Our Warfare is the Make the Dead to Live (St. John Chrysostom) | Orthodox Cross, Flowers & Skull | Christian Lightweight Cotton Unisex TeePriesthood is authority, but it is authority of word and conviction. This is the distinctive mark of Christian power. Kings compel, and pastors convince. The former act by orders, the latter by exhortations. Pastors appeal to human freedom, to human will and call for decisions. As Chrysostom used to say himself, We have to accomplish the salvation of men by word, meekness, and exhortation. The whole meaning of human life for Chrysostom was in that it

how shall we any longer live therein

At that moment every soul realizes that it has been tricked by the devil

when we love God

will not prevail against us

covering the nakedness of mine evil and enlightening my form

we do not listen to our conscience and correct our way of life

“Assuredly I say to you

the olive tree to which the saint was tied became covered with fruit

O invincible champion of my passionate soul

but she proclaimed it to the Apostles themselves

there will be great affliction

and not be deprived of them