THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
However, he who burns a young woman and adds cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet thread to her ashes, along with the one who collects those ashes, is considered unclean, being said to be so ‘until evening,’ although he may be clean after washing his garments. This ordinance likely signifies the frailty of human nature. Upon careful scrutiny of our condition, we find that none of those engaged in the sacred and divine service can maintain a faultless ministry. Even if a person strives to lead a virtuous life and attain the highest level of purity, they cannot approach the sacred mysteries of our Savior without being found unworthy. This is hardly surprising, as we are reminded by the Divine Scripture, stating that ‘even the stars are unclean before his eyes’ (Job 25:5).
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Consequently, when we measure our state against the purity of Christ, it becomes evident that we are unclean, tainted, and subject to Divine condemnation. It is natural for one to be astonished by the words of the divine Psalmist, who declares: ‘If Thou, O Lord, shalt take notice of iniquities, - O Lord, who will resist? But Thou hast forgiveness’ (Psalm 129:3-4). Even those who seem outwardly pure are admonished, for it is beyond the capacity of man to be entirely without sin, and it is by purity that we can draw near to Christ. Glaphyrs.