Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

luke1_16_17

In order to receive the Lord, one must have a well-ordered way of thinking that is capable of it; in order to receive the Lord, one must have a heartfelt will towards it, one must have humble feelings. This did the Archangel Gabriel explain to righteous Zachary, the father of the Forerunner, the Forerunner's service, when he announced his conception and birth. 'Many of the children of Israel,' said the Archangel, 'shall he turn to the Lord their God' (cf. Lk. 1:16-17) St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, translated in Isaiah Through the Ages by Johanna Manley.