Patristics reading plan by Boniface Ramsey OP

•Didache
•First Epistle of Clement of Rome
•Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch
•Epistle to Diognetus
•Martyrdom of Polycarp
•Odes of Solomon
•Justin Martyr's First Apology
•On the Pasch by Melito of Sardis
•Proof of the Apostolic Preaching by Irenaeus
•Tertullian's 'Apology' and 'On Baptism'
•The Apostolic Tradition by Hippolytus
•Didascalia Apostolorum
•Origen 'On First Principles', 'On Prayer', 'Exhortation to Martyrdom', 'Against Celsus' and 'Commentary on the Song of Songs'
•Cyprian of Carthage's Epistles and 'On the Unity of the Catholic Church'
•Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History
•Athanasius 'On the Incarnation' and 'Life of Anthony'
•Catechetical Lectures of Cyril of Jerusalem
• Theological Orations of Gregory Nazianzen
•Gregory of Nyssa's 'Great Catechetical Oration' and 'Life of Moses'
•John Chrysostom's 'On the Priesthood'
•Ambrose 'On the Duties of the Clergy' and 'On Virgins'
•'Life of St Martin' by Sulpicius Severus
•Jerome's Epistles and 'Against Jovinian'
•Augustine's 'Confessions', 'On Christian Doctrine' and 'City of God's
•Vincent of Lerin's 'Commonitory'
•Rule of St Benedict
•Gregory the Great's Pastoral Care
•Maximus the Confessor 'Four Centuries on Charity'
•John Damascene 'On the Orthodox Faith'

Source: Beginning to Read the Fathers

When we hear the word "spirit" it is impossible for us to conceive of something whose nature can be circumscribed or is subject to change or variation, or is like a creature in any way

Instead, we are compelled to direct our thoughts on high, and to think of an intelligent being, boundless in power, of unlimited greatness, generous in goodness, whom time cannot measure.

All things thirsting for holiness turn to Him; everything living in virtue never turns away from Him. He waters them with His life-giving breath and helps them reach their proper fulfillment.

He perfects all other things, and Himself lacks nothing; He gives life to all things, and is never depleted. He does not increase by additions, but is always complete, self-established, and present everywhere.

He is the source of sanctification, spiritual light, who gives illumination to everyone using His powers to search for the truth – and the illumination He gives is Himself.

His nature is unapproachable; only through His goodness are we able to draw near it. He fills all things with His power, but only those who are worthy may share it. He distributes His energy in proportion to the faith of the recipient, not confining it to a single share.

He is simple in being; His powers are manifold: they are wholly present everywhere and in everything. He is distributed but does not change. He is shared, yet remains whole.

St Basil the Great, On the Holy Spirit, 22