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Letters concerning the Establishment of the Holy Synod (1723)

Eastern Patriarchs, tr. King, 1865

13. Article 13

We believe that man is not justified through faith alone, but through faith working by love; that is to say, by faith and works. But that faith alone, without works, should be taken instead of the righteousness of Christ, and bestow upon us salvation, we know this to be far from all piety. For faith, thus understood, would be applicable to all men, and there would be no one not saved, which, indeed, is a downright falsehood. But, on the contrary, we believe, rather, that not the relativeness of faith, but the faith which is in us through works, justifies us before Christ. But we understand works, not as witnesses, confirming our calling, but as fruits in themselves, through which faith becomes effectual, and as being in themselves worthy, by the divine promise; so that each one of the faithful may receive the things done in his body, whether it be good or bad.