Abominable men and full of all wickedness were inflamed to such a degree of wrath that they cast into tortures those who, with a holy and a blameless purpose, served God, not knowing that the Most High is a champion and shield of those who with a pure conscience offer adoration* to His Most Holy Name, to whom be glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.
St. Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians, 45
* ‘λατρευοντων’ from ‘λατρεία’ - absolute worship, which is due only to God.
