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Gregory of Nazianzus; Basil; Chrysostom · 1100

venerable; the all-encompassing
dwelling of all beautiful things;
the one who has grown weary
in the flesh; the
perfection of the priesthood;
the one who brings forward
the voluntary sacrifice today:
the only-begotten original: "τὸν μονογενῆ" (ton monogenē). Gregory draws a parallel between himself and Isaac, the "only-begotten" son of Abraham, and by extension, Christ.;
the one who comes from
the promise. And for us,
may you bear fruit both
for God and for the priests:
to be shepherded well,
dwelling in a place of green pasture original: "ἐν τόπω χλόης" (en topō chloēs). A direct reference to Psalm 23 (22 in the Septuagint).
and being nourished by the
water of rest original: "ὕδατος ἀναπαύσεως" (hydatos anapauseōs). Also from Psalm 23..
For us, it is a beautiful
goal to be shepherded,
both approaching and
following the Good Shepherd original: "καλῶ τῶ ποιμένι" (kalō tō poimeni).
rightfully and as a
yoke-mate original: "ὁμοζύγιος" (homozygios). This suggests Gregory and his father are now sharing the burden of leadership together.
through the door;
not following a stranger
at all; nor climbing over
the wall of the fold like
a thief or a deceiver;
nor listening to a foreign voice;
for such voices steal
away and corrupt
you from the truth, leading
to destruction, desolation,
and pits, in places where
you are not watched over.
And from your spring—as
if from the spring of
wisdom, both ours
and the Holy Spirit's—
[we recognize] the one substance original: "μίαν ὑπόστασιν" (mian hypostasin). A key theological term regarding the unity of the Trinity.
and power. That which
the soul heard is worthy,
and let her hear what is
set before me; not with
empty words or
corrupt reasonings,
which lead to falling
away from the True and First Shepherd;
to whom be glory unto
the ages, both for the
shepherds and the flock,
as portions for all;
staying far from those who
blame or are blamed;
that all may be one in Christ Jesus,
and [enter] into His
grace for all; to whom
be the glory, the
power, and the
worship; now and
always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.