Virtues

• Charity and Almsgiving — The virtue of charity expressed through generous almsgiving, care for the poor, and personal sacrifice of one's patrimony for the relief of the afflicted
• Chastity and Virginal Life — The virtue of chastity, especially virginal purity, as a mark of those divinely called to the priesthood and episcopate
• Constancy — Steadfast firmness in defending the faith and the Church against persecution, threats, and political pressure — exemplified especially by Basil's confrontation with the Arian Emperor Valens
• Heroic Virtue in the Old Testament — The heroic examples of virtue in the Old Testament — Joseph's chastity, Susanna's courage, David's faith, the Maccabees' fortitude — surpassing pagan heroes
• Humility — The virtue of humility, especially as expressed in reluctance to accept ecclesiastical office and in low self-assessment despite great learning
• Meekness — The virtue of meekness as exemplified by Moses and proposed as essential for effective pastoral governance — overcoming adversaries through gentle kindness rather than force
• Obedience — The virtue of obedience to religious superiors and divine commands — valued above personal preference, the motive force for Lapide's publication
• Patience — The virtue of bearing injuries, sufferings, and adversity with equanimity
• Poverty — Voluntary poverty or indifference to material possessions as a mark of holiness, especially in bishops and religious
• Temperance — Moderation and self-denial in bodily comforts, especially regarding food and physical indulgence