“The aim of Christianity is the realization of a godlike life on earth. The Saviour came in the flesh in order to sanctify the earth, so that people might know and feel the Divine life at first hand through the exploit of Christ–His life, sufferings, and death on the Cross. This is not a theoretical ideal, but a practical demand. God offers His love, desiring to save us.’
(Archpriest Nicholas Deputatov,  Orthodox Word Issue 11)