Letter 326: Theodore Studite, Letter 326; Greek heading: Κληδονίῳ τέκνῳ.

Why do you praise me, child, who am unworthy of praise? And why do you seek a swift release from these grievous troubles? The second request is reasonable; yet we must be patient, until the Lord look down and heal the affliction of his people. For just as it is not possible for one who is sick to be restored to health until the matter lying in the stomach is consumed away by the fever, so too it is impossible for peace to shine forth again upon the Church of God unless the affliction arising from our sins is justly worn away by the heresy [hairesis: the iconoclast error, which Theodore regards as a heresy] that scourges us. For it is a scourge of God, chastening for a little while those who love him, and then, at the fitting season, healing them. And thus from above and from the beginning have our affairs been dispensed [oikonomia: divine governance and ordering]. But if so great a scourge falls upon the disciples, what is the judgment of those who are disobedient and who persecute? Clearly it is unending in respect of the punishment. Therefore let us stand firm, brother, and let us wait patiently for the Lord, that we may be glorified together with him. I was glad that you are not alone. But what of the matter concerning Leontius and the two brothers? You saw, as you said, the wickedness of both: of the one, who has become utterly impious and who acts as a champion in the Jewish manner; and of the others, who are seeking how, together with them, they may destroy you. But you, beloved child, abide as a son of light; do not be made like the lawless, who have departed from God and have sold themselves to Satan. Flee from the city, since otherwise you will be taken captive. You have Christ as your helper; may he himself preserve you. Pray for me earnestly.