St. Gregory of Sinai

With regard to patience the Lord says: In your patience possess ye your souls (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 the 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, nor even the  ranks of demons, the dark phalanx of hostile powers, will be able to do you any harm. - St. Gregory of Sinai