God is propitiated and so guides our spirits to peace and pardons our offences. not grieving at the plainness of the diet. I beg you. for when he touched the forbidden food. may be likened to a storm-free harbour. idleness. yet the inward is being renewed day by day. strife. sluggishness. Fasting is not defined by foods alone. will also talk to you briefly. for we know that the Lord. brethren. when compared to the whole year. made a banquet for thousands in the wilderness from bread and water. for emperors and priests. Let us listen to the one who says. For cities and villages reduce their hubbub and bustle. so fasters need the encouragement of their teachers. But I. for the holy Apostle says. self-indulgence. jealousy. as our godly fathers have explained. I and the Father will come and make our dwelling with him. not beautiful by nature. for every race and for every age. but when it is plucked it is found more bitter than gall. made beautiful in itself it is being drawn lovingly to the one who said. maliciousness. prayers and entreaties take their place. let us abstain from destructive desire which the many-shaped serpent lays before us when we are fasting. we must welcome it. with enthusiasm becomes acceptable and painless. For just as if someone taking a pomegranate decked out with a scarlet rind should find it rotten. or rather. the season of Lent. with a sincere heart. Even though our outward man is perishing. for rulers and ruled. And if it is being renewed. gladly. while psalmody and hymns. . than a sharpened two-edged sword which devours the soul it has captured. promising improvement for the future. but by every abstinence from evil. we will only fall down before him with fear and trembling and weep before him. but also for lay people. And observe: he says beautiful to behold. But let the leaders of the churches speak of what is suitable to lay people. let us abstain from despondency. Fasting then is a renewal of the soul. For the present season is one of salvation not for monks and nuns only. ‘The fruit which slew me was beautiful to behold and fair to eat’. that it makes us into a dwelling place of God. though he is able to nourish lavishly. honoured brethren. And so. in which all who are sailing together enjoy a spiritual calm. clearly it is being made beautiful according to its original beauty. self-reliance. This is what our forefather Adam suffered when he was tricked by the serpent. for great and small. since I have been placed at your head.Brethren and fathers. if. If then such is the grace of fasting. in the same way pleasure feigns untold sweetness. attentive to the readings. Amen. who is darkness. deadly into life-giving. Let us rather look on the outer coverings of evil as dung and when with the mind we have looked on evil in its nakedness we shall flee from it at once. but in the age to come at the resurrection of the dead to gain the kingdom of heaven in Christ Jesus our Lord. so he knows how to transform bad into good. but zeal in goodness. not be led astray by his manifold deceptions. ugly into beautiful. dark into light. compassionate. Let us bear one another’s burdens.he found death instead of life. bitter into sweet. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. For just as he. and such is the longing that fills them that their mind is wholly occupied in this and in considering how the roof may be wellcovered. for one is weak and another strong. may you be found worthy without condemnation to reach the supreme day of the Resurrection. full of mercy and good fruits. brethren. CATECHESIS 55 On decorating our incorruptible house through the assumption of the virtues. making prostrations according to the given measure at each hour. people in the world when they erect a luxurious house give themselves no rest at night and at the end of the day they toil and plan. reasonable. and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and thoughts. so that there is no provoking to jealousy among evil people. and so the all-evil one does not cease to lead the world astray at every opportunity. be enthusiastic for hymnody. because working is good and because one who does not work is not judged worthy of eating. Given on Friday of the First Week. will offer lovers of fine sights the most . transforms himself into an angel of light. And now. making use of food and drink and the other necessities with moderation. But let us at least. In addition let us welcome the times of psalmody. nor suffer the fate of the birds who greedily approach what seems to be food and fall into the hunter’s trap. how the floor. This too is what all they have suffered who from then until now have been similarly deceived by the dragon. now and for ever. working with our own hands. to whom be the glory and the might. Brethren and fathers. In everything be good to one another. labouring until they have achieved their object. adorned with many different marbles with every other form of elegance. and to the ages of ages. obedient. since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Not at all! Otherwise our Lord would not have ordered us to ask each day for our daily bread. when we are building not a corruptible house but an incorruptible. courage. and we are more closely concerned about this one. And these things are opposed to one another. so that by the pleasantness of our life we may turn the attention of angels and men to ourselves. your mouths have become embittered. brethren. they would be most distressed. where Lampe translates ‘eating slowly’. But we. not one made out of stones and wood but one skilfully constructed from spiritual graces. and let us not fail to adorn it with the beauty of the virtues. let us give glory to God that we have arrived at the one stadium for it. if you will. that is after Vespers in the late afternoon. as a foundation stone. The other knows that it welcomes the Holy Spirit. Let us be building this temple. so that we may rejoice for we are sided with the stronger. but the meaning here is surely ‘eating late’. justice. as the divine Apostle says. And this is how it seems to me. and by mastering the one the other has become weak. But if someone were to wish to tear them away from that care. for since our body . Paul. as it is written. how can we be idle and come far below these others in zeal? How should this not be the greatest of wrongs? That other house harbours people who love the flesh and when it has passed through many masters it will be pulled down and deserted.pleasing appearance. [The only reference in the lexica for this word is the Greek Ephrem. so that we may have the Holy Spirit for its inhabitant. the fear of God. but they shine with a fair change: the pallor that comes from selfmastery. What is the material of this building? The assumption of the virtues. Perhaps some one will say that to eat every day is a failure of perfection. Take first. and so with one attached firmly to the other and fitted together with the bond of love it will grow into a holy temple of the Lord. would have received bread from God every day. Next understanding. sobriety. at every moment. Moreover with those who depart from things here it leaves too and abides in heaven intact and eternal. when the only meal is eaten on fast days] but your spirits have been sweetened. Your faces have been changed from what they were before. since we are a temple of the living God and the Spirit of God dwells in us. as though they were being seriously wronged. filled with the bile of eating late. the prophet Elias would not have been nourished each day in the desert by a raven. Antony the Great preferred as almost necessary eating daily to a fast of above a day or for a week. But since one of the virtues is self-mastery. who dwelt in the desert before the godly Antony. flying on wings of hope. However let us not strive beyond our power in our works of zeal. so necessarily the creator of our nature has arranged for it to be strengthened by its daily nourishment so that it might run well for the future. And may you be granted again and again both health of body and strength of spirit to serve the living and true God and to await the last day. to whom be glory and might. and needs its rest. rather than attentively keeping in . nor to accomplish their other services easily. the first fruits of the fast corresponding to the change of diet and of works of zeal produce a certain difficulty and roughness. three and five days. not to join more lustily in psalmody. Brethren and fathers. this is why it is written. Nor would they be able to prostrate more frequently. making what is heavy light and what is difficult easy. No chastening seems to be joyful for the present. but very much for the perfect by the traditional definition and canon. Amen. knowing that enthusiasm strengthens both soul and body. which was not yet the Sunday of Orthodoxy. afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of justice to those who have been trained by it. CATECHESIS 56 On not being stretched beyond our power in our works of zeal for God and about nourishing the soul with spiritual speculations. but with persistence and practice it is soothed and softened. unless something truly extraordinary happens. Given on the First Sunday. in which may you shine out like the sun as heirs of the kingdom of heaven. For what use is there in walking too hard from the start and falling down more quickly. since every beginning is difficult. And so let us too. And so daily nourishment is not simply for the imperfect. but grievous.is physically exhausted through its toil for the whole day. now and always and to the ages of ages. which what they suffer who drag out their fast over two. