Discourse 8.-Thekla

Methodius of Olympus (260–311)

Discourse VIII.-Thekla.

Chapter I.-Methodius' Derivation of the Word Virginity: Wholly Divine; Virtue, in Greek 0Areth/ , Whence So Called.

Well, then, let us first say, beginning from the origin of the name, for what cause this supreme and blessed pursuit was called parqeni/a, what it aims at, what power it has, and afterwards, what fruits it gives forth. For almost all have been ignorant of this virtue as being superior to ten thousand other advantages of virtue which we cultivate for the purification and adornment of the soul. For virginity is divine by the change of one letter, as she alone makes him who has her, and is initiated by her incorruptible rites like unto God, than which it is impossible to find a greater good, removed, as it is, from pleasure and grief; and the wing of the soul sprinkled by it becomes stronger and lighter, accustomed daily to fly from human desires.

See also

• More works by Methodius of Olympus

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