I was recently commissioned to translate some profound and inspiring works by our Righteous Father Alexei Mechev, which I put together in a booklet. Unfortunately, after printing 500 copies, circumstances changed and the one who commissioned the work has been hospitalized and called off the purchase. Since I am at an unforeseen personal loss with this, I wanted to make these never before translated texts available to my followers for only $11.95 a copy, which includes shipping and handling. I would like to sell all of these as quick as possible, and it would be great reading material for the lenten season. As an added incentive, for the first 50 people who order, I will also offer a never before published text by Fr. John Romanides titled "The Canon and the Inspiration of the Holy Scripture" free of charge.

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April 6, 2010

Glorify God, Don't Describe Him (St. Cyril of Jerusalem)


By St. Cyril of Jerusalem

If any man should attempt to speak of God, let him first describe the bounds of the earth. You live on the earth, and you do not know the limit of this earth where you live.

How then will you be able to form a worthy thought of its Creator? You behold the stars, but you do not behold their Maker.

Count these which are visible, and then describe Him who is invisible, "Who tells the number of the stars, and calls them all by their names" (Ps. 147:4)....

The sun is a work of God, which, great though it be, is but a spot in comparison with the whole heaven; first gaze steadfastly upon the sun, and then curiously scan the Lord of the sun.

“Seek not the things that are too deep for you, neither search out the things that are above your strength; think upon what is commanded you” (Eccles. 3:21-22).

But some one will say: “If the divine substance is incomprehensible, why then do you discourse of these things?” So then, because I cannot drink up all the river, am I not even to take in moderation what is expedient for me?

Because with eyes so constituted as mine I cannot take in all the sun, am I not even to look upon him enough to satisfy my wants?

Or again, because I have entered into a great garden, and cannot eat all the supply of fruits, wouldst thou have me go away altogether hungry?

I praise and glorify Him that made us; for it is a divine command which says: “Let every breath praise the Lord” (Ps. 150:6).

I am attempting now to glorify the Lord, but not to describe Him, knowing nevertheless that I shall fall short of glorifying Him worthily, yet deeming it a work of piety even to attempt it at all.

For the Lord Jesus encourages my weakness, by saying, "No man hath seen God at any time" (John 1:18).

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