We continue our translation of the book by Saint Nicodemus the Hagiorite and Saint Macarius of Corinth, "A Soul-Profiting Book on the Continual Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ."

Presumption lies not in approaching [Communion] often, but in approaching unworthily, even if one communes but once a year. Yet we are so foolish and impenitent that, committing thousands of sins throughout the year, we make no effort at all to confess them. And along with this we suppose it sufficient for us not to dare to commune continually and [thereby] not to treat the Body of Christ with contempt.

Reasoning thus, we do not understand that we also crucified Christ but once. But is a sin lesser for having been committed only once? Judas, too, betrayed but once. What of it? Did that save him? Why do we measure this matter by time? Let a pure conscience be our time for Communion" (Commentary on the First Epistle to Timothy. Homily 5. St. John Chrysostom. Works. Vol. 11. Bk. 1. St. Petersburg, 1905 (reprint: Moscow, 2004). Pp. 656-657).

And again: "Whom shall we praise? Those who [commune] once? Those who commune often? Those who commune seldom? Neither those who commune once, nor those who commune often, nor those who commune seldom. But those who [approach] with a pure conscience, with a pure heart, with a blameless life. Let such ones approach always, and those who are not such — never. For they gain for themselves judgment and condemnation, and torment, and punishment" (Homily 17 on the Epistle to the Hebrews. St. John Chrysostom. Works. Vol. 12. Bk. 1. St. Petersburg, 1906 (reprint: Moscow, 2004). Pp. 153-154).

But these blessed ones, I know not why, do not hear this, requiring of communicants an angelic life and condition. That everyone who has been baptized and regenerated in holy Baptism gives a promise to live an angelic life is clear, because he compels himself, as far as he is able, to fulfill the Master's commandments, to which he is also called. And this is precisely the property of the angelic orders — always to fulfill God's commands.

Therefore those who are baptized and keep the Divine commandments are not far from the angelic life. And this is also because they strive to preserve in the body the purity of the bodiless angels, according to the Apostle, who proclaims and says: "But our life is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20). That is, our Christian life is heavenly and angelic.

But the divine Chrysostom also says: "Let us draw to ourselves the invincible help of the Holy Spirit by keeping the commandments. And then we shall in no way be less than the angels" (Homily 75 on the Gospel of John. St. John Chrysostom. Works. Vol. 8. Bk. 2. St. Petersburg, 1902 (reprint: Moscow, 2002). P. 504). And again: "He who is saved receives a twofold grace: he both quickens his own soul and becomes a bird, attaining the vaults of heaven" (Homily 4. On the Creation of the World).