Exhortation on the Commemoration of the Holy Great Martyr Eustathius Plakida, observed on the 20th of September (‘By your patience, save your souls’)
Pious listeners, few saints have embodied the commandment of Christ more fully than the esteemed Great Martyr Eustathius Plakida. He was someone who, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). Among the ascetics comparable to the Apostle Paul, none demonstrated their servitude to God with such endurance amidst "great tribulation, distress, and deprivation" (2 Cor. 6:4) as he did! While many have exhibited significant patience out of love for Christ, often their focus remained on their own suffering. In contrast, this great martyr, prior to his ultimate sacrifice for Christ, willingly endured, for sixteen years, three intense wounds in his heart. The first was the sorrow of losing his wife, and the other two were the pains of losing his two children, likened to burdens he could scarcely bear. The sorrowful separation from his beloved wife and children on the same fateful day would have been unbearable for any righteous man! What a steadfast heart this courageous servant of God possessed! How he resisted despair, even as he stood by the shore, watching his faithful wife taken away by wicked hands, and how he did not throw himself into the sea while witnessing his children being abducted! After enduring this for sixteen years, filled with sorrow and lamentation, he always recognized that these trials were permitted by his heavenly Father, whom he believed and trusted unwaveringly. For the sake of God's divine love, he bore these burdens, "saving his soul by his patience."
Much of his story is well-known, so I will refrain from elaborating further details; what is common knowledge doesn’t necessitate exhaustive recounting; it suffices to remember and learn for our own good. Therefore, inspired by the Gospel words we have just heard, and motivated by the patient life of the holy Great Martyr, my aim is to discuss how beneficial it is for every faithful Christian "to save his soul through patience." This is not mere patience, for many endeavor to withstand their own faults, but the kind of patience that arises in tribulations we do not deserve, accepted for the love of God—this patience is pleasing and commendable in His sight. As the holy Apostle Peter says: "For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and endure it, this is commendable before God" (1 Pet. 2:19-20).
This patience, not stemming from one's own faults but rooted in love for God, must be our focal point. We must particularly address the patience required when faced with the animosity of false brothers—those who unjustly persecute us and provoke mutual resentment, anger, and hostility. Few possess the patience to endure adversarial animosity with gentleness and refrain from retaliating with anger and bitterness. The benefits of such patience for a Christian are incalculable, but I will highlight a few relevant points by posing some questions.
First, I will ask: who is strongest in the heavenly kingdom? Perhaps some of you will recall the debate among Darius’s three bedmen: one declared that wine was the strongest, another extolled the king, while the third elevated women above all. However, I as a Christian do not endorse any of their conclusions, as they were unaware of the life we now lead in Christ. Had they known, their reasoning would surely have differed! They overlooked consulting wise Solomon, who would have named the true source of strength. If I could, I would pose the question to him: "Wise Solomon, who do you deem the strongest and most valiant?" He would reply: "I do not believe any man is stronger than a man of patience; he who rules his spirit is more powerful than the mightiest warrior" (Proverbs 16:32). Here lies Solomon's view: the true strength lies within the patient man.
I anticipated he might start listing great warriors like Joshua, Gideon, or others who valiantly defeated their foes and seized victory, or recount the might of Samson against the Philistines. He could equally have mentioned David, who slew lions and bears in his youth and felled the formidable giant Goliath. From David's reign alone emerged numerous valiant men—Adino, who struck down eight hundred adversaries, and Eleazar, so engaged in battle that his hand grew weary and clung to his sword (2 Sam. 23:8-10). Again, there were the three valiant men who fought through enemy lines just to quench David's thirst (2 Sam. 23:15). Yet Solomon tells us: "Better is a patient spirit than the mighty," showing likeliness between patience and true might.
Let us tackle another question: how is a long-suffering spouse stronger than one built with bodily strength? Before seeking this answer, let us determine what patience confronts. Some may suggest it contends with enemies. I firmly posit that it primarily battles the internal foe—impatience, anger, and rage. Mastery over this inner turmoil enables one to withstand external hostility, becoming stronger than a formidable body could.
Consider again: is unchecked anger more powerful than physical strength? Unquestionably, for anger is a potent natural passion, difficult to master. This aligns with the Apostle's words: "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world" (1 John 2:16). Pride feeds the fierce passions of anger, which are innate to humans. Wise men describe humanity as inherently angry, lustful, and reasonable. Overcoming such inherent passions requires far greater strength than mere physical prowess.
Physical power wanes over time, diminishing with age and sickness; thus, the resilient passions nestled in the heart persist, exhibiting themselves in even the youngest of children. The church hymn reflects this: "From my youth many passions fight me." It is similarly clear that weakness doesn't escape the elderly—they too battle these passions well into advanced age. A person with physical strength engages in conflict only when faced with an adversary; however, the struggle against one's inner passions is constant. As the Apostle states: "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit" (Gal. 5:17).
