"With regard to patience the Lord says, 'You will gain possession of your
souls through your patient endurance' (Luke 21:19). He did not say 'through
your fasting' or 'through your vigils'. I refer to the patience bestowed by
God, which is the queen of virtues, the foundation of courageous actions. It
is patience that is peace amid strife, serenity amid distress, and a
steadfast base for those who acquire it. Once you have attained it with the
help of Christ Jesus, no swords and spears, no attacking armies, not even the
ranks of demons, the dark phalanx of hostile powers, will be able to do you
any harm."

St Gregory of Sinai.