Letter 161: Theodore Studite, Letter 161; Greek heading: Εἰρήνῃ καὶ Καλῇ ἀδελφαῖσ.

That your honored pair [the two sisters addressed, Eirene and Kale] has been comforted out of your grief for your brother - thanks be to God, who has given the comfort. For this is what the letter-carrier reported, the same man who also brought us the things you sent; and when we saw them, we seemed to behold that blessed man [the deceased brother] and to address him. And so we keep them as an unforgettable memorial of him. May God grant rest to him too among the saints, whose portion he chose while he was living; and may He grant the reward to you as well, who contend on behalf of a true brother through such well-doing [euergesia, a charitable benefaction], sending up to him in the age to come the offerings due to him - to him who, while he was still living, laid up in advance the inviolable inheritance. But why is it that you yourselves also, having chosen the same life of virginity, fall short in nothing as regards the adornment [of the soul], storing up everything for God, holding fast indeed even to orthodoxy [right belief, here the defense of the holy icons]? Blessed be your triad [the three of you], and blessed too the pair that brought you forth into the light [your parents]. Good is your prudence, blessed is your conduct. Pray for me, holy women.