Divine Providence | Martyria

Studia Theologica No. I (XV) / 2023 God’s Providence, or On the Sustaining and Governing of the World through Love His Eminence Varsanufie

Divine providence, understood as God’s all-encompassing love and care for creation, is examined in relation to the freedom of rational beings, to sin, suffering and the deification of humankind, drawing upon the works of Saint John of Damascus, Saint Maximus the Confessor, Saint Justin Popovich and Thomas Spidlik, culminating in the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist.

Studia Theologica No. I (XI) / 2021 Let us stand firm, let us stand in fear, in faith and in love! Professor (Dr), Emeritus Dimitrie Țelenghídis

The pandemic is interpreted as an event of apocalyptic significance and as a pedagogical punishment permitted by God, calling upon the clergy and the people to sincere repentance. By drawing an analogy with the people of Nineveh and the words of Saint John Chrysostom, the text shows that profound repentance, accompanied by charity and prayer, can overcome any trial sent by God.

Studia Theologica No. I (VIII) / 2019 God’s goodness and human suffering in the teachings of a great Shepherd of souls: Saint John Chrysostom Archimandrite Dr Policarp Chițulescu

This article analyses the theology of suffering in St John Chrysostom, presenting it as God’s loving pedagogy towards sinners and the righteous alike. Through references to the Homilies on the Statues, the correspondence with the deaconess Olympias, and the biblical examples of Job and Paul, it is shown that afflictions serve a punitive, purifying and stimulating purpose, forming part of the divine economy, which is full of wisdom and love.