Letter 206: Theodore Studite, Letter 206; Greek heading: Πατρικίᾳ.

I have not yet, as I think, either come into the sight of Your Nobility or into the matter of a written address, but I have been led on, moved by our spiritual child, Peter I mean, your own kinsman; for he strings together many words of praise of you, and he says that many have enjoyed your honor and favor. And this is the mark of a good soul, to do good toward all, and most of all toward those of one's own household and one's near kin. The brother says also that you are not defiled by the abominable heresy [hairesis: heresy] of the enemies of Christ. And here again great is the praise for you on this account, since you keep faith with your Master Christ, just as also with your blessed yokemate [husband]. But ah, how did I come into remembrance of the man? For even if he was unknown to Your Honor, yet he was not unknown to that ever-remembered one; for I loved him exceedingly because of his piety in all things and his fear of God, and I am persuaded that I was loved in return. But it happened as it happened, and may God give him rest; for to die in war is not simply an evil, but to die in sin, which one might be overtaken by even upon one's bed. For the rest, be of good cheer, lady, concerning your own head [your husband], whom you will see a little later, I hope, in joy, when at the last trumpet all shall rise again for the recompense of the things they have done in life. See how, having begun in one way, I have ended in another; for the letter was found by me to have been made, as in duty bound, to the yokemate [wife] of my lord and true friend. May you be granted to me, living out your life in piety.