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The opposite is true: idleness makes what is light heavy and what is easy difficult. become more enthusiastic for the future through experience. like a racing colt. in Christ Jesus our Lord. nevertheless. but not be exhausted and fading. who have been allowed to traverse the first week of the fast. And thank goodness these things have been laid down by the fathers. but with our spiritual father keep a watch over our bodily health also. on the beauties of Paradise. Lord. Brethren and fathers. CATECHESIS 57 On guarding the soul from destructive passions. so that by humbling the body we shall bring about the beauty of the soul. and I was glad. brethren. on the everlasting dwellings. are the things that we should be caring about and thinking about. as the Apostle says. according to the sacred saying. the inner is being renewed day by day.view the extent of the dwelling. since we live out of the world. now and always and to the ages of ages. in which. what his voice that we shall hear. and last. what will be the final state of the just who are admitted into the kingdom of heaven and of the sinners who are sent away to eternal punishments. on how the appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ will be. it says. not with those of a worldly sort. how great and fearful and more dazzling than the rays of the sun will be the face of Christ. to weep and to be enlightened. with these it is possible to be moved to compunction. that beauty which the holy David longed for when he prayed. These. by your will . Amen. but in ones in which are sweetness and joy. then how each soul is going to take again its yoke-fellow the body. and the elements melt with fervent heat. the heavens will pass away with a great noise. in Christ Jesus our Lord. to whom be glory and might. Our mind then should be on God. leaner and paler. on heavenly sights. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. I remembered God. in which are emptiness. now that we have fasted for the first week we appear to each other somewhat different to what we were. and since we have our home in heaven and our lives have nothing in common with those who live according to the world. But even if our outward nature is wasting away. let us sustain the soul with good pursuits and spiritual thoughts. Wednesday of the Second Week. But since the day with exertion is accustomed to produce despondency. this it is to understand what follows for the soul through self-mastery. both to lead a life of peace here and to have hope of attaining the eternal good things to come. For what it is to see a body healthy-looking and sleek through pleasure. what a gathering that will be of every human from Adam to the final consummation. on the regime there. wretchedness and bitterness. where the souls of the just and of sinners are now. confusion. with which we should be occupied. both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. not only at the present moment. because our aim is not what can be seen but what cannot be seen. Just as she deprives herself of the sight of males. from sordid thoughts. Vol. reining in the impulses of the flesh. but taking our stand far from the passions and beating off the tempter from the moment of provocation [For this technical term. This is the reason for the punishing of the body. p. for by thinking desire is set alight like fire. as though going from the body as from a bridal chamber. Do you each see the greatness of the gift. things which Angels too hope to glimpse. which is pitiable both to speak and to think about. an insult to Christ. It means ‘the initial incitement to evil’]. 365. so your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere commitment to Christ. until the moment comes for her marriage. brethren. exercising every care to preserve herself incorrupt. but throughout the whole of life. when we have in purity passed over from things here. I ask and beseech you. not thinking any wickedness at all. and holding fast more fervently to the self-mastery which lies before us. as it is written. because of this there is austerity. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning. until her departure. in Christ Jesus our Lord. So then for things which cannot be seen. if she were comely. to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. the soul too requires the same behaviour. control of thoughts and unrelenting wrestling against invisible foes? And how should these things not afflict the flesh? But this slight momentary affliction of ours. indeed most fittingly. she would give joy to the holy Angels. For what is the ascetic life but mastery of the passions. that keep our own soul pure from evil deeds.you have granted power to my beauty. see The Philokalia. as the Lord said. with every care to keep herself pure from the corrupting passions of sin. so as not to unseat the charioteer — the mind. both by good works making the soul resplendent. 1. With this beauty moreover the blessed Paul confirms that we are betrothed to Christ. for the Bridegroom Christ to whom we are betrothed. which defile us. to whom be glory . so that. she will be an object of malignant delight for the demons. resplendent by good works. at which. is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. beyond all measure. we may depart in unspeakable joy to heaven and delight in the joy of the heavenly bridal chamber. keeping herself within the bridal chamber. but if she were ugly through wickedness. For I have betrothed you to one husband. that we have been granted to have Christ as Bridegroom? Does each of you see how afraid our groomsman is for our safety? So our soul is like a maiden who has been brought into the bridal chamber. like a bit. and thence they gain the greatest benefits. in my lowliness I rejoice over you. One then who loves thus is not satiated. to escape the everlasting punishments. rather he adds fire to fire. Amen. because you are walking in harmony. to reach the kingdom of heaven. to become rich with the things of God. conducting yourselves peaceably and continuing the season of the fast with endurance. does not fall. CATECHESIS 58 On harmony and love and on nobly enduring the toils of virtue for gaining the kingdom of heaven. disposing ascents of virtues in his heart and going from power to spiritual power. Do you not see how much those who toil according to the flesh toil for vain and perishable things? Do you not see how those who build ships here under your very eyes [St Theodore and his monks were in exile at this time at the monastery of Crescens on the narrow gulf of Nikomedia (the modern Izmit Kφrfezi) at the NE end of the Sea of Marmara.. For as those who are causes of scandals inherit the Woe. secondly they are set forth as an example of virtue to others. to enjoy the everlasting good things. let us fall away from the good state and the praiseworthy way of life. and sets enthusiasm alight with enthusiasm. disobedience and pride and any other wickedness that may exist! Such people in the first place find good for themselves. Brethren and fathers. akedia See Volume 1 pp. brethren. so that they may take home what they need for their families.and might. 88-91 for St John Cassian’s account. is not overtaken by despondency [The translators of the Philokalia use ‘listlessness’ for this well known monastic scourge. for it is written. now and ever and to the ages of ages. if it were necessary to shed . shall we not endure all things with all enthusiasm and energy. already evils are kept far away: disorder and instability. Friday of the Second Week. And this is for your salvation and for our hope.] pass the whole day in toil . You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and your whole soul and your whole strength and your whole mind. or Step 13 of The Ladder]. nor let us leave off loving God. And never. and this unremittingly. while we. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. contradiction and slander. for peace and harmony are a considerable good in a community. so those who incite to virtue inherit blessing. not allowing themselves any relaxation whatsoever? For what? So that they may acquire a little gold. my brothers. But the devil hurries to suggest the opposite to fasters and to make them insolent. obedient. the repose of our neighbour. it is an anguish for me how each one is coming through safely. but placing even greater emphasis on obedience. But let us not be ignorant of his plans. that by such occupation we may keep a hold on the mind. but at any rate praying earnestly for my humble person. now and always and to the ages of ages. Amen. which is but for a moment. Because while fasting batters and wastes the body. meek.our blood. which are to be peaceable. it says. for concerning them too. to the psalmody. it clears the soul and makes it flourish. attentive to our manual work. since idleness is the mother of wickedness. meekly and steadfastly bearing with one another in love. so that from either side both we and you may be saved. gently. CATECHESIS 59 On our accomplishing the days of the fast gently and readily in the hope of life without end. patient in tribulation. all the other things which bring about the salvation of our soul. that a word may be given me when I open my mouth. rejoicing in hope. sympathetic and all the other forms of virtue. but continue our path peaceably. good order. knowing that this is what is acceptable to God. you would not be well-pleasing to him. For as much as our outer nature is perishing. whom I cannot see before my eyes. is . the readings. and a life free from deformation. it is reasonable to allocate it to the 2nd Sunday. let us stand nobly. angry. for though you bend your neck double like a hoop and smother yourself with sackcloth and ashes. the recitation. while work is the guardian of the mind. by so much the inner is being renewed day by day. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. in Christ Jesus our Lord. bad-tempered. to be entirely ready to do so for the Lord? Yes. Brethren and fathers. if these qualities are lacking to you. And Our light affliction. to whom be glory and might. persevering in prayer. Not however through these being turned from our state. dragging it away from being occupied with vanities. fasting is good if it possesses its own special characteristics. but since it comes between the ones for Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent and Wednesday of the 3rd. humble. puffed up. There is no indication of date for this Instruction. well-established. I ask you. so as to produce hurt more than gain. besides all these praying also for our brothers who have been scattered here and there. And so. This would imply that during Lent the Liturgy of the Presanctified was celebrated every weekday. The latter. if the ‘holy father and teacher’ referred to in the opening sentence? If the Short Catecheses were given during St Theodore’s exile to the Propontis in 820. Is anyone among you suffering? as the brother of God says. it cannot be St Platon.working for us a far more exceeding weight of glory.] What could be sweeter and more filled with enjoyment than this. who had died in 812. according to the working by which he is able even to subdue all things to himself. Is anyone tempted by evil passion? — since the tempter is always at work — let him endure patiently as he listens to the one who says. Who. The most likely person is St Nikephoros. since those who partake with a pure conscience will obtain eternal life? Do we not converse each day with the godly David and the other holy fathers through taking in the readings? What could bring greater consolation to the soul? Have we not broken off contact with the world and with our relatives according to the flesh? Again is anything more blessed or higher than this? For our citizenship is in heaven. now and for ever and to the ages of ages. from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour. despite certain earlier difficulties. who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to his glorious body. the Patriarch. Amen. the Lord Jesus Christ. All flesh is grass. for when he has been proved. giving thanks to the God and Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. and all human glory like the flower of the grass. let us rejoice and be glad as we repudiate every pleasure. my brothers. