Stratocles took Maximilla to the prison, where the holy one was kept under the guard of Aegeates' sentries. They entered St. Andrew's cell and fell at the Saint's feet, imploring the Apostle to strengthen and support them in the True Faith of Christ. The holy Andrew exhorted them at length, and, afterward, he ordained Stratocles as Bishop of Old Patras. He then blessed them and sent them on their way to peace. He then sat down, patiently awaiting the judgment of the ungodly Aegeates. The Proconsul, meanwhile, realized that it was impossible to share living quarters with Maximilla, despite his pleadings and threats; and Satan entered his heart and blinded him with anger.
Read moreNovember 30 - Saint Andrew the First-Called
Andrew, the First-called holy Apostle of Christ, was the son of a Jew named Jonah and the brother of the holy preeminent Apostle Peter. He was a native of the Galilean town of Bethsaida. Disdaining the vanity of this world and preferring virginity to matrimony, he declined to enter into wedlock; and, hearing that the holy Forerunner John was preaching repentance by the Jordan River, he left everything, went to him, and became his disciple.
Read moreThe Essentials of Orthodox Christian Spirituality
The aim of man's life is union (henosis) with God and deification (theosis).
The Greek Fathers have used the term "deification" ("theosis") to a greater extent than the Latins. What is meant is not, of course, a pantheistic identity, but a sharing, through grace, in the Divine life: "...Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature..." (2 Peter 1:4).
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