Genesis tells us that man was created according to the image and likeness of God. St John of Damascus said ‘The expression according to the image indicates rationality and freedom, while the expression according to the likeness indicates assimilation to God through virtue.’ 

In the garden, mankind was adorned with all virtue, but it was lost as a result of the fall.  How do we get it back?  We must take up our cross and follow our Lord through podvig and the purification of our nous.