....for one to make the gifts of the Ascended Christ one's own it is necessary together with Jesus to live His life as one's own.
-Nikolaos P. Vassiliadis, The Mystery of Death, Chapter 8: Resurrection - Ascension - Pentecost; The Brotherhood of Orthodox Theologians pg. 211

... but since he repented, and did not despair, he was restored, even after such great corruption, to the same splendour as before, and was arrayed in the most beautiful robe, and enjoyed greater honours than his brother who had not fallen.
-St. John Chrysostom, AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century


[The Lord] does not on all occasions require faith on the part of the sick - as for instance when they are mentally ill or in any other way, through their disease, have no self control. However, in this case the sick man also had part in the faith, for he would not have allowed himself to be let down, unless he had believed.
-Saint John Chrysostom, Homily XXIX on Matthew IX, 1, 2, Fourth Century