Letter 284: Theodore Studite, Letter 284; Greek heading: Τῷ αὐτῷ.

Although we did not receive your letter through brother Theodulus -- since you had set out without his knowledge and, as it were, by another road -- nevertheless we thought it well to write to you, making known that by the grace of Christ we are in good health in body. And may it be that we, the lowly, are also in good health in soul through your prayer and the intercession of my blessed father [Theodore's spiritual father; Plato of Sakkoudion], since I have strength neither from within myself nor from my own works; but God is able through you to save even me, on whom you depend in love just as I also depend on you. For what other glory or joy or eagerness have I apart from you -- and especially from you, the faithful and beloved, who after God are everything to me in this life? For this reason I rejoice over your life and your progress, beseeching my good God that he may grant you still more understanding in perfect prudence and in the fullest humility, so that my hopes may not be disappointed, nor again the expectations that the many hold concerning you; for indeed you are upon the lips of not a few because of the excellence of your speech. See, then, my child, of what sort your work is, for he who adds knowledge adds pain, and he who has received praise -- if he is godly and wise -- has taken up the fire of zeal in much trembling. Keep yourself unconquered, both toward the inward man amid the unproclaimed and unyielding diabolical struggle, and toward the outward man through your good circumspection and good counsel in all things. We are now also awaiting brother Proterius, through whom assuredly -- if God so dispenses [oikonomei: God so arranges by his dispensation] that you remain still longer in those parts -- we shall both receive a letter from you and send one back in return. As a son of peace, my child, make peace among your brothers in imitation of Christ. Know that we have sufficient for our needs. May I have profit of you, my child, in the Lord; give rest to my inward parts by being in good health also in body. Those who are with me send their greetings. I greet the brothers most warmly. Grace be with you.