'Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus' in relation to Western and Eastern Saints

Her understanding of God and his grace always seemed pretty eastern to me

I think the orthodox just goofed into the correct, catholic understanding

;)

I'd like to add something to your post, user. Eastern Catholics also can venerate Saint Isaac the Syrian, especially in the Maronite Church, as he was a Syriac, close to us.

What denomination are you?

I think you’re trying to reduce God to a worldly entity.