“How can God allow for such a harsh thing to happen? Doesn’t God feel pain – God’s pain for the people who are suffering from ill nesses, from demons, from barbarians and so forth is also full of joy over the heavenly reward He has prepared for them. By keeping in mind the reward that awaits those who endure tribulations and knowing what is there for them in the other life, God is able to “endure” this pain.”

(Elder St Paisios , Spiritual Counsels series)