almsgiving | Martyria

Studia Theologica No. I (XXI) / 2026 The work of charity as an expression of life in God His Eminence Varsanufie

Christian charity is examined in close connection with the doctrine of deification (θέωσις), based on the Trinitarian and Christological foundation of love as revealed in Holy Scripture and in the writings of Saints Maximus the Confessor, Isaac the Syrian, Basil the Great and John Chrysostom. The act of charity transcends philanthropy, becoming a synergistic participation in divine love, a foretaste of the Kingdom and a criterion of the Last Judgement.

Studia Theologica No. I (XVII) / 2024 On God’s goodness Lecturer, PhD Mihai Burlacu

The article analyses goodness as a divine attribute and a moral category, demonstrating that it is not an innate or passive quality, but a free act of the will, peculiar to personal beings. Drawing on Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Father Dumitru Stăniloae and the words of the Saviour in Luke 18: 19, the author shows that true goodness has God as its sole source and is realised only through man’s conscious communion with Him.

The Words of the Fathers No. II (XVI) / 2023 A discourse by the same [John Chrysostom] on fasting and almsgiving The Saint Ioan Gură de Aur

St John Chrysostom’s Homily on Fasting and Almsgiving develops the argument that fasting without almsgiving and without inner transformation is in vain, illustrating this teaching through the parable of the ten virgins: the five foolish virgins lost their virginity precisely because they lacked the oil of charity, which alone gives wings to prayer and opens the door to the wedding chamber.

The Words of the Fathers No. I (XV) / 2023 A homily by [Saint John Chrysostom] on the week halfway through the [days] of fasting [during Lent] The Saint Ioan Gură de Aur

This text presents the Romanian translation of Saint John Chrysostom’s homily In mediam hebdomadam jejuniorum (PG 59, col. 701-704), delivered in the middle of Lent, in which the author urges the faithful to persevere in fasting, citing biblical examples such as Adam, Elijah, Moses and Eve, and emphasising the connection between fasting, charity and salvation.

The Words of the Fathers No. II (XII) / 2021 Fifth Homily. Delivered to the people in the Church of the Blessed Apostle Andrew, on the day of his feast Grigorie cel Mare

A homily for the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle, inspired by the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:18-22, explores the theme of the call to follow Christ and of inner sacrifice. Taking the example of the Galilean fishermen as its starting point, the text shows that the Kingdom of God costs whatever you have, and that the goodwill of the heart surpasses any material wealth.

Colloquium No. I (I) / 2016 At the home of the Elder Gavriil of Mount Athos, the Abbot of the Cutlumuși Skete, the Venerable Hristodul of Karies Monk Gherasim Prodromitul

The monk Gherasim Prodromitul records an interview with Elder Gabriel of Mount Athos, conducted at the request of His Eminence Varsanufie, Archbishop of Râmnic. The Elder speaks of the spiritual decline of Athos, of the Venerable Paisios the Athonite, and offers exhortations to prayer, confession, fasting, almsgiving and repentance as the path to salvation in these times.

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