For if the multitude of the stars, or if all the drops of rain, or if the sand no one will be able to count, and also the other creatures’ magnitudes and beauties, or their natures and arrangements, or their causes, such as they are, no one could be able either to tell or to understand, how would anyone be able to express the Creator’s compassion that He displays to holy souls with whom He is united?

—St. Symeon the New Theologian, Hymn 29