What is the relationship of faith to virtues?

St. Aphrahat says, “So also let the man, who becomes a house, yes, a dwelling-place, for Christ, take heed to what is needed for the service of Christ, who lodges in him, and with what things he may please Him. For first he builds his building on the Stone, which is Christ. On Him, on the Stone, is faith based, and on faith is reared up all the structure. For the habitation of the house is required pure fasting , and it is made firm by faith . There is also needed for it pure prayer , and through faith is it accepted. Necessary for it too is love , and with faith is it compounded. Furthermore alms are needed, and through faith are they given. He demands also humility , and by faith is it adorned. He chooses too virginity , and by faith is it loved. He joins with himself holiness , and in faith is it planted. He cares also for wisdom , and through faith is it acquired. He desires also hospitality , and by faith does it abound. Requisite for Him also is simplicity , and with faith is it commingled. He demands patience also, and by faith is it perfected. He has respect also to long-suffering , and through faith is it acquired … All these things does the faith demand that is based on the rock of the true Stone, that is Christ. These works are required for Christ the King, who dwells in men that are built up in these works.”⁶⁷

65 Origen, Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1.8.1–4.

66 St. Augustine of Hippo, Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament, Volume 2 , trans. R. G. Macmullen (Oxford University Press, 1845) 81.3, 2: p. 587, amended.

67 St. Aphraphat, Select Demonstrations 1.4 (NPNF II/13:346) amended.