[We should not] try to make specific identifications with the particular churches to which the letters [in the book of Revelation] were addressed, but rather than we should measure ourselves, both as individuals and as communities, against all those things singled out for condemnation. We can summarize them as follows: failing to live up to the promises of baptism in faith and works, becoming primarily consumers of the things of this world; corrupting the church and the faith with secular ideas; seeking worldly instead of heavenly objectives; tolerating the presence of false prophets or even following them; failing to watch for the Lord's coming; having pride in worldly things and achievements; allowing our faith and our love to become lukewarm. Let us not delude ourselves by thinking that our Orthodox churches are not guilty of any of these things. But, remember that the overall message of the Apocalypse is also reflected in these seven letters. The message is that the victory has already been won, that Christ is enthroned on high, and that a share in that throne is offered to all who turn away from the world, repent, set their hearts on the things above, and live in Him.
+Columba Graham Flegg, from An Introduction to Reading the Apocalypse, chapter 4, The Letters to the Seven Churches.
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