Letter 228: Theodore Studite, Letter 228; Greek heading: Σπαθαρέᾳ.

Having heard beforehand from many sources of the excellent qualities of your conduct according to God, I have now learned also by experience, through the things which you sent to my humble self, that you have seeds of piety in your heart, mindful as you are of those who suffer for Christ's sake. Hence, as I learn, you also keep yourself unshared in the communion of the heretics. Thanks be to God for your dignified reverence. The wife of that good man, beloved by all, is my lady [the recipient]; a good man, long known to us. You from the beginning have been both lovers of monks and ministers to the needy, just as you are even now; for I learn that Litoios, our son, is also being given hospitality at your blessed hearth; as for the others, you yourself know them, those whom you also care for. Good is your labor, blessed is your widowhood; may you be preserved in all things, pleasing Christ and receiving in return the reward on our behalf in eternal life, my most honored mistress.