Letter 342: Theodore Studite, Letter 342; Greek heading: Συμεὼν τέκνῳ.

I have only just now found the chance to write to you, my beloved child; the brethren will report the reason why I was delayed. What you wrote to me earlier I have understood and approved in every respect, since all of it proceeds from a good disposition; and you are to be praised, because you keep your seat well for the salvation both of yourself and of those who are with you, and for the edification of those outside, neither wandering about nor roaming in circles, but seeing the persecution through in stillness and thanksgiving and patient endurance. For this reason you have become a welcome guest to those who give you hospitality and who listen to you. Hold fast, then, still further to your work, growing wise in divine things, giving light to minds, fleeing the enemy, drawing near to God, so that, having attained him, you may inherit the kingdom of heaven. Give aid, just as I wrote to you before, if any of the brethren behaves badly, by writing to him or even by going off to him in person. Acacius, your cousin according to the flesh, is among those who serve me, and he has written to me; for the steward [oikonomos, the monastery's chief administrative officer] has been arrested. Pray for me, the sinner. The brother who is with me sends his greeting. I greet those who are with you. The Lord be with you.