The Orthodox Church calls upon the Fathers of the Church as guiding lights in matters of faith and life. In this work, a well known bishop of the Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Emilianos Timiadis, explores this rich tradition and its significance for all Christians. Inspired by a statement of St. Gregory the Wonderworker, Timiadis views the work of the Fathers to humanity as communicating "the saving truths of the Christian faith, to make accessible and understandable in order that people may come nearer to God." He sees the Fathers of the Church as pastors of souls, interpreters and messengers of God's will, and therefore necessary spiritual guides for all people.