I saw the brother Silvanus together with Dorotheus, by the good pleasure of Christ, my beloved child. And I have said "by good pleasure" because they did not come for any evil purpose nor at an unsuitable time, even if I myself am evil, having presented themselves before their father [i.e. Theodore as spiritual father] and at such a season as this. I saw them in safety, just as they also came, having been brought into my company in some unobtrusive manner; and I charged them not anywhere, as it might happen, to let slip word of the meeting, in which spirit I also sent them off with peace, having found Silvanus to be just as I longed for him to be. Him too, since he is coming to you with the good Dorotheus of his own impulse and intention, receive in a brotherly way, for he loves you greatly and reveres you; for, as you have heard, he did not contrive that his first arrival should be to you, except that by word of mouth he makes his defense. I have given him a rule of life according to his cell, and I have simply had freedom from anxiety, since he is in all humility. But as to how the archbishop has departed, and having learned through him I was relieved, concerning our brothers who are still held in custody the matter stands the same. Just now I am seeking to learn also about the brother Proterius, whether indeed he has departed, being apprehensive on account of the winter. Therefore, when someone comes at the appointed time, make all things plain to me; and may the Lord be with your spirit.
I saw the brother Silvanus together with Dorotheus, by the good pleasure of Christ, my beloved child. And I have said "by good pleasure" because they did not come for any evil purpose nor at an unsuitable time, even if I myself am evil, having presented themselves before their father [i.e. Theodore as spiritual father] and at such a season as this. I saw them in safety, just as they also came, having been brought into my company in some unobtrusive manner; and I charged them not anywhere, as it might happen, to let slip word of the meeting, in which spirit I also sent them off with peace, having found Silvanus to be just as I longed for him to be. Him too, since he is coming to you with the good Dorotheus of his own impulse and intention, receive in a brotherly way, for he loves you greatly and reveres you; for, as you have heard, he did not contrive that his first arrival should be to you, except that by word of mouth he makes his defense. I have given him a rule of life according to his cell, and I have simply had freedom from anxiety, since he is in all humility. But as to how the archbishop has departed, and having learned through him I was relieved, concerning our brothers who are still held in custody the matter stands the same. Just now I am seeking to learn also about the brother Proterius, whether indeed he has departed, being apprehensive on account of the winter. Therefore, when someone comes at the appointed time, make all things plain to me; and may the Lord be with your spirit.
AI-assisted translation - This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.