You have obviously never read Orthodox fathers of his calibre. Here is a little more on the pertinent subject:
This predetermination is based on the life and works of man, which are plainly evident to our All-knowing God. Indeed, Holy Scripture speaks precisely: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover those whom he predestined, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Rom. 8:28-30).
We know also that at the future judgement there will be specific criteria upon which all will be judged. No one will be judged arbitrarily for that judgement will be righteous and unprejudiced. The Apostle says, For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Cor. 5: 10, 1 Cor. 3:8). But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6).
[my observation: why be judged for what we do if everything we do is God's plan and will?]
Furthermore, Holy Scripture sets forth this teaching with more clarity in other ways. It is often repeated that God does not want the death of any sinner, that He is not willing that any should perish, (2 Pet. 3:9, Eph. 4:6, Rom. 3:29) that all are called to salvation, and that God gave His grace to overflowing (Mat. 28:19, Rom. 10:18), precisely there where sin abounded, in order to provide all men with the possibility of salvation. All of this would be made a lie if the number of the chosen were in fact limited.
History certifies with all of the Church Fathers and theologians of great authority, together with the entirety of Holy Tradition and its incontestable substantiating elements, that the teaching on divine foreknowledge has always existed within the Church.
- Saint Irenaeus (+202 AD) says: God who knows everything has made ready the proper dwelling: for to those who seek after and yearn for the unapproachable light God in His goodness grants them that light.
- Saint John Chrysostom (+407 AD) says: God has not foreordained us for salvation only out of love, but also on account of our good deeds, because if this (salvation) were dependent only upon our good works then the coming of Christ and everything which He has effected for our salvation would be as though unnecessary.
- Saint Hilary (+367 AD) writes similarly: That which God foresaw, He also foreordained.
- Blessed Jerome (+420 AD) writes: For that which God knew would happen in the life of His Son, that He also permitted (preordained) for His Son.
- Saint Ambrose (+397 AD) says: God did not predetermine without seeing first that which He foreknew. Likewise, in those whom He foresaw worthiness, to those He also preordained a spiritual reward." {from The truth of our Faith
Obviously he must have made all this up...
[All emphases are mine]
Bravo Kosta!
Who is the big quote from, Kosta? It is very good.
As a matter of fact I have read SOME (not all) and SOME works (not all). It makes no difference. His statement:
I will also add that Elder Cleopa comments are much like the comments I hear here all the time. Predestination is a mystery. God looks down the corridors of time to see how man chooses. The scriptures don't say man choose God. Our Lord Jesus was very clear.
Joh 15:16 "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.