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love. not just on Wednesdays and Fridays. Do we not communicate each day of his immaculate body and blood? [This suggests that daily Communion was the norm for St Theodore’s monks. blessed are you if you do them. for example. said the Lord. If you know these things. Is anyone sad? Let him sing psalms. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. to whom be glory and might. let us bear the toils of virtue with long-suffering. but the work of virtue endures for ever. he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. Let him pray. The grass withered and the flower faded. had a great respect for St . So that looking at the recompense. Blessed is the one who endures temptation. INTRODUCTION Catechesis 60 contains a number of interesting details. is passing and we are getting nearer to death. in particular Life A chap. PG 99:1176A]. Let us be on the watch then lest we find ourselves without realising it in the same state of which we accuse them. Day by day our life. whose father. but every day the tomb is seen filled. If the Catecheses were all given at the same time. CATECHESIS 60 On our sudden departure from here and teaching about keeping safe watch over our senses and our mind from unseemly desires. and were not rather trembling and terrified. That he should visit his friend St Theodore and his monks is. The reference to ‘the story of the Flood’ suggests that the readings at Vespers were the same in St Theodore’s day as they are today. and St Theodore refers to himself as the Patriarch’s ‘child’ [ibid. 2 Cor 4. into which we are about to crawl.26s. In number 63 the reference to ‘the ruler’ in Bulgaria is almost certainly to Omurgat (813-831). Given on Wednesday of the 3rd Week. so too it will be at the coming of the Son of Man [Cf Mt 24. Cf. the subject of Catechesis 21) and 826 (the death of St Theodore himself). We hear the story of the Flood being read. selling and suddenly the flood came. when . The Patriarch called himself St Theodore’s ‘son’ [Letters II:79 — PG 99:1317C].000 Christians some years before.12. St Nikephoros had been deposed in 815 and was at this time also in exile in his own monastery on the Propontis. Brethren and fathers. 120 [PG 99:221-224]. drinking. II:18. not improbable.37-39. which was being filled up during one hundred years.]. they must be dated between 820 (the death of Metropolitan Michael. in the presence of our holy father and teacher we have no need to discourse. but nevertheless because of our custom let us say just a little. Already each day death is at work [Cf. And perhaps we wonder in this case how insensibly they were disposed. buying.Theodore. to say the least. Kroumos (802-814) had carried off into captivity some 30. as you see. and we must remove hence and be joined to our brothers and fathers. and the Lord in the Gospels saying: As in the days of Noλ they were eating. marrying. Lk 17. Already it is not the ark which is being got ready. St Theodore is quoting from memory]. so that there is need of much vigilance and attention and preparation of heart. I don’t say: we shouldn’t eat. but blessed is God. for the Lord is near those who wait for him.31-32. not to step into the pitfall of unseemly things. being in full accord and of one mind. not to picture to ourselves evil images nor to conceive sinful desires. my brothers. let us do everything to the glory of God. but let us hasten and press forward intently with diligence to right every defect. and being rich in mercy . I don’t say that.2-3. but in humility think of others as better than yourselves [Phil 2. as the Apostle again says. This is the way of true Christians. drink. Let us bridle our mind not to be carried off to things it should not. CATECHESIS 61 That we must not submit ourselves in temptations. And let us not grow despondent [The verb from akedia.] when called to repose and the joy of dispassion. Yes. hearing. and about fasting.] giving no offence to Jews or Greeks or to the Church of God. now and ever and to the ages of ages. yes. Do nothing from selfish ambition or vainglory. And by living thus may we reach the kingdom of heaven in Christ Jesus our Lord.each one of our brothers departs. to whom be glory and might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Those who came said what they said. to cleanse the soul and to look towards dispassion. Things here are more fearful than those there. smell. but whether we eat. and so we should be on our guard. I exhort. on the contrary we are pained and crushed accomplishing nothing useful. Let us secure our senses. yesterday a <disturbance> [1] and today quiet. Brethren and fathers. I implore. be of the same mind.]. sight. There is one repose then and one pleasure. from which we gain no profit or pleasure. taste. through them death enters. or clothe ourselves. [1 Cor 10. while to you may the Lord grant the perfect reward in return for your having chosen to be persecuted for his sake. to hold themselves always in readiness in the face of dangers on behalf of virtue and to consider nothing more precious that the commandment of God. or drink. and they left not so much amazed as ashamed. make my joy complete. yesterday a tempest and to-day calm. having the same love. this is the way of authentic monks. touch. or whatever we do. Given on Friday of the 3rd Week. as the Apostle teaches. who has also dispelled the trial and given you power to remain unmoved in the expectation of threats. and God is our helper. making the most of the opportunity. not reluctantly or under constraint. But that’s enough of these matters. By this he teaches us that we should not submit just anyhow to trials.].]. because it wipes clean and washes the heart of sins and sets it pure before the Lord. But in fact the trial has not been dispelled. Already the fast has advanced and lays on us. and make us worthy of the kingdom of heaven. as it is written. Let the measure of genuflexions be completed and the customary recitation be fulfilled. let us be eager. but this is the common limit of self-mastery for those living in obedience: the cutting of their own will. doing everything decently and in order.] as we have been instructed. Therefore let us become cheerful. And so let us hear the Apostle when he says. as it makes the elder young again. 9. 14. 14.[1 Cor. Let your speech be always gracious. because it disregards what concerns itself for the advantage of the neighbour. Fasting then is good. zeal is good. because it lightens toils and makes the spirit young. in Christ Jesus our Lord.he knows how to crown from the intention alone the one who chooses the good. in the Holy Spirit [Rom.8 = Hab 2. weeping is good. And would that the God of peace might bring us to the queen of days. let us remain outside tumult and all idle chatter.5-6. to the resurrection of Christ. seasoned with salt. St Paul. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders.7. Except that the coenobitic rule does not let each one act according to their own will. but justice and peace and joy. because it gives the mind wings and makes it a companion of God.4].40. according to each one’s power. where there is no food and drink. The moment for stillness? Let us be still reasonably. Would that we might share in them richly. of course. The time for talk? Let us talk suitably. the task of pressing on eagerly again and again to what follows as each has chosen. so that you may know how you should respond to each one [Col 4. for he says.]. has ‘giver’. And to speak simply. The moment for work? Let us work earnestly. to whom be glory and might. The moment for psalmody? Let us advance keenly. while watch is kept over the body’s health. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who draws back [Heb 10. and particularly because everywhere there are edicts of the rulers that no one is to lag behind from having a share in heretical fellowship. love is good. prayer is good. nor should we pass God’s word over in silence. because it tames the passions and subjects the flesh to the spirit.17. for God loves a cheerful faster [1 Cor. but again and again it continues. brethren. with the . to persecution. it is necessary to listen to the Prophet when he says. though Moulton Milligan’s comment on the word is interesting: ‘diatheke is properly disposition. for it seems to me that to be brought under their power is equivalent of being indifferent towards the heretics. bear witness with the others.Father and the Holy Spirit. to death. because when the moment summoned they did not choose persecution on behalf of Christ. It does not seem to make any sense in the context.] And why do we maltreat ourselves still for what is of no use? We managed as far as it was possible and the moment allowed.37.] Brethren and fathers. You see that the same distinction withdraws us from the world and drives us to trouble. unless diatheke can be taken in the sense of something like an ‘ultimatum’. whether this represents a different text. Come out from among them and be separated. Amen. 8. as certain others. The text as it stands may be corrupt. in the sense of a ‘will’ or ‘testament’. for .29. an ‘arrangement’ made by one party with plenary power. CATECHESIS 62 On our imitating the Lord’s sufferings. St Theodore seems to be quoting from memory ] when. [Rom. which means a ‘disposition’. they will render an account to the Lord on the day of judgement. If others act otherwise over these matters. In the LXX and NT it is the regular word for ‘covenant’. whose memorial we have just celebrated. 52. 10.11. [1] The Greek has diatheke. to prison. but now. [Isa. to hunger. now and always and to the ages of ages. And to this the Forty Martyrs. whenever he sees a soul thirsting for him. but in all these we must be supremely victorious through the God who loved us. But it seems to have been given after the day itself.’ Migne has ‘tumultus’. but cannot alter. or is simply a guess to fit the sense is unclear.] says the Lord. but since it does not print the Greek. how good it has become for us the separation from the monastery here! For why should our liberty be subject to the judgement of another’s conscience? [1 Cor. [Migne adds: On the Forty Martyrs [March 9th]. which the other party may accept or reject. gives it force to be able to endure sufferings on his behalf. to distress. [1 Cor. On the 3rd Sunday. of what sort and how great they are? For the rest then. we shall also live with him. brethren. But since they loved God with a true heart. we shall also reign with him. see too why it is written. the scourgings. the arrested. the scourged. for if one limb suffers. Amen. We may not all have been imprisoned. if we are faithless. let us strive. but nevertheless the fellowship of life itself becomes a fellowship of sufferings. on account of meat-eating. they were empowered in their weakness to throw down the invisible enemy by the flesh. 1 Pet.[ Cf. because he too was arrested. and to accomplish a struggle of such a quality and greatness that all Christians praise it in song. Brethren and fathers. the imprisonments. in the present instruction I want to urge you to consolation from a certain story. as we have been called in one hope of our calling. because he too was scourged. 2. those who disobeyed would be killed. an evil decree went out from the ruler there that the Christians in captivity and our brothers were to eat meat during the period of the holy Forty Days. to whom be glory and might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The word of the godless was exceedingly strong and the people assembled and there was weeping and groans and much lamentation . if we endure. concerning the Christians who were massacred in Bulgaria during the holy Lent. And blessed is one who has been granted to share in the sufferings of Christ. [Eph. the imprisoned. the reviled. nor all scourged.we cannot say that they possessed a different nature to the one we have. 4. [2 Tim. if one limb is glorified. because he too was reviled. 12.] having Christ as the head.4. he is not able to deny himself. The story is this: In Bulgaria. those who obeyed would live. he too will deny us. to gain the kingdom of heaven. now and always and to the ages of ages. all the limbs rejoice with it.26] And would that we were even more one body and one spirit. to become wellpleasing to God.13. If we have died with him. all the limbs suffer with it. if we deny. as those who were accurately informed have reported. because he too was persecuted. he remains faithful. 4.11-13] Do you see the promises and the threats. let us struggle by the grace of Christ not to shame those things that have been previously mentioned.] even to some extent at least: the persecuted. CATECHESIS 63 Historical. in Christ Jesus our Lord. because he too was imprisoned. the banishments. they obeyed the authority of the Lord and were wreathed with the crown of martyrdom. ‘We are Christians. thought to subdue the rest by means of one.37-38]. how much more here over the heretically sacrificed communion. But nothing could persuade them or weaken them from keeping their gaze fixed on God and on the blessedness that was laid up in his promises. But they rather remained unbowed and shouted out. the former so as not to taste swine’s meat in violation of the law. appeals and exhortations by the people: Let them yield to constraint. when he saw the implacable determination of the men. And again. At this confession they were crucified on planks and died in the Lord. Fourteen of them though broke away and stood apart saying it was not possible either to obey or to eat meat in violation of the Christian law. for the Maccabees were seven. on the one side of those clinging to the Christian law. because for the Maccabees partaking of pork was utterly forbidden. the pitiable announcement — they were defeated and submitted to the godless order. One who loves father or mother. on the other of those quailing before the death of the flesh. Where too are those who say that there is no ground for martyrdom in the image of . and having slain him he at once distributed his children and his wife among the Scythians as slaves. is not worthy of me [Matt. and our lot is that of our dead brother’.with women and children. At this. more than me is not worthy of me. But since the order from the Scythians was aimed at the rejection of the faith. You see. so that the others weakened by this would be brought over. and one who loves son or daughter or wife more than me is not worthy of me. but they were fourteen. Do not fear those who kill the body. not die foolishly. but for these men it was permissible to partake of any meat under necessity. the latter so as not to partake of any meat in violation of the Christian rule. 10. but cannot kill the soul. 10. it says.]. and one who does not take up his cross and follow after me. The Scythian then. but they considered all things as secondary for the love of Christ. they refused. as St Basil says. and through repentance they can be restored again. imitating the holy Maccabees and doubling their number. Finally — ah. brethren. those who deny that heretical communion is a breach of faith? For if there there was a breach of faith by the people over eating meat. rather fear one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna [Matt. therefore. They were obedient then to the commands of the Gospel. that even now too the Gospel of the kingdom of God is active.28. O blessed men! O blessed action! in a single instant to have received in exchange eternal rest! What will they say to this. this latter seems stricter. uneducated. who reveals martyrs in this generation too. let us rather quench the fiery arrows of the evil one with tears. who glorifies those who have glorified him. 1. But the heretics. See the important treatment by Prof. and we should not simply celebrate as most do. 54-98 [SC 170]].Christ? For if there there was ground for martyrdom for those who did not eat meat. A.]. Traitι Pratique ou le Moine. let us stand firm for the uninterrupted martyrdom according to the conscience. also speak things that are dark as they try to embroil others in their own falls. With them may we be found worthy to become heirs of the kingdom of heaven. how much more here is the ground for martyrdom resplendent for those who have not denied. The expression is effectively synonymous with ‘the demons’. brethren. Brethren and fathers. so that we too may be able to say with the Apostle. What is the mystery? That the Son of God becomes son of man. tom. 43:23. CATECHESIS 64 On the incarnate dispensation of our Lord Jesus Christ. are a technical term in the monastic literature and I retain the slightly awkward definite article in English. how much more should we. become as zealous as the saints. when the moment calls. married and with children gave everything up for the love of Christ. glorify our good God. now though. with supplications. Let us not bow the knee to Baal. because they are dark themselves. the Annunciation is here and it is the first of the Feasts of the Lord. but with understanding and with reverence for the mystery. Amen. and let us not give in when struck by the thoughts [‘The thoughts’. to whom be glory and might. using the . But let us. and with the holy David. who are unmarried and outside the world. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Guillaumont in Ιvagre le Pontique. we were reckoned as sheep for the slaughter [Ps. But this is for a day when Christ calls us. as we reflect on the fact that if men who were apparently lowly. Every day I die. 15:31. which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord [1 Cor. and that we should celebrate spiritually. now and for ever and to the ages of ages. pp. It was spoken on the day of the Annunciation. in Christ Jesus our Lord. brethren. with compunction. that is as certain as the boast in you. logismoi. with the other batterings of the body. Because for you we die all the day.]. In brief this is the power of the mystery. but the thought of the spirit. some through abandoning the faith. he humbled himself. 6. I speak the truth in Christ.]. with forbearance. Those who walk according to the flesh. Bridegroom.8. think the things of the flesh. I do not lie.6. for it is not subject to the law of God. but free of passions. and this is why we should celebrate spiritually and behave spiritually. 8. genuine servants suffer in the same way from the desertions of their fellow-servants. with peace. Teacher. Indeed it cannot be. he allowed us to call him Father. 2.5. with love. but we should both pray and grieve for the world.]. Tribes and languages reject him.holy Virgin as the means. and elsewhere he says this on the subject. the death of the cross [Phil. What should he have done and did not do? Being God he became man. life and peace.]. those who walk according to the spirit. You see the power of love? You see . he says. with the Holy Spirit [2 Cor. my kinsmen according to the flesh [Rom. thanksgivings on behalf of all mankind. and the world rejects him. no longer friends of the world. Not only that. that we may no longer be slaves.1-2. but free. as it is written. dwelling in her and from her fashioning for himself a temple and becoming perfect man.47. brethren? That the genuine disciples are grieved by the rejections of their fellow-disciples. but according to the spirit. with gentleness. he gave us his body to eat and his blood to drink. for kings and for all in high positions [1 Tim. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God [Rom. my conscience bears witness with me in the Holy Spirit. for I have prayed that I might be anathema to Christ for the sake of my brethren. What then is there to say. entreaties. Why so? That he might ransom those under the law. Brother. 9. others through their evil lives. 4. the things of the spirit. but friends of God. thus showing love both for the teacher and for the disciples. I have not come to judge the world.5-8. and that we might receive sonship [Gal. no longer walking according to the flesh. For. 2. the barbarian nations reject him. This is why the great Apostle orders that we should offer supplications. Why so? Because the Son of God came to save the world. with holiness and justice.]