An Orthodox Christian is expected to live a holy life and become a saint. This does not mean that every Orthodox believer will be canonized as a saint, but it is an achievable spiritual goal for those who strive towards perfection in living their faith. According to Orthodoxy, becoming a saint requires dedicated prayer and true repentance throughout one’s entire life.
Saints are viewed as models of Christ-like behavior whose examples guide us spiritually. The process of sainthood begins with the individualโs baptism into the Church followed by living out his or her salvation through prayers; sharing in the Sacraments and striving for sanctification:
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
In addition to constant prayer, fasting often helps individuals stay focused on God rather than physical desires while keeping indulgence at bay. Saints typically led simple lives away from worldly possessions – eschewing comfort โ thus weakening our attachment to material gain.
But what else must an Orthodox Christian doTo learn about other elements required before sainthood can be achieved read furtherโฆ
Table of Contents
It All Starts With A Strong Faith
In the Orthodox Church, saints are revered as models of righteousness and spiritual perfection. However, becoming a saint is not without its challenges and requires much dedication and faith.
The path to sainthood begins with a strong faith in God. The faithful believer must have unwavering trust in God’s power and surrender their will entirely to Him. They must also pursue an intense personal relationship with God through prayer, repentance, charity, humility, self-control and obedience to His commandments.
“The beginning of being worthy of receiving holiness comes from having love for Christ, ” said Saint Symeon the New Theologian in his writings.
To achieve this deep level of intimacy with God, one often needs to detach themselves from worldly affections that distract them from their religious aspirations. Itโs crucial that they practice regular fasting or absence from harmful addictions such as alcoholism or drug abuse.
Beyond leading a holy life filled with good deeds like forgiveness towards others, there should be outward actions like performing miracles or martyrdom which demonstrate extraordinary virtue either before death or after it- these constitute important factors on how someone could be deemed a saint by another individual within Orthodoxy.”
“As long as humility seems difficult to attain, โ wrote St John Climacus, “there is still some pride lurking somewhere within us.”
Saints possess uncommon virtues because they live according to the example set forth by Jesus Christ Himself who remained sinless despite facing numerous trials during His ministry here on earth.
A person becomes godly when he grows closer with time spent following certain principles; This sometimes involves giving oneself over completely both personally & technologically so as never lose motivation during the long and difficult journey toward becoming associated with excellence.
In summary, to become a saint in Orthodoxy requires a strong foundation built on faithfulness, dedication and piety towards God while avoiding harmful addictions or worldly afflictions.
Believing in the Teachings of the Church
An Orthodox Christian becomes a saint by following God’s will and commandments to the best of their ability. Every church has its own way of recognizing saints, but one thing remains constant: sainthood is granted only to those who have lived their lives according to God’s plan.
The teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church emphasize humility, charity, obedience to authority, prayerful vigilance against temptation and sin (called “watchfulness”), repentance for sins committed both intentionally and unintentionally, frequent participation in the sacraments (especially confession), unceasing prayer (usually reciting what are called Jesus Prayers or Psalms from memory), fasting as hard as possible when times permit it during big religious events like Pascha before Communion on Sundays if nothing special prevents such compliance with Lenten rules.) In short, all practices that help Christians deepen their love for Christ and show reverence towards Him can contribute towards being deemed worthy enough by God Himself through ordainment officially confirmed any bishop present at this time-to be included among his Saints whose prayers we ask fervently even now so often!
Fasting:“Living an Orthodox life means embracing every moment with commitment; our whole reason for existence lies in seeking salvation”
Fasting plays an important role in becoming an Orthodox Christian Saint because it helps us let go of everything materialistic while encouraging spiritual growth. It invokes a higher sense of responsibility within ourselves toward others around us beyond personal interests very much centered mostly upon consumption instead service offered up tightly under utmost sacrifice solely made not only aspirational but practical realities despite seemingly impossible odds overcome wanting more than anyone else could imagine!
Watchfulness:This practice encourages believers to stay aware constantly of how they act or think throughout each dayโnot just during prayer time or church attendance. It requires self-awareness and presence of mind, leading to spiritual maturity that gives proof from actions taken by countless faithfuls who have gone before us into Paradise.
