Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers
Freedom
5 Entries
In Categories: Miscellaneous Topics
We have a living religion, but we don’t like to follow it, because it has bindings on certain things. The people want freedom and descent, but it doesn’t know that this descent brings an evil end. REF:Blessed Fr. Dimitrios Gagastathis +1975
On the other hand, the faithful ones of God, (the children of God) possess freedom, true freedom, which consists in knowledge of the Truth, that is, of Christ.
Only with this knowledge do the nuptial doors open, from which the soul beholds the wondrous light of the incorruptible essence of the cosmos. The thoughts of these children of God are good, peaceful, and gladdening. "Become peaceful within yourself", says a certain Saint, "and heaven and earth will become peaceful. Enter into the chamber that is within you, and from there you will behold the palace of heaven."
The things that exist in the incorruptible heaven that has been revealed by Christ, and at which the soul looks from the mystical chamber that is inside us, are the true things. They are blessed, peaceful isles in the ocean that extends beyond every material constellation and are outside the slavery of space and time. REF:Photios Kontoglou, "The Spiritual World"
3. A slave does not demand his freedom as a reward; but he gives satisfaction as one who is in debt, and he receives freedom as a gift. REF:Saint Kosmas Aitolos +1779
4. 'Christ died on account of our sins in accordance with the Scriptures' (1Co 15:3); and to those who serve Him well He gives freedom. 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' He says, 'you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord' (Mt 25:21).
5. He who relies on theoretical knowledge alone is not yet a faithful servant: a faithful servant is one who expresses his faith in Christ through obedience to His commandments. REF:Saint Kosmas Aitolos +1779
19. A master is under no obligation to reward his slaves; on the other hand, those who do not serve him well are not given their freedom. REF:Saint Kosmas Aitolos +1779
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