. for the thought of the flesh is death.]. So too. becoming obedient unto death.]. with goodness. but to save the world [John 12. And so the thought of the flesh is hostile to God. so that as far as we ourselves are concerned we do not render the dispensation of our Lord Jesus Christ empty and ineffectual. prayers.1-3. that I have a great grief and unceasing anguish in my heart. those who have had his holy name invoked upon them reject him. and still he bears it. no longer subject to the passions. And still he is rejected.]. Fellow-heir and all the other titles which there is no time to mention now. Head. grief and sighing have fled away [1]. now and for ever. Brethren and fathers. INTRODUCTORY NOTE The place of these two catecheses in the numbering suggests that they may have been given during the 4th week of Lent. If you will forgive them their sin. so that where I am you maybe also. even though it is great and revered. Amen.the height of friendship? Moses shows it too when he says to God. if not. and about endurance and courage. only a type of that Pascha to come. [6]And a little further on. And where I am going you know. if I go. So we too. and to the ages of ages. Lent is already galloping past and the soul rejoices at the imminence of Pascha. gladness and rejoicing. in Christ Jesus our Lord. I am going to prepare a place for you and. On that day you will know that I am in the . From it pain. wipe me out of the book which you have written [Exodus 32. is nevertheless. for by so doing what is pleasing to the Lord we shall become inheritors of eternal life. as our fathers explain. I am coming again and I will take you to myself. and the way you know. Why did this thought sound for me in advance? Because it is as if our whole life directs its reason contemplating the eternal Pascha. while that Pascha has no successor. where there is the blessed breakfast [3] of Christ and the new [4] drink of which Christ spoke. I shall not drink of the fruit of this vine. because by it it finds rest and is relieved of many toils. I will prepare a place for you. as genuine and not counterfeit disciples.32]. a choir of those who keep festival and contemplation of eternal light. to whom be the glory and the might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. For this Pascha is for one day and it passes. there everlasting joy. CATECHESIS 66 That this Pascha is a type of the future and eternal Pascha. but we should grieve and pray for our brothers and for the whole world. until I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father [5] Of this he spoke to his disciples when he was about to ascend to heaven. should not only look to what concerns ourselves. there the sound of those who feast [2]. For this present Pascha. forgive. 42:4. bewitching his sight and depicting as beautiful what was not. I beseech you. should not we also. I wish that where I am they may be with me also. in the prayers after Communion. If we avoid experiencing them. otherwise we are being caught in the snare. Father. [11]and altering things from what they are. The same phrase is found. bravely and courageously bear our present condition. my brothers. harsh training as relaxation. What the is the fruit which seems beautiful? The love of the flesh. But let us. and to the ages of ages. transforming himself into an angel of light. and I am in you. we shall be saved and easter [12] to age on age. constraints as freedoms [10]. nor. when he indicates to us that the fruit is beautiful. who have learned by experience what a deceiver he is. not leave the paradise of God’s commandments. but also ourselves. . with all the Saints in Christ Jesus our Lord. which you gave me. my brother. bitter as sweet. since we have the same aim and seek the same Pascha. [9] What could be more comforting than these words? What could be more appealing? What soul can they not soften? What heart not prick with compunction. now and for ever. not falling. to whom be glory and might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. so that they may see my glory. I do not ask this only for them. that they may also be one in us. where the Greek has a singular. but also for those who through their word believe in me.Father. struggles as delights. are in me and I am in you. This was how he ensnared our forefather. The phrase is familiar from the prayer for the departed. Psa. and you are in me. [7] And elsewhere. but with the plural. he also said. But let us flee by every means from looking. and as a result through food casting him out of Paradise. Father. [1] Isaias 35:10. the evil lust of every one of the destructive passions. deaths as lives. not succumbing to despondency. even should someone say that the human heart is a nature of stone? With thoughts like these the saints bore all that they bore. so that all may be one. but rather roused with greater fervour watching for the wicked serpent who works to deceive us by the passions. considering afflictions as joys. show dark as light. Amen. let the eye of soul or body be directed there. as you. because you loved from before the foundation of the world. [8] But because this concerns not only the Apostles. [2] Cf. it very much to be desired. There is also an echo of the Paschal canon. One who has been found worthy in all this does not easter and celebrate a much longed for feast to the Lord just once a year. Brethren and fathers. for there is nothing lasting inthe present age. [11] 2 Corinthians 11:14. . ‘Come. impurity. CATECHESIS 67 That to feast each day and to easter to the Lord God consists in the death the passions and the resurrection of the virtues. [2] and any other evil that is at work. [5] Matthew 26:29. the death of the parts of us that are earthly: immorality. let drink a new drink’ (poma kainon). ‘new’. until it has driven us to the final boundary of life. [1] and our life travels like a rapid rider. [7] John 14:20. we may say. [4] The Greek has koinon. But are we pressing forward to reach the Pascha that comes and goes? Have we not achieved this year after year? The present Pascha too will pass. ‘What’. The only reference in Lampe is to St Theodore’s contemporary Theophanes. someone says. [10] It is difficult to reproduce the play in Greek on stenochoria and evrychoria. who uses it of the Quartodecimans. evil desire. John 21:12. And what is this? Cleansing from sins. the day of Pascha is drawing near. contrition of heart. [12] St Theodore uses a very rare verb paschazein. tears of compunction. as the following citation makes clear. ‘is Pascha not to be desired?’ Of course. since with God’s help we have passed the mid-point of the fast. and temptation to follow G. All our days pass like a shadow.[3] Cf. but. [6] John 14:2-4. [9] John 17:20-21. How could it not be? But we accomplish Pascha every day. M. but. a clean conscience. passion. who ‘easter’ with the Jews. [8] John 17:24. Hopkins and use ‘easter’ as a verb is irresistible. but the word should be kainon. ‘common’. or for someone possessed by sins to celebrate. No one could possibly say that someone with a high fever was at rest. The critical editions have the second person throughout. . and to the ages of ages. For how can someone celebrate whose god is their stomach? [3] Or who is aflame with fleshly lust? Or melted by the heat of jealousy? Or drowned by the love of money? Or enslaved to vainglory? Or caught up by the other passions. Someone. [2] Colossians 3:5. celebrate it every day. Look at the reality: psalmody succeeds psalmody. how supremely excellent! How blessed this life and thrice-blessed! So then. since we have been shown the sought for Pascha. in Christian Greek also means Friday. or that someone shipwrecked was making a good voyage. ones that promise salvation. It simply isn’t possible. in imitation of the Lord. reading. [5] And I say this. For our way of life is nothing other than preparation [4] for a feast. that eternal and heavenly Pascha. in particular Good Friday. prayer. he will also give those that are in his promises. on the other hand. Amen. through the death of the passions and the resurrection of the virtues. who has not only granted our present blessings. and. leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps. not so we become judges of the others —for each has their own load to carry [6]—but so that. like a wheel drawing us and joining us to God. by the grace and love for humankind of our Lord Jesus Christ. because he too suffered for us. the ‘preparation’ for Pascha. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. May we all attain it. as far as we can. cannot celebrate. let us make it our aim. but also. study. conscious of the grace that has been given us by God. prayer. brothers. to those who genuinely serve him to the end. my honoured brothers. we are confident of better things. reading. But for you. now and always. [3] Cf. [5] 1 Peter 2:21. [1] Psalm 143:4. How truly excellent is this way of life. [4] The ordinary Greek word for ‘preparation’. repay the master.does so each day. we may give thanks to the giver. study. It is impossible for someone who has become dark to be enlightened. to whom be glory and might. glorify the benefactor. paraskevi. Philippians 3:19. who does not have all the foregoing. but is held fast by the passions. By these he is nourished. And so it is with the soul. Brethren and fathers. generosity. and not only that. but that we may nourish and welcome Jesus as our guest. it will not fruit. both visible and invisible.] of our souls. every trouble. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature. the birds are singing and everything else is being renewed. but the word can also connote ‘beauty‘. [On the 5th Sunday. 5:22]. peace. self-mastery [Gal. by these he is entertained. because he will be nourished by him with eternal good things. it will not flower. we see creation flourishing again. every trial which assails us both visibly and invisibly. the derivatives ‘beautiful’ and ‘ripe’. Hence. but to advance further and to examine carefully for ourselves the logic of creation. troubles and difficulties. so that we may bear fruit and partake of God's blessing. brethren. as it is written: Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly. And blest the one who nourishes him. the plants are flowering. 6:7]. for example. goodness. it bears fruit and partakes in a blessing from God. because winter has passed and spring has arrived. and it is reasonable to do so. and blest the one who receives him as his guest. partakes in a blessing from God [Heb. let us also endure every affliction. For just as we enjoy the sight of creation. How? Because this renewal has winter as its cause. 