Patience:Becoming an Orthodox Christian saint isn’t overnight work; instead it’s a lifelong discipline that will require patient endurance even amidst challenges which may seem insurmountable at first glance but ultimately bear fruit when confronted head-on with faith unswerving resulting not only in our own salvation but protection against the wiles schemes of those who seek to deny it.
“A life lived according to God’s commandments is eternal and beautiful”
Having A Deep Connection With God Through Prayer
Prayer is a vital part of the Orthodox Christian faith. It is through prayer that we communicate with God and seek his guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. For an Orthodox Christian to become a saint, having a deep connection with God through prayer is essential.
“In your daily life cultivate the Jesus Prayer as follows: while engaged in your work or whenever it happens, โwhile walking, sitting, standing, โlet this invocation be constantly on your lips: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, “โand then you will understand what St Paul means by saying pray without ceasing.”– Bishop Ignatius Brianchantinov
The Jesus Prayer mentioned in the quote above is one of the most widely used prayers in Orthodoxy. It originated from the Desert Fathers who sought to live a contemplative life focused solely on their relationship with God. The repetition of this short phrase helps to quiet our minds and focus our hearts on God’s presence within us.
In addition to reciting specific prayers like the Jesus Prayer or reciting traditional services such as Vespers or Matins, Orthodox Christians also engage in personal heartfelt prayer known as private devotion. This type of prayer can take many forms such as thanksgiving for blessings received; intercession for others who are suffering or need help; confession for sins committed; and seeking spiritual counsel from Saints.
“In praying to Him today let us ask that He may always guide us aright–through all dangers seen and unseen–that He may preserve His Holy Church under whomsoever tends over her dwelling both now and forevermore.”– Archbishop Dmitri Royster
An important aspect of developing deeper communion with God includes setting aside time for prayer daily, including the tri-hour prayers during which one can read through certain Psalms or engage in deep and contemplative silent prayer.
In conclusion, an Orthodox Christian who seeks sainthood must cultivate a deep connection with God through heartfelt, constant and persistent personal devotion. This is accomplished by engaging in specific prayers like the Jesus Prayer lead to fostering deeper spirituality that enables clearer communication with His Holiness. Thus, consistent engagement in spiritual practices such as fasting, confession of sins committed also play a vital role to becoming closer to God
Living A Life Of Virtue
Orthodox Christianity teaches that becoming a saint is not only reserved for the few but it should be the goal of every Christian. Saints are those who have lived their lives in accordance with Christ’s teachings and exemplified virtues such as love, humility, forgiveness, and patience.
“Be holy because I am holy.” โ 1 Peter 1:16
A life of virtue is essential to becoming a saint. It starts with recognizing our weaknesses and striving to overcome them through prayer, fasting, reading scripture, attending church services regularly and receiving Holy Communion.
Humility:The most important quality required to live a virtuous life is humility. Saint Isaac the Syrian wrote that true humility โis when one does not see himself as sinful above all other creatures.โ In pursuing spiritual excellence we must constantly guard ourselves against overconfidence or pride which cause separation from God.
Patience:In trying times we often feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control. The ability to remain calm under pressure reflects one’s trust in God creating an opportunity for Him to work miracles in your life.
“Let us go forth therefore unto him outside the camp bearing his reproach.” – Hebrews 13:13 Loving Our Neighbors:Saint John Chrysostom said “if you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the Church door then neither will you find him in chalice on the altarโ. We must show compassion towards others especially those less fortunate than us like visiting nursing homes or hospitals. Finally, we need consistent effort to avoid idleness. We must channel positive energy into activities that aid personal growth while simultaneously avoiding pleasure-seeking distractions. In essence, the path to sainthood is paved with good deeds born out of love for God, our neighbors and ourselves.
Following The Commandments Of God
An Orthodox Christian believes that becoming a saint is the ultimate goal in life. Saints are considered people who have lived an exemplary Christian life, followed the commandments of God, and served others selflessly. Becoming a saint involves several steps and requires dedication, devotion, and sacrifice.
