Let us hearken, as many as are to receive Christ: for it is possible to receive Him even now. Let us hearken, and emulate, and receive Him with as great zeal; for indeed, when you receive a poor man who is hungry and naked, you have received and cherished Him.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 26 on Matthew 8, 4th Century


Patience is a labor that does not crush the soul. It never wavers under interruptions, good or bad...Patience sets a boundary to the daily onslaught of suffering...Patience comes from hope and mourning, and indeed to lack those is to be a slave of despondency.
-St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 27: On Stillness; Paulist Press pg.271, 6th century


Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance, suppresses anger, restrains pride and envy, draws down the Holy Spirit into the soul and raises man to heaven.
-St. Ephraim the Syrian, Unknown, 4th century