This book is a treasure trove of Eastern Orthodox saints‘ quotes and sayings. With over three hundred quotations, these sayings offer the reader a unique glimpse into the spiritual experience of the Christian East. The saints featured in the book hail from places as diverse as Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Russia, and Serbia. In addition to Orthodox saints, the book also includes Western Church saints from Italy, France, and Montenegro.
St. Mark
Mark of Ephesus is considered by the Orthodox Church to be a Saint. He was one of the Pillars of Orthodoxy and has been called the “Atlas of Orthodoxy.” Mark was a monk and a disciple of Gregory Palamas. He is known for his defense of the essence-energies distinction and for defending Hesychast theology from charges of innovation.
The Holy Fathers of the Eastern Orthodox Church have a wealth of experience and are considered to be the guardians of the truth of Holy Scripture. They have always attempted to preserve the truth of the apostles’ teachings while preserving the experience of the living communion with God. Their faithfulness has created a long line of saints who have achieved heavenly life in the human form.
St. Leo
One of the most influential Eastern Orthodox saints, St. Leo is known for his strong faith and his passion for the Orthodox faith. Leo lived in a time when both the Eastern and Western Churches were in need of unity. He was a powerful advocate of Christian unity and a staunch supporter of the unity of the Church. Leo’s quotes and prayers have been quoted for centuries, and they are often inspiring to modern Christians.
Leo’s prelacy was significant because it marked a reaffirmation of papal authority and the centralization of spiritual authority within the Church. Bishops of the Western Church often sought advice from Rome on doctrinal matters. Later, barbarian raids caused chaos and a ban on appeals to Rome by the African episcopate.
St. Gregory
In the early seventh century, Gregory was an orthodox theologian. He was inspired by the Neoplatonism of Plotinus and also believed in universal salvation. Despite the fact that his work was not widely popular, Gregory remains a significant figure in early Christian thought. He is considered an erudite Christian theologian and makes significant contributions to the doctrine of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. However, his views have often been criticized, due to a lack of systematic structure and terminological consistency.
The doctrine of Gregory is somewhat controversial. Some eastern orthodox saints have expressed opposition to this belief. Others have argued that it is an expression of the will of God. According to Gregory, the Father and Holy Spirit are not equal in the Godhead, and thus, they have separate priorities. The Father is the ontic priority, whereas the Spirit is the metaphysical priority.
St. Macrina
Macrina was an ascetic and her love for Christ was manifested in her life of service to her family. She helped her siblings in their education and took over the family estate after her father died. She prayed for them and helped them overcome the hardships of life. Her prayers and intercessions resulted in the replenishment of the community’s grain stocks, and she performed many miracles.
As a young woman, Saint Macrina grew up in an environment of unending prayer and worship. She was surrounded by Christians and was a part of the holy domestic church. She taught her grandchildren about God and the Life-Giving Cross. She inherited her bishop’s riches and became an advocate for the ancient faith.
St. Nicholas
In his life, St. Nicholas embodied the qualities of a saint who loves and serves God. His first priority was his spiritual flock. He was so devoted to God that he refused to drink milk until the evening prayer. This showed that he loved the Savior of mankind more than life itself.
The Eastern Orthodox Church reveres St. Nicholas as the patron saint of children and travelers. His feast day is December 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas. The quotes below have been translated by Father Nicholas Palis, who is a leading authority on saints.
St. Basil
One of the Eastern Orthodox saints, St. Basil, is a well-known figure in Christian history. He is often depicted in Western vestments, consecrating gifts during the Divine Liturgy. His name is also found in the Eastern Orthodox church’s liturgy.
Basil was born in Pontus and educated by his grandmother and father. He later moved to Caesarea in Cappadocia, where he met his lifelong friend, Gregory of Nazianzus. He continued his studies in Constantinople and Athens under the scholar Libanius. After his studies, Basil briefly taught rhetoric in Caesarea. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the service of God.
St. John Chrysostom
The Eastern Orthodox Church venerates St. John Chrysostom as one of its saints. He lived in the third century and is considered one of the earliest Christian scholars. He studied under some of the greatest philosophers and rhetoricians of the time. By the year 386, he had become a priest and a holy preacher. In the following year, he was summoned to serve as the archbishop of Constantinople, which was vacant after the death of Archbishop Nektarios.
