CONTRA FATUM

” Having noted in the aforementioned psalm (4,8), therefore, that the goal (τέλος) of virtue is peace, rest, and the abode which is simple and unmingled with the passions, which is attained on the basis of the hope of participating in God ( τοῦ θεοῦ μετουσίας) , that which is contrary to this was pointed out there by means of silence .” (In Ins., GNO 36-37)

“it amounts to the same, whether we speak of God as unsusceptible of evil, or whether we call Him good; whether we confess that He is immortal, or say that He ever liveth. For we understand no difference in the sense of these terms, but we signify one and the same thing by both, though the one may seem to convey the notion of affirmation, and the other of negation.” -->(CE 2, NPNF, p. 263)

“[...]when we see the execrable character of evil, we grasp His own unalterable pureness as regards this: when we consider death's dissolution to be the worst of ills, we give the name of Immortal and Indissoluble at once to Him Who is removed from every conception of that kind” ( CE 2 477, NPNF, p. 298)

"Now we declare that Virginity is man's ''fellow-worker'' and helper in the achieving the aim of this lofty passion. In other sciences men have devised certain practical methods for cultivating the particular subject; and so, I take it, virginity is the practical method in the science of the Divine life, furnishing men with the power of assimilating themselves with spiritual natures." (De Vir., NPNF, p. 550)

“[...]a man who eliminates such a disease from man's life and unites the members of the same race by peace and goodwill, truly performs a work of Divine power; for he banishes the evils of human nature and introduces instead a share in what is good.” (Beat. p. 164)

“[...]a person who prevents such disgrace may truly be called blessed and should be honoured for such beneficial action. For if someone who has relieved a man from some physical ailment is honoured for his good deed, how much more should every sensible person consider a benefactor him who has freed the soul from this disease?” (Beat. pp. 161-162)

"If, therefore, someone puts on the name of Christ, but does not exhibit in his life what is indicated by the term, such a person belies the name and puts on a lifeless mask in accordance with the model proposed to us. For it is not possible for Christ not to be justice and purity and truth and estrangement from all evil, nor is it possible to be a Christian (that is, truly a Christian) without displaying in oneself a participation in these virtues. If one can give a definition of Christianity, we shall define it as follows: Christianity is an imitation of the divine nature." (Prof., Jaeger 133.15-20, tr. Callahan)