Letter 311: Theodore Studite, Letter 311; Greek heading: Ἀνατολίῳ τέκνῳ.

The tardiness of your letters, O sacred child, led me into thoughts that were not auspicious, since there was also your removal and this release of yours; and insofar as one may reason from both of these, it seemed a fall (for how could these things be so, when nature does not allow anyone to be set loose and to travel wherever he might wish in the present persecution? whence there came to me no ordinary anguish). But insofar as I was taught by your letter, I, lowly as I am, was given relief, I leaped for joy, I glorified my God. And may the Lord my God, by His providence, keep you unfallen, having no share in the heretical communion [koinonia: ecclesial fellowship, here with the iconoclasts]. But watch how you are settled and where, and teach me by another letter, more completely, the manner of your release and the safekeeping of your honored soul; and take thought and be earnest to draw near to God by the withdrawal from the passions; for death is near. Behold, child, my honored sponsor [anadochos: godfather/baptismal sponsor] has also departed, having been blessedly perfected in the confession of Christ, a man who was sent into exile in a most grievous sickness and was not taken captive by the impious. What shall we say? Shall we not be steadfast of heart? Shall we not be made firm, in the fear and love of God, to bear all things, just as our brothers also have? Yes, I beseech you, my beloved son, my glory and my boast, let us not be enchanted by the things that are seen, since they are passing away, but let us be held fast by the heavenly things; for these are the things eternal. So much for these matters. Concerning Sabbatius, that he has been so led astray and made savage, and that too after a fall, how is this not grievous to me? But what else remains than that you too should endure what he has done against you, and that we lowly ones should pray for his recall?