Letter 146: Theodore Studite, Letter 146; Greek heading: Τῷ αὐτῷ.

We have already arrived safely, my beloved child, at the place where our good God was pleased, for the sake of His holy name, that we should be confined, having completed the journey over fifteen days, not with much hardship, both because of the rainless and untrodden track and because the man who was conducting us was disposed very compassionately and sympathetically and respectfully toward our lowliness. We have lodged, then, in Boneta [the place of confinement], in the dwelling of the patrician lady, the wife of Tourkos, having been most graciously entertained by her, and indeed also by the neighboring magistrates [archontes, local officials]. The water of the lake is brackish and fishless; yet for us, for Christ's sake, even the salt is sweet and the fishless water teems with fish. Give us, then, your prayers, that we may live here so as to please God, sheltered beneath His mighty hand, and that we may be moved in all our work and word according to His will. The brethren around Archippus have remained behind; I do not know whether they will manage to come, and through them we are by no means sending letters, being afraid. The road is long, and we do not know whether you have the freedom to send other brethren once more, even if some are eager; only, even if they are found, it is hard for some to carry necessities to us—I do not know, unless it be books or anything else needful, which is not to be had in this place, and only in small measure. It is also possible to come by sea; for from Lycia along the coast it is a hundred miles to here. I have need too of a craftsman for writing; and I am content with everything that lies within your power. So that, even if I do not yet receive a reply from you, perhaps because of a blockade or because of some other difficulty, I bear it giving thanks to the Lord; for as to your intention, I know that, if need called for it, you would even have torn out your own eyes and given them to me, my longed-for heart. As long, my child, as you have strength, do not grant yourself relaxation from aiding your brethren—supporting, admonishing, anointing them (for we must keep watch over their souls, as those who will render an account to the Lord)—and above all lend yourself to those who have been seized [the imprisoned confessors]. Christ is with us, He who has conquered the world, He who also enjoins us to conquer. Therefore let us in no way lose heart, even if bodily we are separated from the world, even if we are confined in desolate and uninhabited places, even if we are afflicted, even if we suffer want, even if we are shut up; for as much as the sufferings are reckoned up, by so much are the crowns multiplied. Who, then, is worthy even to be cut limb from limb for God and to die? For he will be conformed all the more abundantly to Christ. Know these things; in these let your meditation be, your good cheer, your joy, and your crown. Deliver the letters enclosed within your letter, each according to its name. Greet the [brother numbered] four, the [brother numbered] thirty, Ignatius, your company so dear to me, all those who keep the mystery. The three who are with me salute you most warmly, together with those of your company. The Lord be with your spirit, my most dearly beloved child.