Letter 121: Theodore Studite, Letter 121; Greek heading: Τῷ αὐτῷ.

It is a hardship, my child, in so great a storm for anyone to make his way here, especially when he must cross the river that has been fouled with mud; nevertheless we were refreshed at seeing the brother and at coming upon your letter, though we received one grievous thing, the fall of the pitiable Nektarios. Yet, seeing that his present circumstances are in keeping with his whole manner of life, he seeks one thing only, to fulfill the desires of his flesh, and let the breezes carry off the things of the faith. He, then, being of such a disposition, has accordingly stumbled. But may the God of my father strengthen you and all our brothers, both those who are held in custody and those who are not, may He give them might and make them firm, that day by day they may fulfill the witness [martyrion] of their confession; for it is not the beginning of good things that is praiseworthy in itself, but the bringing of them to completion. Give heed, therefore, to your reading, taking up also the study of grammar as far as is possible; hold your dwelling-place [kathisma, the monastic cell or station] securely, lest the heretics fall upon you suddenly. Fear God, in whom lies the power to be cleansed or to remain pure. Concerning the under-steward [paroikonomos, the assistant to the monastery's steward] the brother will report to you. Who is to set off to the archbishop, so that I may once again send letters? The brothers greet you and long to see you among us. Give my greetings to the 4th, to the 9th [designated by numerals]. May Christ be our helper.