Letter 227: Theodore Studite, Letter 227; Greek heading: Μαρίᾳ αὐγούστῃ.

Now it is possible to glorify God on account of every person who takes a stand for the truth of Christ, inasmuch as such a one prefers nothing of the things upon earth, not even his own flesh, for the sake of the spotless faith of us Christians. But it is especially possible to glorify Him because you, who might be expected -- on account of your imperial rank, and I would add also on account of the womanly nature and all the things that on both these counts make it difficult -- to cower and to betray piety, on the contrary stood nobly firm, choosing the crown of confession and mastered by no love of earthly things. Truly royal is your resolve, my lady, surpassing is the dignity of your soul; blessed are you, who are bringing your contest to perfection. You have given a signal in this generation of your virtue, which God honors; praiseworthy has your name become in heaven and upon earth. You have appeared as reigning in the world by virtue more than when the gold-inlaid diadem was being placed about you. Blessed are you among empresses, now the glory of nuns, now a light in the world -- since you were such before as well, but not to so great a degree. Stand firm yet, I beg you, do not be frightened, you who have God as your helper, on whose account the one who seems to frighten you will himself be frightened of you. You were wronged before with an incurable wrong by the emperor, who was also your yokefellow [husband], on account of which the Church of God too was thrown into how great and how grievous a turmoil. Shall it be so now also? Then he was able; for through the one who held power the devil prevailed. But not now; for it rests with you to choose the things that are best. Faithful is God, in whom you have hoped, to give you the crown of perfection. Only I beg you yet a little while -- a very, very little -- to endure the assaults, the threats, which your steadfastness would dissolve like sea-foam in Christ Jesus, your Master and Bridegroom. Receive my letter out of spiritual love, and in return give me your holy prayer.