Letter 363: Theodore Studite, Letter 363; Greek heading: Κωνσταντίνῳ ἡγουμένῳ.

To the previous letter I add this one also, greeting your fatherly holiness, whom I hold with every loving disposition, not only on account of the bond knit between us in Christ from the beginning, but indeed also on account of our shared suffering in the testimonies borne for Christ's sake. First, then, I learned that you were in the city, contending in your confession [of the faith] most nobly and most ardently; then that you had been banished into the country of the Thracians; and now again that you have been taken up and transferred to the City of Byzantis [the old name for the imperial capital, the City]. You are running, O blessed one, the double course of the race of piety. But rejoice, because for you crowns woven by God and incorruptible prizes are being laid up forever. Utter to us also, who are lowly, words of life (for such are the things that come from you, even if briefly worded); but if not, then at least do not cease to pray earnestly above measure for my wretchedness, that I may be saved.