“Because all the saints of God were saved by their lives of asceticism according to their firm faith, but in no case could they receive salvation without the grace-filled help of the Holy Spirit, however strong and great their faith and however great their labors and podvigs. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8-9).”
(St Madarije of American, 1910 homily)