Virtues Of God
Sermon by Priest Chris Therrien
February 14th, 2017

Hi, I am Priest Chris Therrien of the EOC. Today I’d like to talk on the battle that all of us go through both spiritually and mentally. Each one of us goes through this whether we want to admit it or not, but one thing that can help us is something everyone should practice. It is what is called the seven virtues of God. These can be said to be the oppositions to the seven deadly sins and it is always important to practice these.
There is chastity, which contrary to what you may have learned this does not mean not having sex. Purity and virginity are completely different things. Knowledge is a major aspect of this. You can’t fully keep to this if you stay in the shadows of ignorance. Cleanliness is also very important, it has to do with this as well honesty. This practice will improve your life spiritually. Cleanliness and wisdom are always important and will make you feel much better as a person, preparing you spiritually and mentally.

We have Temperance, a practice of humanity. Being consistently mindful of yourself, others, and your surroundings. Self-control! This is BIG! A famous quote from Molière was “A wise man is superior to any insults which can be put upon him, and the best reply to unseemly behavior is patience and moderation. Of course, justice goes hand in hand with this. Temper yourselves to this aspect and welcome it.

Self-sacrifice is major. This aspect is upon Charity. In Christian theology, generosity is the greatest of the three theological virtues. Love is the root of this. We know as a commandment we are to love God and love each other, but this shouldn’t be something we do because we’re told. It is a VIRTUE. Love is divinely infused into the soul and it is this kind of love that is necessary for salvation.

Your time is precious, and that is where Diligence comes into play. Have a zealous and careful nature in your actions and in your work. Fortify yourself and never give up. These will all guard you against Sloth and grow with you in how you conduct yourself.

There are times when things become unbearable with certain situations, and at this time it is always good to remember Patience. Peace and harmony in a situation rather than conflict or hostility. Be forgiving and merciful. This is what it means to have patience. It is something the Lord has had for us for millennia. And let’s be real, if he didn’t have patience, we wouldn’t be here right now. Humans can be very infuriating.

We are meant to be Kind, and Kindness is one of these virtues. Compassion and friendship without reward, for its own sake. Trusting without resentment towards people because of past mistakes. It is love without selfishness, bias or spite. This is to inspire kindness in others. You cannot be a good leader without having a kind and tempered heart. Every truly great leader will usually choose actions in order to help their people rather than themselves.

Finally, there is Humility. This is not thinking less of yourself contrary to what some people think, but it is thinking of YOURSELF LESS. A modest demeanor and selflessness, as well as giving respect towards those you disagree with. Accepting sacrifices involved with completing tasks, a reverence for the wise and others who are endowed with love for all. Develop the capacity to respect others who may lack the same strengths you’ve developed.

Without all of these virtues, we can never be ready for the New Kingdom. Every person on this planet must work on this. We’re still toddlers, always learning. Even we of the clergy have to work on these virtues to prepare to sit in the council of the Lord. Just because you’re not clergy does not mean that you should just avoid this, as the people of the New Kingdom will be filled with these virtues. I hope you are among them. I hope this message can get across to some people, and that those it affects will continue to grow and evolve through the wisdom of the Holy Father and His righteous son. In Lord RayEl’s name. Amen.

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