Letter 168: Theodore Studite, Letter 168; Greek heading: Λαυρεντίῳ τέκνῳ.

What is this great grace of yours, child, that the steward [oikonomos: the monastery's administrative officer] should summon me to offer thanks to you on his behalf? Indeed, it is not for his sake alone, but also for my own, that I write and praise and pray for you, because you are truly a faithful son, a lover of your father, a lover of your brothers, showing it by your very deeds. For who first visited me, the sinner, here? And who either looked upon the steward or extended to him a disposition of love put into action? For indeed he is the first brother, and the one who does anything for him does it for me—not that all the rest of you are not my own inmost heart (for you are), but that he is more honored, bearing, as is just, the person of my lowliness. Blessed are you, my longed-for son, and blessed is your submission and obedience. Pray for me, the lowly one, that I may be saved in all things. Greet from me my brother and beloved son Dionysios and, if there is any other of my children who keeps the mystery, embrace him too. And I beg you, as for Arkadios, if he does not drink together where he is, take him in as if from me and keep him safe. You have your reward.