Consider David's words: "If they do not prevail against me, I shall be blameless" (Ps. 18:14). A fighter may have many allies, but none can assist the one grappling with inner passions—only God can aid in this battle. This fight is internal and unique to each person, much like David faced the giant Goliath and the beasts in the wilderness. This internal confrontation against our passions necessitates far superior strength than merely subduing an external foe.
Since anger is an innate human passion, overcoming it is akin to defeating a fierce beast. This fierce passion can be destructive, with Eliphaz noting, "Anger slays the foolish man" (Job 5:2). Like a tiger rendered furious by noise, an angry person causes great self-harm. In essence, anger is a demoniacal force. Saul exemplified this when he was overtaken by rage. Many historical accounts affirm that anger can lead to demonic possession.
To conquer such a formidable passion—anger—requires not only physical strength but extraordinary spiritual might. Who possesses the capability to master such a powerful force? St. Chrysostom observed: "Nothing is stronger than meekness; just as fire can be quenched by water, so a soul engulfed in anger can be soothed by gentle words." This reveals that meekness, patience, and absence of anger are intertwined; one cannot exist without the other.
St. Chrysostom illustrates the strength of meekness through the example of Joseph, who endured great injustices and triumphed not through force but through patience. Thus, the blessed Joseph is celebrated for conquering through patience: he overcame both his brothers and the Egyptian woman who vilified him. If patience infused with meekness conquers overwhelming passions, then the patient person reigns supreme, wielding greater strength than even the most valiant warrior.
Having established that the patient soul, which governs its heart and subdues inner passions, is superior to the mightiest of combatants, we must underscore the invaluable benefits of patience. Thus, the Gospel urges us to "save your soul through patience."
Another question arises: how can one transform a hostile foe into a friend? The answer lies in patience: we are called to respond not with revenge but rather with goodwill. Solomon and St. Paul both advise: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink, for in doing so you will heap burning coals on his head" (Prov. 25:22; Rom. 12:20).
What does this metaphor mean? Some may opine that to act kindly towards an adversary may only worsen our troubles. However, interpreters of Scripture delineate a different understanding: just as in the body the head is the most vital member, in the soul, the mind holds the highest place. The mind can be warm with true love or cold with enmity. When we do good for those who lack warmth of love, we effectively bring warmth to their hearts through our actions.
When our enemies witness our patience and kindness, they may begin to reassess their own unjust enmity and rekindle amicable feelings towards us. A powerful example of this is seen in the relationship between David and Saul. Pursued by Saul, David flees and hides in a cave. When Saul enters the cave unaware of David's presence, David refuses to kill him despite being urged by his companions, declaring, “I will not lay my hand on the Lord's anointed” (1 Sam. 26:10). Instead, he cuts off only a piece of Saul's garment, and when Saul departs, David reveals himself, demonstrating his mercy: “Today the Lord delivered you into my hands, but I did not wish to harm you” (1 Sam. 24:11-12). Saul, upon realizing David’s innocence, is moved to tears.
St. Chrysostom remarks on this sudden transformation of heart: once Saul could hardly bear to name David, yet now he refers to him as his son. David achieved an incredible feat—turning a murderous foe into a loving figure, quenching the flames of wrath with his compassion. This shows us vividly how patient, benevolent actions can thaw the coldness of an enemy’s heart.
Let us ponder the immense value of patience. How truly beneficial it is to heed the words of the Gospel: "Save your soul by patience!"
Now, I pose another question: what enriches a person with spiritual wealth? Many will mention various virtues—fasting, prayer, purity, love—but I assert that it is patience that truly enriches the soul. Every virtue stems from patience; whether it’s fasting—which requires endurance against hunger—or prayer—which involves overcoming distractions—or purity—which necessitates steadfastness in the face of temptation—patience underpins all. Each noble deed requires labor and perseverance, for it is said, “good deeds are acquired through toil and refined through trial.” Patience is the fertile ground from which all virtues flourish.
Recall the Gospel parable of the sower: "Some seed fell along the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Only the seeds that landed on good soil produced grain" (Matt. 13:4-9). What constitutes this good soil? Christ elucidates: "But the seed that fell on good soil stands for those who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop" (Luke 8:15).
Patience represents this good soil, a productive field that bears much fruit when sown with God's word. Christ’s exclamation—“He who has ears to hear, let him hear”—urges us to acknowledge that patience cultivates every virtue. Without it, no one can perform good works, please God, or attain salvation. "But the one who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matt. 24:13).
THEOSIS