Letter 196: Theodore Studite, Letter 196; Greek heading: Εὐχαρίστῳ τέκνῳ.

Since you sought, my beloved child, to have a letter from me, behold your desire is granted you; but what will you gain from it, pitiable as it is and worthy of nothing? Except that it is a work of your faith and your sincere love, through which the true obedient one is recognized and the journey toward the better things is made manifest. May you therefore be preserved for me, being made better in both of these and advanced to the glory of the virtues, you who are truly grateful [Eucharistos, the recipient's name, meaning "grateful"] and named for joy; and may I see you numbered among the holy ones and shining together with the righteous. Pray for me, sweetest child.