The end of all things is concealed from us. For in the end of all is the end of each, and in the end of each is the end of all [on the last day]. Whereas this time is uncertain and always in prospect, we may advance day by day as if summoned, reaching forward to the things before us and forgetting the things behind. For who, if they knew the day of the end, would not disregard the interval? But if ignorant, would they not be more ready day by day? It was on this account that the Savior said: “Watch; for you do not know when the time will come.”

Athanasius, Four Discourses Against the Arians 3.49, quoted in Thomas C. Oden & Christopher A. Hall (ed), Mark, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Intervarsity Press, 2005) 185-6.

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Now when the straight course of the natural sphere comes to its end and reaches that great light which nourishes the spheres of the stars – which are manifold in their individual distinctions, as Paul says in his demonstration of the resurrection to come – and when it is joined to the rays of that light (I do not mean in a natural sense), then the chariot will be bound fast with unknowing and the two abundantly flowing springs will cease to pour forth their streams. And then the priests will depart from the sanctuary from before the cloud of the glory of the Lord. At that time the king of Israel will be Solomon, that is to say, the peace that is born of humility. He will build a house for the Lord and finish it with the adornment of all the sacred vessels.

St. Isaac the Syrian,The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian (I, 36), translated by the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Boston, 1984. p. 160.