To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain (Philippians 1:21) | Skull with Cross on Gold Manuscript Texture | Orthodox Christian HoodieEven in dying, he means, I will not have died, for I have life in myself as long as Christ is with me, even though death may overtake me, still I live, and in this present life, not this, but Christ is my life That life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, so I say in that state also, "I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2: 20). Such ought a Christian to be! The word "life" is very significant, beloved, as also is the word

and still the coming of the bridegroom is delayed

+ St Theophylact of Ochrid

and breathe on these slain

that together we may enter the divine bridal-chamber

there you may be also

having no sense of hardship through the expectation of gain

lest you enter into temptation

an abode of the Holy Spirit

It is necessary to mention that

For having nothing he possesses everything

This is life: if Christ is preached

for they call it a bottomless place