Pre-Christian Philosophers and Pathfinders of the Way
Ancient Greek philosophers, holding a quote from his work that seems to foreshadow Christ, are depicted in Iconographic fashion in one of Meteora’s Monasteries. Thus many Greeks were readied to accept the teachings of Christ’s Apostles – Saint Paul and Saint Justin the Philosopher are shown leading Greeks to Christ while citing Greek Philosophy. A small fence is placed around these icons, that they might not be Venerated like Icons of the Saints.
We can see vividly how God works to lead all nations to the Truth. Though their examples pale in comparison to the love, grace and sacrifice of Christ and His Saints, these philosophers help us understand the human condition, and how our longing can only be satiated by Christ. As outlined by numerous Fathers of the Church, Christ was the expectation of all the nations, and as such, many of the writings from disperate cultures throughout the world tell of and indicate the great Redeemer of the whole world Who was to come: Jesus Christ. – source
The Greek Sibyl Philosopher, Solon the Wise and Lawmaker, The Greek Pythagoras Philosopher and Mathematician, The Greek Socrates Philosopher, The Greek Apollonius Philosopher, The Apostle to the Nations Paul Martyr of the Church of Greece, Holy Justin the Philosopher and Martyr, The Greek Homer the Poet, The Greek Thucydides the Historian, The Greek Aristotle the Philosopher, The Greek Plato the Philosopher, The Greek Plutarch, the Father of History.
