Constantine Scouteris
Τhe People Of God: Its Unity And Its Glory
The Father George Florovsky Memorial Lecture.
Α discussion of John 17:17-24 in the light of patristic thought
Introduction.
At the very beginning of this address Ι would like to say what a high honour and distinct privilege it is for me to be asked to deliver the annual lecture in commemoration of the faith and testimony of Father Georges Florovsky.
The protopresbyter G. Florovsky was a man of great theological contribution, of genuine spiritual vision, and of humble pastoral diaconia. Ιn the memory of those who had the privilege of knowing him, he will remain as "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4,12). Ιn the hearts of those who have known him through his writings he will be remembered as a theologian dedicated to bear witness to what we call "the Orthodox ethos", or,"the Orthodox way". Both as a scholar and as a pastor the late Father G. Florovsky was a living testimony to the Patristic Theology. His entire theological approach was ad mentem patrum. His constant effort was to prove that the eternal strength of Orthodox Theology lies in the patristic inheritance.
With the same intention the Orthodox Theological Society of America, honouring his memory, projects the spirit and the passion, the life and the word of our Fathers. And, indeed, to transmit the spirit and the message of the patristic inheritance is, Ι believe, the best service one can offer to modern man caught up as he is in his οwn self sufficiency and futility.
|