The first step towards becoming a saint for an Orthodox Christian is to follow the commandments of God. This means following the rules outlined in the Holy Bible such as loving oneโs neighbor as oneself, honoring parents, not stealing or lying amongst other things. By doing so it helps us cultivate virtues that bring us closer to God’s love which sets up on track towards sainthood.
“We cannot become saints when we are constantly making excuses for our sins.”
In addition to following these basic principles of Christianity laid out by Jesus Christ himself – prayer maintains its significant role among orthodox Christians who acknowledge unceasing prayerful communication with almighty has direct effects on human living conditions which make them more disciplined with positive attitudes acting accordingly responsibly further paving way closer to righteousness or nearness to sainthood through nurtured spirituality rooted from prayers aiding in achieving freedom from impurities via continuous circulation thereby enriching mind body soul focussed all-time linked-up with divine thoughts without any disturbance from worldly influences both internal and external harmonizing spiritual growth ultimately fulfilling destiny according to Orthodox beliefs.
Becoming a saint also involves undertaking good deeds such as performing random acts of kindness whenever possible while maintaining humility throughout their lives. According to fellow devotees’ awareness regarding our weakness against ego-dominance they opine submission true evidence authentic proof faith strengthening observance chosen path loyal thus indispensable contribution responsible pathway helping religious pursuits making pious resolve standing strong protecting quality morality ethics necessary tools provision forming optimal guidelines pursuing genuine spirit happiness holiness freedom.
“A saint is someone who makes goodness attractive.”
An Orthodox Christian must have faith and trust in God’s wisdom, love, and mercy; these beliefs form the foundation of Orthodoxy. They follow their tradition differently from other denominations by sticking to a holistic way which involves lighting up candles while offering prayers having an icon corner in our homes as every familyโs miniature church reflecting commitment towards divine ways but also valuing memory passed down generations demonstrating unbreakable bond claiming religious morality representing ancestorsโ invaluable presence always resulting firmness character conclusion nurturing vital component becoming saints we aspire for according to orthodox principles.
Helping Others And Showing Kindness
An important aspect of becoming a saint in the Orthodox Christian faith is through acts of service and kindness. It is believed that by following Christ’s example and helping others, individuals can attain holiness.
The first step towards sainthood is to lead a life dedicated to serving others without expecting any reward or recognition for their deeds. This concept is known as selfless love, which is considered one of the most significant virtues in Orthodoxy.
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
In addition to serving others with humility and compassion, aspiring saints are also expected to live virtuous lives free from sin. They strive for moral perfection through prayer, fasting, repentance and good works. By living such exemplary lives on earth they hope to be rewarded with eternal life alongside God in heaven.
Showcasing kindness has been identified as an essential part of becoming a Saint; treating our fellow human beings with respect brings us closer to divinity. The Gospel teachings further explain how being Selfless improves not just society but ourselves too.”
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Filial piety (The display of honourable behaviour towards parents), charity(having concern for people regardless of social class/religion) within families/community/society at large goes a long way into setting us apart as extraordinary humans who seek spiritual fulfilment rather than societal validation hence propelling us toward attaining Sainthood.โ
Performing Miracles
One of the main ways an individual becomes a saint in Orthodox Christianity is by performing miracles. A miracle, as defined by the church, is an extraordinary event that cannot be explained scientifically or logically.
Saints are believed to have a direct line of communication with God which enables them to perform these miraculous deeds. These can include healing physical ailments, calming storms at sea, and even resurrecting the dead.
“Miracles do not happen contrary to nature but only contrary to our understanding of nature.”
The Orthodox Church sees these miraculous events as proof that saints are truly connected with God and possess divine power. It also sets them apart from other respected figures within the religion who did not demonstrate such capabilities.
To some degree, miracles must be publicly known so they can be investigated and confirmed before being used in canonization proceedings for sainthood candidates. The process typically involves collecting written accounts or eyewitness testimonies about supernatural occurrences attributed directly to the candidate’s intervention.
Holy Sites and Objects:In addition to personal charisma and exemplary piety toward fellow humans, places where holy people lived or artifacts related to their lives sometimes become associated with spiritual manifestations after their passing. Stories circulate on many Greek islands devoted sites where water springs out from seemingly nowhere; reportedly one arose when Saint John Paisios drank from his hands while living there long ago.