1:20]. unless it is first snowed on by afflictions. have been understood and seen through the things he has made [Rom. invisible though they are. so he too enjoys the ripe beauty [The Greek has literally ‘the hour of our souls’. It would not have reached its prime had it not first undergone snows and rains and winds. patience. ‘spring-time’. because he will be received by him as his guest in the . ‘the bloom of youth’. and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated. It is our duty not just to stay where we are. Therefore. ‘ripeness’. and we take pleasure in all this and we glorify God the master craftsman who transforms and changes creation year by year. the fast we are drawing out as we hunger and thirst and are otherwise made wretched. gentleness.] So the list in Migne [PG 99:28].[6] Galatians 6:5. but by enduring. faithfulness. What are the fruits? Love. joy. the earth is growing green. CATECHESIS 68 That we must be renewed for what is ahead through endurance of the trials that fall upon us. by doing violence to ourselves and yet greater violence. 125:5]. and I shall love him and manifest myself to him [John 14:21]. and this is how the saints led their lives. So we too now that we have come near the end . Ps. Do you see then that in trials there is joy. 1:24]. he rejoices and is extremely glad. but let us endure with joy all things. whether it be word or action. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. and let endurance have its full effect. to whom be glory and might. but reaps with gladness [Cf. is the one who loves me. hoe much more then someone who receives the King of kings and Lord of lords as his house guest. since such are the promises. and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body. now and always and to the ages of ages. consider it nothing but joy. let us not only bear. everyone who is starting something. Therefore. CATECHESIS 69 That those who have passed through life in afflictions and miseries enjoy a pleasure which is without sorrow and ineffable. And again Saint James who says: My brethren. so that you may be perfect and complete. both those that are present. because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. [It was given on Wednesday of the 5th week of Lent. those that are whispered about and those that are expected. That he is received is clear from what he himself has said: I and my Father will come and make our abode with him [John 14:23]. Amen. And again: One who has my commandments and keeps them. as we listen to the Apostle when he says: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. whenever you face trials of any kind. and by living our life in their footsteps. So a farmer sows with tears. but at the conclusion of the struggle joy and happiness. either ancient or modern.] Brethren and Fathers. that is the Church [Col. lacking in nothing [James 1:2-4]. The soldier as he sets out to war is depressed. but as he returns from war he is filled with joy. in Christ Jesus our Lord.]. at the beginning has affliction and difficulty. though the meaning is clear. this too how we. In PG the title adds ‘In memory of the godly Platon’. as we sing. the one who loves me will be loved by my Father.kingdom of heaven! Indeed! So if someone is to receive a king as his house guest [The word that I have translated ‘house guest’ does not appear in the lexica. and in tribulations gladness? For these are the things that are exchanged where God is concerned. Among them and before them the great Forerunner. the other to those who think like the Jews. Rightly the Apostle cries out: The love of money is a root of all evils. but here it means a monk who is isolated. whenever each of us rests from his works.of our abstinence. the one to the Jews. For you have certainly all heard what the wretched Alexander has done. that we too may follow in the same tracks that he and the rest of our fathers and brethren followed. And what caused him to suffer this but that fact that he had been on his own ? how do I blame those who are on their own [The Greek word used here. each one fulfilling his service properly. he has denied his obedience and his confession.] ? and had become a lover of money like Judas. as the tree is known by its fruit. as it is written. in good order. St Platon’s feast is on the 4th April]. whose memory we are celebrating today. The community was scattered at this time in semi-exile and St Theodore clearly had problems with monks who wanted to live on their own with all the attendant dangers. without other brothers. the victorious Martyrs. Let us then take this example. When Christ our life appears [Col. those like Abraham. without disturbance. is common in the sense of ‘solitary’. For I testify to you that you have come through the time of the fast in the right spirit. without conflict. And who are they? The glorious fathers and prophets before the Law and under the Law. but will enjoy a pleasure without sorrow and ineffable. whose imitator our venerable father Platon. And since the disciples of a good teacher should themselves be. He denounced the illicit marriages of Constantine VI. no longer remember the mortification of our former struggles. by the same rule. the Iconoclasts. 15:24]. because then the saints will have no sensation of their sufferings and struggles for the sake of virtue. When he hands over the kingdom to God the Father. obediently. in the time of grace. This resulted in the banishment of the two saints in 809. Both of them betrayed the Lord of glory. Would that you may excel in noble struggles for the time ahead. when he has abolished every rule and every authority and power [1 Cor. 3:4. brethren. not abandoning our ascetic discipline nor the confession which lies before us. those like Moses. I beg and implore you. and at the completion of life here. and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and .]. the whole choir of the Saints. the blessed Apostles. And thanks be to the powerful God who has empowered you to achieve this completion. was counted worthy to become by denouncing the adulterous Emperor [St Platon was St Theodore’s spiritual father. but we rejoice at our present ones and glorify the Master. May we be safeguarded.]. 1:19. But may our good God. by voting for him as priest. with every spiritual safeguard. is it a great matter if we unprofitable servants should also be arrested for his sake? And if he was bound and led away and put in prison. and he. One of those mentioned by St Paul was also called Alexander. Brethren and Fathers. we will meet it. CATECHESIS 70 That we should endure every torment in imitation of Christ and the saints.] no doubt pained you which indicated the trials that are being meditated against us. Moreover according to some MSS there was one for Thursday of this week. and may he save us all for his heavenly kingdom. 6:10]. Given on the Friday of the 5th week of Lent. then. may he pardon you for your rashness and idle speech. while for you it is a safeguard [Phil.pierced themselves with many pains [1 Tim. turned the game into reality. Amen. you connived with him. the poor fool. number 33 of the Large Catechesis. and to the ages of ages. I want next to rebuke some of you not unreasonably. he has caused as much scandal as he can to the Church of God. For if our Lord and God was arrested for our sins. with the Father and the holy Spirit. 3:1]. it will not be without advantage for us as our good God accepts such preparation and without toils and blows crowns those who thus choose. Why so? Because. but I speak the truth to you [John 16:6-7]. now and for ever. but if not. maimed by the devil. he has grieved us too lowly as we are. grief has filled your hearts. the previous instruction [Unless the renegade Alexander was more dangerous than St Theodore says this does not seem to have been Catechesis 69. And again the Apostle: It is not troublesome for me to speak. in Christ Jesus our Lord. nobly. to whom be glory and might. with God's help. The latter speaks of no such threats. and if what is being said passes into act. in which we find the greatest consolation. 1 Tim. who brings from the deep of destruction the soul that has been submerged. as a joke in fact. he has lost the merchandise of virtue. says the Lord. call him back finally from his fall when he has at last repented. that is the remembrance of the life-giving sufferings of the Saviour. is it . since he was a lover of power and a lover of rank. But because of what I have said to you. Already Lent draws to its end and the time introduces the fair crown. Oh how the poor wretch has suffered! He has suffered shipwreck in the faith [Cf. Let us await him and he will crown us for the day of resurrection of the dead. let us mingle our blood with the holy blood. He loves all equally. and we have to be spat on. this the blessed exchange: by small struggles and toils to purchase goods that are eternal and without end. Dt. Let us embrace him and he will bring our enemies to naught [Ps.so strange should we suffer the same treatment as the Master? Rather it would be exceedingly grievous not to encounter such things. with the Father and the holy Spirit. this is immortality. for this is possible. for the day of his appearing. 6:17]. let no one make trouble for me. he died on behalf of all. see that I am and I have not changed [Cf. And good it is if anyone were to be found worthy to become a partaker in Christ's sufferings. and to the ages of ages. giving a good defence. CATECHESIS 72 . 3:6]. ‘Now I know that Christ lives in me’. he is passionate for the salvation of all. in Christ our Lord. brethren. for I bear the adornments of Christ the universal King in my flesh. how much and how great the splendour they would enjoy in the age to come? Ineffable and unimaginable the reckoning! This is the fair business. he sets before all inexhaustible delight. let us bear that revered death. O blessed voices and thrice-blessed souls! Whose memorials then do we celebrate? Whose nativities do we feast? To whom do we erect sacred churches. Let us too then imitate them. and this to him is riches. now and for ever. whose relics do we venerate? Is it not those of the Martyrs? Those of the Confessors? Those of the Ascetics? And if here they have been found worthy of so great glory. 