Methodius

“ Now, certainly, Christ has never yet been born in those men who have never perceived the manifold wisdom of God—that is, has never been known, has never been manifested, has never appeared to them. But if these also should perceive the mystery of grace, then in them too, when they were converted and believed, He would be born in knowledge and understanding. ”

“ Therefore from hence the Church is fitly said to form and beget the male Word in those who are cleansed. [3] So far I have spoken according to my ability concerning the travail of the Church; and here we must change to the subject of the dragon and the other matters. ”