PAUL was a man, partaking of the same nature with us, and having everything else in common with us.
But because he showed such great love toward Christ, he went up above the Heavens, and stood with the Angels.
And so if we too would rouse ourselves up some little, and kindle in ourselves that fire, we shall be able to emulate that holy man.
For were this impossible, he would never have cried aloud, and said, “Be ye imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1).
St John Chrysostom, Homily XXXII on the Epistle to the Romans (on Rom 16:17-18). Source.
An icon of St John Chrysostom (seated) interpreting the Epistles of St Paul.
Apolytikion.
THE grace of thy mouth lightened the known world like a shining torch: it laid up treasuries of uncovetousness, it shewed unto us the heights of lowliness. But even as thou instructest with thy words, O John Chrysostom, intercede with the Word, Christ our God, for the saving of our souls.
On the Feast of the translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom, January 27.
My translation, from Analogion.