The official recognition of sainthood happens through several steps determined by three stages: Robes worn around death blessed during life add special influence/holiness/meaningfulness beyond mere mortal belongings could contain.Healing The Sick And The Afflicted
In Orthodox Christianity, the process of becoming a saint involves living a holy life that is pleasing to God and serving Him through various means. One of those methods is healing the sick and afflicted.
– Fr. Peter Gillquist“The Church has always believed in miraculous healing as one way for Christ’s power to be manifest among us.”
Saints who have achieved this level of spiritual maturity are known to have performed wondrous acts such as physical healings, exorcising demons, or relieving severe afflictions that modern medicine cannot treat. These miracles not only provide proof of faith but also serve as an inspiration to others seeking salvation.
The most well-known healer in Orthodox Christianity is Saint Panteleimon (feast day โ July 27), sometimes referred to as “the Great Martyr and Healer.” This fourth-century physician-turned-martyr devoted his life entirely to helping people with medical needs because he saw it as an extension of his faith in Jesus Christ.
– Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos“Saint Panteleimon himself placed great emphasis on treating patients’ soul before their bodies by sharing the gospel message with them so they could experience true inner healing”.
Apart from Saint Panteleimon, other saints like St Nektarios (feast day – November 9) were noted for their help in aiding children and women during childbirth while St John Maximovitch was praised for numerous healings throughout his ministry.
One common theme shared between all these Saints was their immense humility coupled with enough altruism when practicing Medicine.The famous saying attributed to every doctor holds; ‘To cure sometimes, To alleviate often & comfort always’. Similarly, these saints never took credit for their miracles but instead gave praise to God.
Healing and treating the sick is a great way in which Orthodox Christians become Saints. Through this service done unto others, they are able to bring hope, joy, and faith into people’s lives while also increasing awareness about the mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Enduring Persecution And Martyrdom
One of the most common ways Orthodox Christians become saints is by enduring persecution and martyrdom for their faith.
The act of dying for one’s beliefs has been revered in Christianity since its earliest days, when many early martyrs died rather than renounce their faith. The Church believes that those who die as martyrs are sure to be saved because they have given up everything, even their own life, out of love for God.
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
– Jesus Christ (Mark 8:35)
Saints like Ignatius of Antioch were famous examples during the early years of Christianity. He was arrested by Roman authorities and ultimately sentenced to death in Colosseum in Rome where he was attacked and killed by lions.. His writings on Christian unity from a diversity perspective left such an impact that people still read them more than a thousand years after his death.
Saint George is perhaps one of the best-known Eastern Orthodox road models and patron saint. Many legends grew around him over time, including slaying dragons or battling tyrants; however his story primarily focuses on refusing to give up his belief in Christ under threat of torture and execution from corrupt officials tasked with suppressing Christianity at that point in history.
“Trust God’s ability not your limitations”
– St. Basil the Great
In order for an individual being considered “martyred” they must take steps to protect themselves so we view martyrdom narrowly this day age compared worldwide Orthodoxy within religious context โ all believers should be living as if a martyr since they are constantly battling against sin and evil on earth.
All saints remain somewhat of a mystery: many records have been lost or were never written in the first place, but their testimony of faith is still an inspiration for us today to follow.
Suffering For The Sake Of The Faith
One of the essential aspects that contribute to becoming a saint in Orthodox Christianity is suffering for the sake of faith. Saints are not just those who perform miracles, but they are also ordinary people with extraordinary faithful abilities to endure immense suffering in their lives.
Saint John Chrysostom emphasizes this point by stating, “a man shall gain nothing by his warfare unless he has stood firmly before God amid the hearing of many reproaches and temptations.” This notion suggests that pain and affliction should not be avoided if one desires sanctification since it is often through these trials we achieve spiritual growth.
“The heavy cross borne without complaint will carry us on whether or no into eternal bliss.”
In essence, embracing conflict would be crucial for anyone seeking sainthood within an Orthodox Christian context because martyrs throughout history have been elevated to saints due to their willingness to suffer persecution.
