Since the Chrism is the power of the Altar, it was necessary that the matter subject to it should be appropriate. Thus, I think, it would be more efficacious, just as also fire and light act through fitting bodies. For, since the very Name of our Saviour, which, when invoked, could do all things, did not manifest its power in the same way in the mouths of all men, so the consecrator, as he seeks whatever body might be fitting to subject to the Chrism, has found nothing more suitable than the bones of Martyrs.
St. Nicholas Cabasilas, On Life in Christ, Book 5.
(St. Vladimir Seminary Press, 1997)