1.
Preface
It is very daring for someone to talk about Theosis without first having
tasted it. But we have dared what is beyond our power because we have faith
in the mercy of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This is done so as not to hide from our Christian brothers the highest
and final purpose of our life; that for which we were created.
This is done so that it will become clear that the only truly Orthodox
form of pastoral guidance is that which is intended to lead to Theosis,
and is not, as in Western Christianity, aimed at a moral perfection for
man which does not depend on God's Grace.
This is done so that all may desire what is best and struggle for the
highest. This is the only thing able to quench the depth of the psyche’s
thirst for the Absolute ... the Triune God.
This is done so that we will overflow with gratitude towards our Maker
and Creator for His great gift to us, Theosis by Grace.
This is done so that we realise the irreplaceability of our Holy Church
as the only community of Theosis on earth.
This is done so that the magnificence and truth of our Orthodox Faith should
be revealed as the only faith that teaches and provides Theosis to its
members.
This is done so that our psyches should be consoled, for regardless of
the degree to which they have been poisoned and darkened by sin, they yearn
for the light of Christ's face.
Merciful Lord, in Your boundless love, be pleased to make us worthy to
enter the path of Theosis before we leave the present temporal world.
Merciful Lord, in their quest for Theosis, guide those of our Orthodox
brethren who do not rejoice because they are unaware of the magnificence
of the fact that they are ‘called to be gods’.
Merciful Lord, also guide the steps of heterodox Christians to become aware
of Your Truth, so that they are not left outside Your Bridechamber, deprived
of the Grace of Theosis.
Merciful Lord, have mercy on us and on Your world! Amen.
The Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St Gregoriou of the Holy Mountain Athos
(Signed) Archimandrite George
Note:
The text that follows is based on an elaboration of talks which I have
given at different times in various Greek cities at the request of the
local Most Reverend Metropolitans.
The style of the work is dependent on the fact that it is based on taped
extracts of these talks.
It should also be mentioned that I developed this subject when I would
talk somewhere for the first time, since I consider this question as the
most important for the spiritual life.
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