Letter 213: Theodore Studite, Letter 213; Greek heading: Εὐθυμίῳ τέκνῳ.

From your letter I have learned, my beloved child, of your affliction, that you are wandering from place to place, fleeing the impious and hiding yourself away. How can it be that you do not pass your life in affliction and in distress? But even if it is so, take courage, strengthened by hope, because you suffer for the sake of Christ, for the sake of him who chose death on your behalf. You have come to walk in the footsteps of the saints, who went about in many afflictions, destitute, hard pressed, becoming wanderers, sheltering among rocks, taking refuge in the mountains, fugitives, without a city, exiles, enduring blows and deaths as well, so that they might gain Christ. So you too, child, whatever you may suffer, look there, draw your consolation from there, and stand bravely as an athlete of Christ; for it is a time of martyrdom, and blessed is he who has endured these few and evil days, in which there is an eternal crown and unspeakable glory. But woe to the denier and betrayer of the icon [eikon, the sacred image] of Christ, for his portion is with Judas. You therefore, child, contend still in the good contest in the endurance of the things that befall you; consider that others are in prisons, just as some of your brethren too, having been scourged together with Christ. Do not be afraid, do not be terrified of him who has power over the flesh; Christ is with you, he who bears all things by his nod. Pray also concerning my lowliness, that I may be saved in the Lord. Your brethren who are with me greet you. Grace be with you.