The Apostle Paul, once Saul of Tarsus, is not only remembered for his tireless missionary work and theological insights but also for his profound humility. In his writings, Paul describes himself as the "chief of sinners," a phrase that reflects both his acknowledgment of his past sins and his deep understanding of God’s mercy. This confession resonates deeply in the Orthodox Church, especially in the pre-communion prayers.

The "Chief of Sinners" in Paul’s Life

In his First Epistle to Timothy, Paul writes:

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15).

This statement reflects Paul’s profound humility and awareness of his unworthiness before God. Despite his towering contributions to the Church, Paul never forgot his past as a persecutor of Christians. He saw himself as unworthy of the grace he had received, saying:

“For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:9–10).

Paul’s acknowledgment of his sins was not an act of despair but a testament to the transformative power of God’s mercy. His life illustrates that repentance is not a one-time act but an ongoing disposition of the heart, grounded in humility and gratitude.

The Pre-Communion Prayer: "Of Whom I Am Chief"

Paul’s confession of being the "chief of sinners" is echoed in the Orthodox Church’s pre-communion prayers. Before approaching the Holy Mysteries, the faithful pray:

“I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

This prayer, inspired by Paul’s words, emphasizes the profound humility required to approach the Holy Eucharist. By acknowledging our own sinfulness, we echo Paul’s deep awareness of human frailty and our total dependence on God’s mercy. The prayer reminds us that the Eucharist is not a reward for the righteous but a healing gift for the repentant.

Paul’s Example of Humility

Paul’s self-identification as the chief of sinners was not an exaggeration or false humility but a reflection of his deep spiritual insight. He understood that the closer one draws to God, the more aware one becomes of their own sinfulness. This awareness did not lead Paul to despair but to a greater appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice and the transformative power of grace.

His words also teach us that true repentance involves not only sorrow for sins but also a recognition of God’s love and mercy. Paul’s life shows that repentance is the foundation of spiritual growth, leading us to greater union with Christ.

The Chief of Sinners and the Gift of Communion

Paul’s humility and recognition of his unworthiness resonate deeply in the Orthodox understanding of the Eucharist. As we prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we follow Paul’s example by confessing our sins and relying entirely on God’s mercy. His words in the pre-communion prayer remind us that we approach the chalice not because we are worthy, but because Christ has come to save us.

Through his example, Paul teaches us that no matter how far we have fallen, we are never beyond the reach of God’s love. His life encourages us to embrace repentance, approach the Eucharist with humility, and trust in the infinite mercy of Christ.