Eastern Catholic Churches affirm James 2:24 as teaching the integral unity of faith and works in salvation. Following patristic theology, particularly Eastern Fathers' understanding of synergy (cooperation) between divine grace and human will, Eastern Catholics understand that salvation requires both faith and the cooperation of human will in performing works of righteousness. Works do not precede or merit grace but are the fruit of grace and the means by which grace is actualized in human life. The Eastern Catholic emphasis on theosis (deification) integrates faith and works as necessary components of the Christian life. James 2:24 is understood as expressing the Orthodox-Catholic understanding of soteriological wholeness.