Additionally, Saint Symeon the New Theologian advocates taking ownership over failures as part of aligning life towards sanctity. They wrote, “If you fall down and get up thinking yourself bad; even then you’re good, and if feeling pleased with yourself you begin stumbling; at that very moment you alone have become something pitiable.”. Acknowledging flaws builds resilience which helps individuals better overcome future obstacles.
To conclude moving closer towards sainthood requires individual’s perseverance despite tempting distractions during times of hardship underlining again how enduring tribulations leads them away from earthly concerns towards true communion with God.
Refusing To Deny Christ And The Church
An essential aspect of becoming a saint in the Orthodox Christian faith is steadfastly holding on to one’s beliefs and refusing to renounce them, even in the face of persecution. This principle has been demonstrated time and again by countless individuals who endured physical torture, imprisonment, or death rather than deny their allegiance to Jesus Christ.
“Man can never remain neutral when faced with truth”– Archbishop Anastasios of Albania
The lives of such faithful Christians are testaments not only to their own piety but also to the power of God working through human beings. Their reliance on prayer for strength allowed them to endure suffering without succumbing or turning against others. Such resilience should be admired as it stands as proof that any individual could make meaningful progress towards godliness while still inhabiting worldly circumstances.
To become a saint requires emulating this form of obedience and mental resilience repeatedly throughout life. A prerequisite is intense contemplation followed up by personal action mirroring our Lord’s example: unyielding defense amid affliction then eventual triumphs over pain and adversity, all these things serve an important purpose – revealing great cosmic truths about reality itself.
“The glory of the Father that shines from those transformed into His likeness becomes an affirmation both for us beholders and receivers!” – Elder Sophrony Sakharov
In addition to maintaining devotion under duress at concrete moments during life experiences (acts considered miracles), building rapport with others based upon principles similar to religion additionally makes saints within Orthodoxy easier โ transcending beyond mere heroic displays paramount exchange until true transformation occurs; ultimately changing self-perception significantly enough where perception expand unto humankind further reinforcing what was initially thought doctrine.
Thus, the path to sainthood within Orthodoxy emphasizes becoming more like Jesus Christ every day by following His teachings and emulating Him through words and action. That requires courage, perseverance, humility as well as an unwavering faith in our Lord. Consequently, seeking a strong connection with God will impact others in significant ways generating correspondence where divine intervention abounds allowing one’s piousness spreading peace instead of conflict possibility for humanity benefiting altogether.
Becoming An Inspiration To Others
In Orthodox Christianity, a saint is someone who has lived their life in accordance with God’s will and whose selfless deeds have positively impacted the lives of others. Becoming a saint is not just about performing miracles or being recognized by the church as holy; it’s about leading an exemplary life that inspires others to follow in your footsteps.
The path to becoming a saint begins with living a virtuous life. Saint John Chrysostom once said, “Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation.” It means that one must undertake trials, overcome temptations and lead a life full of virtues like compassion, patience, love and kindness among other things.
“A person after God’s own heart loves better than he knows”
An Orthodox Christian who wishes to become a saint must dedicate themselves wholly to serving God and fellow humans through prayer and acts of mercy. The journey towards sainthood involves introspection, humility and constant contemplation on how one can live according to Christโs teachings.
St. Seraphim of Sarov believed that true spirituality comes from seeking inner peace: “Acquire peace within yourself, then you’ll be able to spread it around”. Thus making it clear that only those at peace internally are capable of bringing positive transformations externally.
“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility which makes men as angels.”
Humility plays a significant role in this process because accepting oneโs flaws enables them to strive for continuous improvement while taking criticism constructively improves their ability for self-reflection. In short:
To acquire spiritual progress,- Self reflection/Introspect
- Strive to imitate the Saints with all humility
- Listens to others: Act using righteous judgment
- Serve humbly in your community, and focus on building relationships without expecting anything in return. Do this solely for Christโs sake.
Becoming an inspiration is not something that happens overnight. One can only inspire others by leading their lives with positive actions consistently over a prolonged period of time through walking close with God, who gives strength for what seems impossible; hope when there is none left…
Being A Role Model For The Faithful
An Orthodox Christian becomes a saint by living a life of piety, moral uprightness and love for God. As such, sainthood is not an automatic right or reward but rather an outcome of the righteous choices that one consistently makes in their life.
