Orthodox Study
John of Damascus

The same, from the 3rd Book.

On Holy Images — translated by Mary H. Allies

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¶1

Again, atheists mock at us concerning the Holy Cross and the worship of divine images, calling us idolators and worshippers of wooden gods. Now, if I am a worshipper of wood, as you say, I am a worshipper of many, and, if so, I should swear by many, and say, ‘By the gods,’ just as you at the sight of one calf said, ‘These are thy gods, O Israel.’ You could not maintain that Christian lips had used the expression, but the adulterous and unbelieving synagogue is wont ever to cast infamy upon the all-wise Church of Christ.

Translated by Mary H. Allies. Edition opa.patristics.john-of-damascus.on-holy-images.en.

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