10:12]. Amen. let us bear the spittings. and finally if we must be put to death. let us bear the scourges. for which may we too be found worthy to attain without condemnation and to stand uncondemned at his judgement seat. 107:14] both seen and invisible. for its nature is not dissimilar nor has he changed who says: See. But if we must be scourged. Such was St Efstratios who cried out in the midst of torments and said. Such also was Saint Ignatios who called himself God-bearer by his bearing in himself the Lord's sufferings. 67:36] to our souls. 32:39 and Mal. for he says he is richly generous to all who call upon him [Rom. let us bear the beatings. for I carry the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body [Gal. Do we not hear what the Apostle says? From now on. This is blessedness. Therefore let us call upon him in what befalls us and he will give power and might [Ps. and if we must be beaten. As though he were saying: Let no one despise me. to whom be glory and might. the present day is holy and to be venerated. is interrogated and answers. and when he answers—O fearful report!—he is struck by a slave and bears it with longsuffering. buffeted. or filled with vainglory. For you see where you are. give testimony to the evil. and when he has ascended he prays for his murderers: Father. but if well. so that he may have a part in the glory of his resurrection. because you have shared and are sharing in the Master's sufferings. saying: If I have spoken evil. stands before the judgement seat. spat at. in accordance with David’s words: Why did the nations rage and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth rose up and the rulers assembled together against the Lord and against his Christ [Psalm 2:1-2]. or embittered. or arrogant towards his brother. ridiculed. They assembled together to plot an evil plan against the Master. 1:27-6]. the immortal is put to death. Then he is given gall with vinegar to drink. The deceitful Judas denied him utterly and betrays the teacher with a deceitful kiss. why do you strike me? [John 18:23] Then he is scoffed at. jeered at. mocked. crushed. and teaching on humility and patient endurance. Given on the Wednesday of Holy Week. he is pierced by a lance. is not envious. These in brief are the Master's sufferings. considers himself to be earth and ashes. desires communion in Christ's sufferings. such our gift. forgive them their sin. scourged. or enraged. or puffed up. Brethren and Fathers. in no way intimidated by your opponents [Phil. The Lord of all things is led away prisoner. Rather he is humbled. to is eager to be conformed to his death. for from this day the Lord begins to take on himself the sufferings of the Cross for our sake.] Have you not previously experienced prison? Have you not shed your blood under tortures? Have not some of our brothers died a martyr's death? Such then is our boast in the Lord. Is it not for the sake of his word and his testimony that you are in exile and persecution? [These Catecheses were given when St Theodore and his monks were in exile from Constantinople in the reign of Michael II (820-829). for they do not know what they do [Luke 23:33]. stand your ground unflinching and unmoving in the Lord striving side by side with one spirit and one soul for the faith of the Gospel. not giving offence in anything. but in everything recommending . But since until the end beatitude is not assured because of the ease of reversal and the impossibility of knowing what the morrow will bring to birth. He ascends the Cross. But you too take courage. and one who hears them with understanding is not angry.On the saving Passion. Brethren and Fathers. 2:11-13]. the blows. while the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ when they are recalled are always able to pierce the soul. perfecting holiness in the fear of God [2 Cor. on which each of them reached its end. Amen. What then are they? The murderous council against him. brethren. as we contemplate and think on these things. rejoicing in hope. But if he will come and not delay. he will also disown us. we shall also reign with him. now and for ever. that by such sincerity we may worthily celebrate the imminent Pascha. and be counted worthy to enjoy the eternal blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord. and to the ages of ages. 1:9-10]. if we are unfaithful. persevering in prayer [Rom. the Jewish arrest. cut off from his presence and from the glory of his strength. being ardent in spirit. Given on Good Friday. For you need endurance in order to do God's will and obtain the promise. loving one another with brotherly affection. 6:3-4]. inviting them with inexpressible joy. to whom be glory and might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. by obedience. when he comes to be glorified in his saints and marvelled at among all who have believed [2 Thess. they do so especially in these present days. the scourging. longsuffering. again and again let us purify ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit. as it is written. he remains faithful. 12:9-12]. meekness. CATECHESIS 73 On the saving passion of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. 1:7]. How great joy the saints will have when they see the Lord coming from heaven with the angels of his power [2 Thess. his being led away to death. humility. not lagging in zeal. 7:1]. holding fast to what is good. the interrogation. striving for what is more perfect. the . zealous for what is better. patient in affliction. if we endure. And so. his arraignment before Pilate's tribunal. of eternal destruction. why do we hate being in afflictions and do not rather choose to die each day for the Master? For it is written: If we have died with him.ourselves as God's ministers [2 Cor. great endurance. outdoing one another in showing honour. For in a little while he who is coming will come and not delay [Heb 10:36-37]. hating what is evil. he cannot disown himself [1 Tim. we shall also live with him. serving the Lord. if we disown him. crowning them and becoming their companion for ever and ever? What anguish will they have who have disobeyed the Gospel and transgressed his commandments? They will suffer the penalty. not human tongue. sacrifice the passions. the moon saw them and was darkened. neither present nor future. brethren. the insults. let us draw down tears. nor can anyone worthily proclaim. this great and ineffable mystery. the one through obedience. nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ . the Lord who bears all things by the word of his power [Hebrews 1:3. 4:5] and knows every human desire is the one who is taken before a council of death. more unfeeling than the stones? In no way. the earth perceived them was shaken.] and sows in the earth in due season and uniformly is the one who is led away prisoner. the nailing of his hands and feet. the Lord who planted the tree of life in Paradise is the one who is hanged upon an accursed tree.] is the one who is struck by the hand of a servant. all creation was turned back at the outrages done to the Master. Fittingly then the blessed Apostle. for whose sake Christ died. O great and more then natural sights! The sun saw them and faded. who have been honoured with reason. nor even all the tongues of angels together. but the meaning is clear. remain untouched and unweeping in these days? How could we be less rational than things which have no reason. said For I am persuaded that neither death nor life. my brothers. The lifeless elements which have no senses. which the world cannot contain. and do we. by being changed with a fair change. the Lord who measures the heavens with the span of his hand and the earth in a handful and weighed all the mountains in the balance [Isaias 40:12. the rocks perceived them and were rent. neither angels nor rules nor powers. neither height nor depth. The Lord who reveals the counsels of hearts [1 Cor. the ascent of the Cross. changing insults for insults and exchanging wounds for wounds. the tasting of gall. the mockeries. the Lord who adorned the boundaries of the earth with flowers is the one who is dishonourably crowned with thorns. the condemned. the other through unflinching confession. when he thought on these things and became powerfully aware of the love of God. but accepted ten thousand sufferings for the sake of us. Do we not see the burning incitements of divine love? Who ever dwelt in prison for a friend? Who accepted slaughter for their beloved? But our good God not only did the one and both of them. Let us rather be amazed in a manner worthy of God. the Lord who binds the water in the clouds [Job 26:8.] with them. as if endowed with life and sensation from fear of the Lord and from the spectacle of what is seen. were amazed and altered.]is the one who is handed over to sinners. For let us consider. in no way.spittings. the piercing of his side and all the other things which blazed forth [This word is not in the lexica. so that he may gain Christ [Cf. as it is written. The one who hears like this is attentive and moved by compunction. But you see me. 8:38-39]. so that we may become heirs with the saints of the eternal blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord. And again.] Let us also.5]. as we sing in David’s Psalms. because everything that I have heard from my Father. because I live and you will live’ [John 14.]