To be canonized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church means that someone has lived their lives according to the teachings of Christ exemplarily. They have also passed through intense scrutiny which shows how high the bar is set before someone could attain this privileged status.
– St. Herman of Alaska“A true Christian is made by faith and love toward Christ.”
Becoming a role model for people who share your beliefs comes with great responsibility, especially if you want to become a saintly figure. Not only must you lead by example, but you must do so at all times regardless of circumstances or conditions around you.
“You cannot take leave of your conscience nor hide from yourself what you know deep down are your responsibilities.”– Pat Conroy
Faithfulness manifests itself differently when mirroring different communities’ goals and needs; thus becoming philanthropic signifies doing more than solely giving alms and improving others’ wellbeing by dedicating oneself to missionary work too while still being grounded in ethical standards rooted deeply within us that thoughtfully provide solutions.The principles practiced throughout our daily routines may suggest sensitive endings through simple actions like morality awareness.
“The goal towards which we should direct our attention…is attainment of harmony between self-realization on the one hand and concern-for-others on many levels on other.โ– Sari Solden
In conclusion, the journey towards sainthood is a challenging one that requires strong commitment and dedication. We should all strive to become role models for those who look up to us in faith by practicing piety and exhibiting moral fortitude.
Encouraging Others To Live A Holy Life
An Orthodox Christian becomes a saint by living a holy life. Living such a life is not an easy task, but it’s the only way to become closer to God and eventually be granted sainthood.
To live a holy life is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Saint Paul instructs us, “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). By following his example, we learn how to overcome sin and temptation and grow spiritually.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”– Matthew 5:16
A living testimony is one of the most effective ways to encourage others to also live a holy life. When someone sees another person who lives according to God’s will, their faith can be strengthened or even renewed. One should always strive for holiness with hope that if they do so earnestly enough, they might inspire those around them.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”– Philippians 2:3
We need each other’s support on our spiritual journey because becoming holy isn’t something we can achieve alone. We must all ‘work out our salvation’ together (Philippians 2:12).
The Church teaches us about what kind of behavior aligns with divine truth through its teachings from scripture paired with sacraments like confession which allow individuals offload their sins onto priests who act as middlemen between man and God providing advice based upon biblical teaching previously stated.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”– Hebrews 10:24
Lastly, through prayer, fasting, attending church events for communal worship and reading the scriptures are some of the ways Orthodox Christians can transform their lives to focus more intently on living a holier life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for an Orthodox Christian to be recognized as a saint?
The process of canonization within the Orthodox Church begins at the local level in which the individual lived, then moves up through diocesan and national levels before reaching Patriarchates or Autocephalous Churches. The candidate’s life and writings are thoroughly examined by church officials, followed by an examination of miracles attributed to them after their death. If enough evidence is collected, they will be formally declared a saint with recognition from other churches.
How does the Orthodox Church investigate and verify miracles attributed to a potential saint?
Miracles that allegedly occurred due to intercession made by someone can accelerate his/her canonisation processes though it isnโt proof positive guarantee or as primary criteria required in such investigations
What role do the faithful play in the canonization process of an Orthodox Christian?
The believers’ opinions carry substantial weight when examining some candidates worthy of sainthood
Are there any differences in the way the Orthodox Church canonizes saints compared to other Christian denominations?
The manner used by various christian groups doesn’t follow unified criteria or protocol
How does the Orthodox Church maintain the authenticity and accuracy of the lives of the saints?
In Orthodoxy, every recognised Saint has been studied extensively across centuries before being added/stickmarked onto calendars’ remembrance days approved till eternity making it among most stringent ways tracing human history based evidence-based scrutiny. With papyrus records, relics under possession along with writings left behind by deceased holy persons help verify details regarding numerous social-economic-cultural aspects describing how people found genuine joy/peace during despairing moments in their daily lives, promoting Christโs teachings faithful towards leading healthy wholesome rewarding moral order but not escaping reality faces consequences i.e., eventual death even at hands oppressors.