Selected quotes from St. John Chrysostom

"Let us then not be proud of nobleness of birth according to the flesh, but though we have ten thousand famous ancestors, let us use diligence ourselves to go beyond their excellences, knowing that we shall gain nothing from the diligence of others to help us in the judgment that is to come; nay, this will be the more grievous condemnation, that though born of righteous parents and having an example at home, we do not, even thus, imitate our teachers."

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"What is the meaning of 'Because with the Lord there is mercy?' A font and treasure of lovingkindness is to be found there,  he is saying, flowing constantly. Now, where there is mercy there is also redemption - and not only redemption but also complete redemption, a limitless ocean of lovingkindness. Even if we are given up as lost because of our sins, therefore, we should not lose heart or despair: where there is mercy and lovingkindness, accounting for sin is not take scrupulously, the judge overlooking much because of his great mercy and his propensity to lovingkindness. God is like this, you see, inclined and favorable to showing constant mercy and giving pardon."

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"Faith, then, is the foundation of piety. Let me speak to you briefly of this faith, so that we may lay an indestructible foundation. Then we may build the whole building with safety. It is fitting, therefore, that those who have enlisted in this special army of the spirit believe in the God of the universe, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the cause of all things, the inexpressible, the incomprehensible, who can be explained neither by word nor understanding, who has by His kindness and goodness created all things."