An Orthodox Teaching on Vocation

It might be that discussions of vocation are the best answer to western Christians questions (and pronouncements!) on predestination.

Fr. Hopko says...

"For example, some people may be called to suffer on this earth and to bear the results of fallen humanity in the most violent manner; to be victimized by disease, retardation, affliction; to be the objects of other people's cares, or disdain. This is their vocation, and they are particularly blessed by God and loved by Christ in its acceptance and fulfillment. "

To me this kind of quashes any theoretical discussion of Calvin and Arminius under the weight of what God wants from us right now given the circumstances in which we find ourselves. You can read Fr. Hopko's whole piece here.