The following in an excerpt from “Eros of Orthodoxy,” translated by Fr. Nicholas Palis and written by Mr. Pantelis Paschou.
It is probably difficult for man in today’s world of “ill repute” in its greatest analogy to understand, what the Orthodoxy of the holy Fathers is, or that which we lately and not inappropriately call Orthodox Spirituality. I think it is the same only that Orthodox Spirituality is less difficult to achieve. The major characteristic of the Orthodoxy of the Fathers, is that which we call “accordance in theological language “. This is not due to the theological schools or academies where the holy Fathers studied, but to the Holy Spirit that enlightens their pure minds, to theologize correctly. And in this is also found the authority and weight of the Holy Fathers, as holistic Patristic tradition and as a Patristic we would say Church of Christ. This “harmony” of the God-inspired Fathers of the Ecumenical Synods, surpasses the experiential and mental power of the sinful man. It is a result of the shining of the Holy Spirit in their purified souls. This divine brilliance, which presupposes physical and spiritual cleansing and sanctification of the mind, gave to the holy Fathers the power to theologize and to dogmatise “in harmony” without delusions and satanic heretical ideas. In the detailed and personal formulation of each ecclesiastical Father, his individuality is preserved as well as his personal expression in order to demonstrate that the Spirit is free. And not only does it “breathe” where it wills, but also as it wills it “breathes”. It is the Holy Spirit that inspires the teaching in the holy Fathers, and distributes graces. And whatever they offer us with their mystical experiences and their personal expression, is not anything other than spiritual rays of the Holy Trinity which are reflected in the mirror of their holy lives towards us. This means that the singe and questionable way towards unification with God is the living continuation of Patristic Thought, of Patristic Tradition, of Patristic Theology, of Patristic Life. The “harmony” of the Holy Fathers gives a unity to the whole teaching of our Church. And the adulterated immersion in the spiritual life of the Church, and of the Fathers and the journey of men, in accordance with this offers to the faithful a sense of spiritual security a hope, which approach assuredness, for the salvation of our precious soul.
The infinite dimensions of Orthodoxy which comprises the largest and most zealous divine love of the Fathers of the Church is something difficult, if not impossible to be conceived by people who haven’t reached the measure of the Fathers, who haven’t learned to theologize “unknowingly”. Our eyes are mired making us unable to see our very beautiful Orthodoxy, exactly as our Holy Fathers handed it down to us. For this reason each of us also finds an excuse to be enchained by the “ancient” patristic models. We take refuge in new forms of life and classes of things, “adapting oneself”, “classifying oneself” and “conforming oneself” with the present age.” Satan has many reasons to rejoice with these innovations of ours. But the Church brings us in the middle of the celebration of the Holy Fathers and tells us in order to protect us from the easily stepped into traps of satan. “For this reason we celebrate the Holy Fathers, because they after the Apostles taught us the faith and preached Christ, true God. For this reason we celebrate their memory every year, to remember that they struggled for Orthodoxy and that both God and man honored them. So let us keep the faith secure, which the Holy Fathers gave to us, and let us hasten to do their commands, whatever they said and issued. All that they gave to Christians came from the Holy Spirit. Let’s not say that these are men’s words nor should we put in our minds that base men legislated them. But let us see what saints said these things, whose names are even are wondrous and following their Orthodox teaching let us harmonize our life with their holy life.
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