Letter 288: Theodore Studite, Letter 288; Greek heading: Σιλουανῷ τέκνῳ.

Worthy of your reverence, beloved child, was the letter you traced out for me; and indeed I was relieved and glorified my good God, because your faith toward me the sinner is alive, and your love shoots forth flame, and your longing is at its height. So I too toward you: a little I grieve you, a little I take you to task, and this in fear, so that the aforesaid things may be preserved, since it is the one who loves who attentively disciplines. May you then be kept safe for me, my beloved son, as a son of light in this dark time of the Christ-madness [Theodore's term for iconoclasm, the rage against icons]. As for how I have been shut up in prison after being scourged together with brother Nicholas, you will learn exactly by seeing the bearer [literally the abbreviated word; the sense is that the one who carries the letter will explain]; for I wish you to take counsel with him where it goes well for you both, since there is also need of conversation by word of mouth. And why have you fenced yourself off so, brother? Do not, I beg you. Come together to the same place, that it may be of profit to you both and indeed to me the lowly one; whom do not be slow to take up always in your prayer, that I may be well-pleasing to the Lord and be kept safe from the evil one. Brother Nicholas greets you.