“For there is nothing in creation capable of impeding the advance of the grace proclaimed evangelically to the Gentiles: neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecution, nor famine, nor danger, nor sword (Romans 8:35). On the contrary, grace was confirmed by these very circumstances, and subdued everything which arose against it. Even amid suffering, grace all the more conquered those who suffered, and turned our errant nature toward the true and living God.”

-St. Maximus the Confessor, On the Cosmic Mystery of Jesus Christ