119. К Гемеллу

How noble and youthfully cheerful is that soul that borrows pleasure and calm composure not from somewhere outside, but from within, from itself, and, what is especially worthy of surprise, in relation to such subjects that seem scary and dangerous to most! How much intelligence is needed, how much philosophical wisdom is needed, so that, being hated by famous people, not only not be embarrassed and not burdened, but nobly proud of it, and not only be proud but feel sorry for those who hate, try to change them and make them favorable? Therefore, we marvel, we are amazed at you, most venerable and magnificent ruler, and together we brightly triumph, having the honor of being adorned with the friendship of your magnificence, like a brilliant wreath. In your letter you ask for our prayers. Know that even before this letter we constantly prayed to God to see that your so great and philosophical soul would perform the sacred sacrament 97 and be honored with those sacred and terrible secrets. And if we were to receive joyful news about the fulfillment of this, then we would not consider ourselves in exile, would forget about our desert and, without a doubt, would get rid of the bodily infirmity with which we are currently fighting. I know, my most venerable master, that your desire and zeal are to be worthy of those ineffable benefits from our poverty; as you know, this would be highly desirable for us as well. But if there is a delay behind us, then the matter itself does not allow for any delay. In our absence, in any case, you can easily find people very close to us who can introduce you to this secret science 98. And if this comes true, we will be just as glad as if we ourselves served in teaching you this heavenly gift, since the grace is the same. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” In all likelihood, of course, acceptance of holy baptism. Of course, again accepting holy baptism and then receiving the Eucharist. Both the previous and the present expression are constantly used in the works known under the name of Dionysius the Areopagite, namely in the Church Hierarchy You might be interested in: