Letter 310: Theodore Studite, Letter 310; Greek heading: Εὐοδίῳ καὶ Ἰωάννῃ τέκνοισ.

I rejoiced, children, at the greeting from both of you, because, being joined together, you also spoke as one; and this both made plain your good health and signified your place of hiding and showed your longing toward us sinners and made clear your readiness for the like-minded confession of the brethren, and, in sum, declared you to be disciples of Christ. How then were we not to rejoice and be glad on hearing these things? But He who keeps you under the shelter of His benevolent providence [God], may He Himself also for what lies ahead protect you, nourish you, and lead you onward as He may will, whether you remain unseized or even seized by those who persecute. Therefore, should the latter come to pass, do not be cowardly; for He who has permitted you to be present in the contest, may He Himself supply strength to endure the struggles undertaken for His sake. And for me, the lowly one, do not cease to make prayer for salvation. As you requested, I have written to the two [women]. May you be saved, much-longed-for brothers.