Man's Eminence

According to Saint Jacob of Serugh

By: Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty, Bishoy Boshra Behnam

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In a world of rapid advances in modern technology grafted together with the continual evolution of contemporary philosophies, humanity is plagued by an increasing number of cases of depression, psychological ailments and suicides. These societal maladies affect even our youth. By contrast the Church's Early Fathers, pastors, ascetics and theologians never expressed concerns associated with such hardships. Despite the ardent believer's exposure to today's many adversities he remains unaffected mainly because of his appreciation of man's true eminence. The Church's Fathers often invite us to behold with them in amazement the truth about man as creation's wonder of wonders. We stand in joy and exultation and cherish not only what we have but also the most significant gift God granted us – our creation as humans. Our endowment through Him is uninterrupted until we attain heavenly glories. St. Jacob of Serugh was a man of constant venerations and praise; he consistently preached that man's appreciation was indispensable to the reality of his being, including his body, soul, mind and emotions. The most prominent facets of St. Jacob of Serugh's teachings are the portrayal of his life as a pleasurable trip in the company of God Himself and man's eternal future. Man is a creature that bewildered even the heavenly hosts; they see in him a creature inviting their amazement with respect to God's great love for him. This love is coupled with the marvelous calling of heaven and earth's Creator that he shares, eternally, with the celestials' extraordinary glories. This book highlights closely the look that St. Jacob of Serugh saw in man: 1. Man is God's beloved creation. 2. Man is unique in having the image of God. 3. Man is a king (or queen) for whom the world was made as a royal palace. 4. Man lives a perpetual wedding - clothed in a luminous garment. 5. Man is a magnificent miniature world. 6. Man is a creation that is at once mortal and immortal. 7. Man's soul is a fruitful paradise. 8. Man is a praising being: is he a composer or a musical instrument? 9. Man perplexes heavenly hosts. 10. Man is called to perceive and to know God. 11. God's righteousness engulfs man's communion. 12. Man's happiness is perpetual. 13. Man is a constantly evolving being both in this world and in the coming age. 14. Man is a spiritual priest offering sacrifices of praise.