. but have eternal life [John 3:16. when they had nothing to offer.8]. and the world sees me no longer. eyes for not looking and ears for not hearing’ [Romans 11. CATECHESIS 78 On listening with understanding to the Holy Scriptures. ‘Those who have ears to hear. all we human beings have eyes and ears.5]. now and for ever.Jesus our Lord [Rom. ‘Rejoice in the Lord. Brethren and fathers. ‘God gave them a spirit of compunction. ‘I will not leave you orphans. as it is written. As an exchange for this love. I have made known to you’ [John 15. ‘I am the vine and you are the branches’ [John 15. I am coming to you. Philippians 3. That is why the Lord says in the Gospels. cry out these words each day. For such was the love God had for us that he gave his only Son. and to the ages of ages. you just’ [Psalm 32. But I have called you friends. brethren.18-19]. ‘You are my friends. but to those who in addition have a ear which obeys and an eye for looking. And again. considers everything to be rubbish. A little while. if you do whatever I command you. striving again and again for what is better. however it is not given to all to see and hear. We should surely then listen with understanding to the things that are read to us. offered their own bodies and blood by asceticism and struggle. singing with blessed David the song: What return may we make to the Lord for all that he has given to us? [Psalm 115:3. While of those who are hard of hearing the Prophet says. And again. that all who believe in him might not perish. and I make . not simple-mindedly or anyhow. to whom be glory and might with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Just as he hears him saying to his Disciples. because the servant does not know what his lord does. but rather that we may able to say. ‘The Lord’s training opens my ears’ [Isaias 50. so that we may not fall beneath the threat. Such a person considers everything here to be a passing shadow.9].1415].1]. ‘You have remained with me in my trials. let them hear’ [Matthew 13. the saints.8]. I no longer call you servants. as we serve him with an unceasing attitude of love. that he gave us the grace to worship him with orthodox faith and not be carried astray. but a famine of hearing the word of God’ [Amos 8. like a full table. let us too hear obediently what is said and love our beloved God with love.29]. while the Apostle again says. ‘What shall I give the Lord in return for all that he has given me? I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord’ [Psalm 115. ‘I did not grow weary following you. but also to suffer for him’ [Philippians 1. Who then condemns? It was Christ who died. who is against us? For the One who did not spare his own Son. For how many have gone astray. now and for ever. as it is written! To us has been given. but handed him over for us all.a covenant with you — an eternal covenant — that you may eat and drink for ever at my table in my kingdom’ [Luke 22. and who will also bestow on us his eternal kingdom.16].3-4]. for to him belong glory and might. It is opportune then to say with the Apostle. ‘If God is for. And therefore. nor did I desire any human day’ [Jeremias 17. ‘It has been given us by God not only to believe in Christ. after they had been flogged. they not only rejoice but also choose to die for Christ every day. utterly deceived ‘by human trickery. brethren.14]! How many are famished ‘not with a famine of bread or thirst for water. who is also at the right hand of God and who also makes intercession for us’ [Romans 8. Lord. When someone who loves God hears such words. whence one works the divine words like a goldsmith.41]. This then was how all the Saints lived their lives. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. CATECHESIS 103 .31-34]. another and another from here and from there sweetens by his utterances. Amen. the teaching of the Saints. and to the ages of ages.11].28-30]. by villainy to the cunning of error’ [Ephesians 4. David says. Similarly the Apostles. ‘because they had been found worthy to be dishonoured for the name of Christ’ [Acts 5. rejoiced. yet rather he was raised from the dead. In short each of the Saints with words like these reveals their love for Christ. as Scripture says. to God the Father that is. how will he not with him also grant us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen one? It is God who justifies. that he chose us from the beginning for salvation by the sanctification of our profession here. Jeremias says. always giving thanks for all the good things that he has done for us. with statements such as these they gloried triumphantly of their longing for God. [7] Again. do good to those who hate you’. when he sent out his disciples to preach. he gave them this command. [5] Again. If then we are found to be living in accordance with neither law nor Gospel. but rather. being disobedient. [2] has placed us in this life as in a schoolroom to learn to gospel of his kingdom. you shall not bear false witness’. Nevertheless there are some of you who. [14] ‘am not responsible for the blood . But I say to you. But I say to you. [3] But what are the things he commanded? According to the old covenant. what shall we suffer on that day? [10] ‘Do not be led astray’. ‘it was said to those of old. [4] According to the new. with paganism. and being quarrelsome. [8] Again. as I have often declared by way of putting you on your guard and do so now. [11] And for this reason. acquire a slave. ‘it was said. ‘neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor Sodomites nor thieves nor extortioners nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God’. amass money. For Scripture says. ‘You shall not murder’. let no one live on their own. everyone who is angry with their brother without good cause will be liable to judgement’. the Son and the Holy Spirit. quarrel with the truth. you are not to swear at all’. things that are higher and more precise. disobey. as one might say. ‘You shall not commit perjury’. ‘Go and make disciples of all the nations. bless those who curse you. let no one be a horse breeder or cattle herdsman or engage in any activity [12] beyond the rule under persecution. teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you’. so that sin may not put down roots from there. And I. baptizing them in the name of the Father. ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate you enemy’. Scripture says. For this reason too. whoever commits murder will be liable to judgement. ‘it was said. while the other the impulses from which the acts come.On keeping God’s commandments and the just threat against those who neglect them. But I say to you. ‘You shall not murder. you shall not commit adultery. who fashioned us and brought us out of non-existence into being. everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart’. [9] Do you see how great the difference is between the two covenants? The one forbids the acts themselves. behave without discretion. ‘it was said to those of old. you shall not steal. But I say to you. [6] ‘You shall not commit adultery’. [13] From these come greater and more serious sins. to summarise. [1] Brethren and fathers. your poor Abbot. Love your enemies. God. with the Father and the Holy Spirit. for I have not shrunk from declaring to you’ God’s ordinance. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown onto the fire’. brethren. Amen. [15] ‘Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?’ [16] ‘The axe is already being laid to the root of the trees. [22] But. brethren. so that. let us rouse ourselves and let us compete. compunction. where it is numbered 116. prayers. let us worship and let us weep to our good God. but he lets them approach like the harlot. I beg you. which we shall all face [19] in a little while? How are we to look on the fearsome angels. have I failed to reveal the sword that is coming ‘upon those who disobey’. [1] The current Moscow edition of the Lenten Triodion gives this catechesis. for the Wednesday before Meat Sunday. [2] A quotation from the Anaphora of St John Chrysostom. the prodigal and the thief. though there is nothing to suggest this either in the text itself or in the numbering of the Greek MSS. purity and every form of good conduct. The series for the Triodion begins with number 13 in Greek. so that this does not happen. as they come to take us from the body? How are we to journey on that long and unending road. [24] and he has not shut the doors against us.of any of you. now and for ever and to the ages of ages. in a Russian translation. may depart with joy for the everlasting life in Christ Jesus our Lord. he has not turned away from someone who turns back. like school children. [21] where there is ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’. for the Sunday of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee. nor by. if we have not obtained the necessities for the journey? How are we to take our stand at the judgement seat of Christ. when we have been dismissed from the life here. when they are dismissed. to whom belong glory and might. as genuine disciples of the Gospel. Let us come into his presence with confession’. [20] if we have a bad conscience? Will we not inevitably be sent away from there to the place ‘where the fire is not quenched and the worm does not die’. ‘He is expiation for our sins’. fasts. keeping silent.. [17] Are you frightened by this example? [18] Do you not tremble at the threat? Are you not afraid of death. to whom ‘every knee shall bow and every tongue confess’. let us stand up. go home rejoicing. [23] supplication. tears. ‘Come. we too. who are ready learners. Yes. . [15] Colossians 3:6. which is a Semitism for ‘the disobedient’. Cf. 18:19-20. 7:22. ‘And I. also Ephesians 2:2 and 5:6. 10:22. 2 Timothy 1:18 and 4:8. The exact meaning of some of these terms is much disputed. Cf. [8] Mat. but the word ‘sons’ is particularly apposite in the context of a monastic brotherhood. but are part of the Church’s text. the humble. 5:21-22. nor in some of the versions and are generally rejected by contemporary scholars. [7] Mat. The Greek has ‘sons of disobedience’. [9] Mat. 5:33-34. 5:27-28. The words ‘without good cause’ (one word in Greek) are not in many ancient MSS. [10] The day of judgement.’ but this is most unnatural in English and I have taken the liberty of trying to convey a tone of voice rather than the ‘literal’ sense of the words. Hebrews 4:11. [6] Most modern editors omit ‘to those of old’ in this verse. Mat. The latest edition of Liddell and Scott adds this meaning to the article in question. [4] Exodus 20:13-15. is found already in the New Testament. [13] One of a number of references by St Theodore to the problems of keeping community life and discipline when the brotherhood is in exile and dispersed.[3] Mat. [5] Mat. 5:43-44. [18] Cf. Neither St John Chrysostom nor Theodoret comment on the individual categories. without further explanation. The phrase in the New Testament refers to those who oppose God. . [16] 1 Cor. citing a number of passages from Demosthenes for it. [11] 1 Cor. 3:10. The phrase. as a glance at the many contemporary commentaries and versions of the New Testament will show. [14] Literally. [17] Mat. [12] This meaning is not attested in the lexica. 6:9-10. Phil 2:10-11. Mark 9:48. 14:11 and cf. and this is why he has put verse 2 after verse 6. 6 and 2.[19] The use of this verb suggests that St Theodore may be thinking of Malachy 3:2. The phrase occurs six times in Matthew and once in Luke. to make the beginning of his list [24] 1 John 2:2. The Greek word exomologesis means both ‘thanksgiving’ and ‘confession’ (sc. ‘of sins’). . The latter is clearly the meaning St Theodore intends here. [21] Isa. The actual expression ‘good God’ does not occur in Scripture. 66:24. 8:12. [22] Mat. 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