Church Membership from the Patristic Perspective
FR. COSTA’S WEEKLY MESSAGE

“The Church’s members are identified with the saints, the true believers, the sons of God, the just, the righteous and the ones who have been liberated from the bonds of sin and the devil. Since they have been granted freedom from the evil one, they possess the capability for defeating him by fortifying their souls, as did Job, with great patience and self-control. Their firm stance against all adversity enables them to receive the first place next to the martyrs and Christ Himself, and enter into the heavenly Kingdom by the Lord Jesus Christ’s grace and love toward humankind. The Church as such is seen in every local Church whose people fit the above criteria for membership.”

[The Church’s Identity Established through Images according to Saint John Chrysostom, Patristic Theological Library 2, by Protopresbyter Gus George Christo, Ph.D., Orthodox Research Institute, Rollinsford, New Hampshire, 2006; pg. 418.]