Letter 309: Theodore Studite, Letter 309; Greek heading: Μαρίᾳ αὐγούστῃ.

Once again I have read the letter of your venerable dignity and of your athletic endurance [in suffering for the faith], and I gave thanks to the Lord that you continue in the same resolve, in the same confession of Christ, possessed of a word both gracious and joined with knowledge, and of a virtuous life made complete through faith. To it, therefore, belong praise and commendation, as in truth to the queen of the passions [virtue, which rules over the passions], and not to us who are sinful and of no account, even though you bid us speak in this manner. But the things I wrote earlier concerning the brother were not written as though for any impropriety (God forbid), but because what is done soundly by some persons becomes for others an occasion of scandal [stumbling]; and we have been charged by the Apostle not to place before our neighbor an obstacle or a scandal. For this reason I did not put forward that the brother should be kept under guard, since even if he were set at liberty, it would not be profitable for him to enter into convents [nunneries]. And this ought not to grieve you, my lady, knowing that I am concerned for what is blameless in you and for your good repute, as for a mother of my own, which indeed you are; for you are my mother, since you belong to the Lord. For if I did not so regard you, I would not have written the former letters, nor would I have done the things on your behalf. Knowing these things, lay aside your grief and add to your prayers on behalf of me, the lowly one, as I also pray for you.