Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

ezekiel40_6

For what are the steps of this gate [Ez. 40:6] if not the merits of the virtues? Either in recognition of the Man Jesus Christ, the Mediator of God and men, or in the knowledge of Holy Writ, or in the very Faith which we received from Him, we arrive by certain steps to higher increases.

For no one suddenly becomes the greatest, but each begins by good conversation (conduct) about the least matters in order to attain to higher things. It is said of these steps by the Psalmist, 'God is known in her steps when He sustains her' (Ps. 47:4). The Homilies of Saint Gregory the Great On the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel.