Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea and John Chrysostom (Cambridge, University Library, MS Nn.1.23)

We have fled Egypt and Pharaoh, that bitter master; we have been freed from the heavy taskmasters, and the mud and the brick-making. Gregory uses the biblical Exodus as a metaphor for the Christian's escape from the slavery of sin and the "Pharaoh" of the devil. And there is no one who prevents us from celebrating a feast to the Lord our God—the feast of the Exodus original: "ἔξοδον" (exodon). This refers both to the historical departure of the Israelites from Egypt and the soul's spiritual journey out of sin.—and to celebrate not with the old leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, carrying nothing of the Egyptian and godless dough.

Yesterday I was crucified with Christ; today I am glorified with Him. Yesterday I died with Him; today I am made alive with Him. Yesterday I was buried with Him; today I rise with Him. This famous passage emphasizes the "liturgical present," where the believer does not merely remember the past but personally participates in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. But let us offer fruit to the One who suffered and rose for us. Do not think that anyone means gold, or silver, or woven fabrics, or transparent and precious stones—the flowing matter of the earth that stays below, of which the wicked and the slaves of things below and of the ruler of the world original: "κοσμοκράτορος" (kosmokratoros). A term often used for the devil or the spiritual powers that oppose God's kingdom. always have the greater share.

Let us offer ourselves, the most precious possession to God, and the most familiar. Let us give back

to the Image that which is according to the Image. original: "εἰκόνι" (eikoni). This refers to the "Image of God" (Imago Dei) in which humanity was created. Gregory calls his audience to restore this divine image within themselves. Let us recognize our dignity; let us honor the Archetype original: "ἀρχέτυπον". In Platonic and Christian thought, this is the original model (God/Christ) after which humans were patterned.; let us know the power of the mystery, and for whom Christ died.

Let us become as Christ is, since Christ also became as we are; let us become gods for His sake, since He also became man for ours. This describes the doctrine of Theosis (deification), a central tenet of Eastern Christianity: God became human so that humans might participate in the divine nature. He took the worse, that He might give the better; He became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich. He took the form of a servant, that we might receive back our freedom. He came down, that we might be exalted; He was tempted, that we might conquer. He was dishonored, that He might bring glory. He died, that He might save. He ascended, that He might draw to Himself those lying below in the fall of sin.

Let each person give all things, let them offer everything as fruit, to the One who gave Himself as a ransom original: "λύτρον" (lytron). A price paid to liberate a captive. for us and an exchange original: "ἀντάλλαγμα" (antallagma).. But one can give nothing of such kind as himself, when he understands the mystery original: "μυστηρίῳ" (mysterio). and becomes for His sake all that He became... The text breaks off here at the end of the page.