THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. Sacred things, meaning holy items, should only be consumed by those who are pure and unblemished; however, they should not yet be given to those who are unhealthy or those who have been tainted by society through contact with outsiders. It is written, “With the crooked you will be corrupted” (Ps. 17:27). It is not acceptable for individuals who are truly sanctified to treat the holy offerings as if they were merely ordinary food; he clarified this by stating: “Whoever eats any of the holy things by mistake must return the holy things to the priest and add a fifth to them.
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The priests themselves must not profane the holy offerings of the children of Israel, which they present to the Lord, nor should they bring guilt upon themselves by consuming their holy provisions, for I am the Lord who sanctifies them” (Leviticus 22:14-16). Palladius. I do not fully grasp what you have said. Cyril. You will understand it clearly, for there is nothing complicated about it. The offerings presented with fragrant aromas, whether cattle or sheep, were only partially placed on the altar; the entrails, feet, head, fat, and sometimes kidneys were set aside, and the remainder was eaten by the priests, for “they who eat the sacrifices are not partakers of the altar,” as the apostle Paul affirmed (1 Cor. 10:18). Thus, it was essential for some of the offering to be consecrated to God, according to the appropriate ritual for each sacrifice, while the rest would be given to those who performed it. However, if anyone took the entire offering for personal use, without the required incense, he would be held accountable under the law as someone who has consumed what is sacred. This was similar to the actions of the sons of the priest Eli, who stole and defiled what was intended for God before the sacrifices were made, wickedly saying to those coming for the offerings, “Give meat for the priest's roast” (1 Kings 2:15). Such transgressions, being blatant and clearly offensive, received fitting consequences. If, however, a person, due to forgetfulness or misunderstanding of the regulations, commits any such act, he should be penalized and must make restitution immediately; “and let him add to it a fifth part,” that is, a fifth of the value, thereby resolving the guilt and rectifying the harm caused “through ignorance” (Leviticus 22:14-16). Therefore, even acts done in ignorance carry guilt; what can we say about those done with intention and arrogance? Thus, those who honor sacred matters must be careful not to attempt to take anything prior to the sacrifice; otherwise, they should understand that by committing such grave sins, they will face punishment and provoke divine wrath. Do you not find this to be accurate, my friend? Palladius. Indeed, I do.