St. John Chrysostom: On the Priesthood

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“Therefore, much art is needed that the sick may willingly persuade themselves to submit to the remedies provided by the priests; and not only so, but that they may be thankful to them for the cure.” (Page 36)

“For we ought not to inflict a punishment which accords with the measure of transgressions, but inquiry must be made as to the disposition of those who sin; lest while you desire to mend what is torn you make the rent worse, and while you endeavour to restore what is fallen you make the ruin greater.” (Page 37)

“But if a man should wander from the right faith, the shepherd will require much exertion, endurance and patience; for he is not to be dragged back by force, nor to be compelled by fear, but you must restore him by persuasion, to the truth from which at first he fell.” (Page 39)

“his soul must be altogether purified from the desire of the office.” (Page 78)

“The priestly office is discharged upon earth, but holds the rank of heavenly things; and very rightly so. For not man, nor angel, nor archangel, nor any other created power, but the Paraclete himself, instituted this order, and induced those who yet abode in the flesh to make manifest the ministry of angels. Wherefore it behoves him that is consecrated to be as pure as one who stands in heaven itself among those powers.” (Page 61)