Basel, Universitätsbibliothek, AN I 8

A decorative headpiece in red ink featuring symmetrical foliate and scrollwork patterns.

An Explanation of the Orations of Saint Gregory the Theologian; composed by the most holy Metropolitan of Crete, Lord Elias; being a brief preliminary study.

In every respect, therefore, there is a most direct emanation in the words of this great father; for in these noble words and divine connections, through these letters, he has acquired this for our benefit. And those who are encompassed by and through these things, as many as are of mature age, are many and not without a share [of wisdom]—both the old and the young—even those who do not have sharpened tongues and words. For the rest of these, being more diligent than those who cannot endure the power of the words and their composition, and knowing how he bestowed such great love upon us according to the measure of what we ought to know; only Basil and Gregory were those who, like keen-edged ones, were also able to encounter these words, preparing us to set forth scholarly zeal. And as for the proposed words of truth, one must leave that man [to them]; for the difficulty of all things always pinches us slightly. Not, then, from the God-inspired Scripture, nor by being concerned with the use of secular books or any others—so that while handing down some things, drawing near to others, and embellishing still others with various and manifold forms, he wove these together in like manner.

Therefore, having himself attained much honor and admiring the manner of conversing with these works, I hoped for security and to learn in my heart, bowing down to their sublimity. Like something else difficult to capture, he is like divine honey to the one who has tasted it; directing the pure to the impure. And always—I know not how to say it—as many leave this work aside and disregard it, I myself, though I do not think I have received a more divine portion, have taken up the daring task, and [prayed] for the small door of learning to be opened by the one who grants the most prudent mind. Thus, we have issued this explanation, such as it is, according to what was attainable: theological matters theologically, physical matters physically, and ethical matters ethically. And to speak briefly, we have persuaded ourselves to touch upon each of these appropriately as they occur. I ask, therefore, those who encounter this work, not to look upon my negligence, but to look toward my eagerness, and thus to receive what has been said.