Today in the Church we honor the memory of St Nicholas the 4th Century Bishop of Myra. He is especially remembered for his works of charity in helping the oppressed and needy. Many of the deeds for which he is famous are behaviors which are simply expected from those who claim to be disciples of Christ. He also is credited with a number of miracles.
Another bishop who is similarly praised is mentioned in the 7th Century writings of John Moschos:
Some of the Fathers said that Abba Gregory, Patriarch of Theoupolis, excelled in these virtues: almsgiving, forgiveness and tears. He also had great compassion for sinners. ‘We certainly had many occasions to put these virtues to the test’, they added. (THE SPIRITUAL MEADOW, Page 114)
The Patriarch was praised for doing things all Christians are supposed to do – being charitable, forgiving others their debts/sins and repenting of his own sins. These are behaviors every Christian is capable of doing – no miracles required, no ascetical extremism needed, just a willingness to love others as Christ loved us – in other words, a desire to be a Christian. As the Patriarch’s advocates said in the above quote – we have plenty of chances for practicing these virtues because there are always people around us who need our help, our forgiveness and our compassionate mercy. Every week of our lives we have opportunities to practice these virtues, to be Christian and to be rewarded by God for our behavior. And We must note these virtues aren’t exclusive to bishops, though they may be the behaviors for which a person is chosen to be a bishop. That only a few bishops are especially praised for their charitable works may tell us that in history, unfortunately, bishops got caught up in hierarchical matters or were more noted for their ascetical self-denial than for their mercy, charity and compassion.
Fraternized 