Letter 295: Theodore Studite, Letter 295; Greek heading: Γρηγορᾷ λαϊκῷ.

I have received your letter, O man of God; and behold, you now have other confessors as well, I mean those who are with the steward [oikonomos, the monastic official charged with material administration]. Hold fast to your holy work, to your offering in the Lord; consecrate yourself through your service. Even though the undertaking is fraught with danger, yet God is the one who delivers; for it was he himself who appointed you a minister of his martyrs, a trainer [aleiptes, literally the one who anoints athletes for the contest] of the confessors, a helper of those who are sinking down. Carry through your divine ministry, with Christ going on before you; do not be afraid. The dried figs I received in word but not in deed, on account of my confinement. I have written to the presbyter, and thanks be to God that he ministers together with you, having been called by God. Pray for us, brother and partner in our sufferings.