Psalm impressions in the work «On life in Christ» by Saint Nikolaos Kavasilas

Saint Nicholas Cabasilas in his work, “On the Life in Christ”, makes extensive use of psalm verses, which he quotes either verbatim or freely. In particular, he quotes verses from 36 Psalms – out of a total of 150 Psalms in the Psalter – which relate to the theology of the holy sacraments. The extensive use of the Psalms in his work indicates the close connection between Scripture and worship, which is found in the liturgical consideration of Scripture and the biblical dimension of Orthodox worship. The use of the Psalms also indicates the identity of experience among the Prophets, the Apostles and the Fathers of the Church. This experience is derived from the methexis in the uncreated glory of God, to which they are led through the worship of God. At the same time the unity of the two Testaments, the Old and the New, is also designated, since in both of them the same Triune God is revealed in creation and history.