Each person is created with profound dignity and value, bearing within themselves the very image and breath of God. This isn't just beautiful theology, it's the foundation for understanding who we truly are and the intimate relationship with God for which we were created.

Created in Love, Created for Love

In Orthodox understanding, humans are not merely physical beings, nor are we souls trapped in bodies. Rather, we are created as unified beings—body, soul, and spirit—each aspect reflecting God's artistry. We are crafted with the capacity to love and be loved, to know and be known, to experience deep connection with God and one another.

This capacity for relationship isn't accidental. It reflects the very nature of God Himself. Just as the Holy Trinity exists in perfect communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we too are made for communion. Our ability to love, to create, to show compassion all spring from being created in God's image.

Becoming Who We Are

The Orthodox Church teaches that we are created with the capacity to participate in God's ultimate vision for us, to grow ever closer to Him, and to be transformed by His love. This process, which we call theosis, means becoming, by grace, nearer to what Christ is by nature.

This might sound overwhelming, but it's really about a relationship of love. Just as a child is an individual with his or her own innate character, but naturally grows to reflect the actions, approaches, and characteristics of loving parents', so we are invited to grow in our relationship with God, gradually being transformed by His love. This transformation has the capacity to touch every aspect of our being, healing our wounds, illuminating our minds, and opening our hearts to greater peace and love.

A Personal Relationship

When we speak of relationship with God, we're not talking about something distant or abstract. God knows each of us personally and intimately. As Orthodox tradition teaches, God is closer to us than our own breath.

This relationship isn't based on earning God's love—we already have it. Rather, it's about discovering the relationship we already have with our Creator and growing in the love that has always been there.

Living Our True Nature

Understanding our created nature changes how we view ourselves and others. When we allow God's love to transform us, and pray for the grace to see reality through His eyes, we begin to discover that:

• Every person we meet bears God's image

• Our struggles and wounds can be healed through communion with God

• We have worth and value regardless of our circumstances or challenges

• Our diversity and different gifts enrich the whole Body of Christ

• We are never alone in our journey

The Journey of Wholeness

Our capacity for communion with God isn't diminished by our struggles or imperfections.  Christ instructs us, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48) But the Greek word translated to "perfect" is τέλειος which means complete or whole. Christ isn't asking for human perfection, but rather is inviting us into a journey to become more whole and complete persons, fully alive in His perfect love.