Letter 296: Theodore Studite, Letter 296; Greek heading: Ναυκρατίῳ τέκνῳ.

Having learned through your letter that you live in the Lord and abide unshaken in the truth of God which is in the faith, my child and longed-for brother, I gave thanks with very great joy to our good God; for indeed, although I, a sinner, have anxiety concerning all, nevertheless I am in agony for you, who are exceptionally beloved and honored, and not simply so, but as one who excels all in the brotherhood, and because you exist all the more in the snares of the impious. But where there is God and the truth of God, there human things are weak; for nothing whatsoever could move one so steadfast in faith, even should the earth be shaken, even should mountains be removed into the hearts of the seas, as holy David sings [Psalm 45 (46):2-3]. Therefore, laying aside all double-mindedness, let us run with endurance the contest set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of the faith [Hebrews 12:1-2]; who may grant us power and strength to bear the sufferings on his behalf even unto blood, that is, unto death, and blessed is the one who shall believe that there will be a fulfillment of the things spoken by him [Luke 1:45]. Time does not permit me to discourse at length on anything other than this which I add: that you devote yourself the more to God in fervent prayer, that I, the unworthy one, may on account of my sins become a partaker of the same portion as you and of such men as you. Your brother who is with me sends greeting.