Letter 388: Theodore Studite, Letter 388; Greek heading: Συμεὼν τέκνῳ.

Late, to be sure, yet I have received your reply, my child, and I gave thanks to the Lord for your defense, for your prudence and your preservation, and because you have so many brothers whom you keep guarded together against the hunt of those who incline to the heresy [iconoclasm, the rejection of holy icons] and who tear apart not flesh but souls, except that they tear bodies too, through the blows and deaths that they inflict. Be in health, my beloved son; prove yourself excellent; lead your brothers; rouse their zeal; display the things of the truth; whet them toward martyrdom; for such is the season, even if you should hide yourselves lawfully. For to cast oneself into temptation, as you sought to learn, is this: for someone to be moved of his own accord and to make himself known to those who kill. But if [you object] that Saint Gordius [a fourth-century martyr of Caesarea], just as certain others among the martyrs also, came forward self-summoned, the circumstance demanded it thus, since no one was speaking out boldly as occasion required and impiety was kindling more fiercely; and then too they did so having beheld God as in a mirror with a pure heart and having been pricked on by Him. Since the great Forerunner [John the Baptist] also rebuked Herod at the risk of his life, while now many by the grace of God are standing firm and bearing witness, it is not lawful to cast oneself forward. I rejoiced exceedingly that other fathers also breathe together with you, whose names are in the book of life; and through you I greet them, and I have asked for their holy prayers as an aid to salvation. Would that you found something of the good things from brother Hypatius; let brothers be useful to one another in necessities, as the Scripture commands. For from my lowliness there is no benefit, even if you yourself, out of love, magnify us greatly. And since you sought also the instruction [catechesis] which I made to all the brothers, I have just now sent it to you as well; and do you pray unceasingly for my salvation. The drinking-cup I received, and I keep it for a more vivid remembrance of you. I greet the company of nine of my brothers and children, beseeching most earnestly also their prayer. Brother Nicholas, who is shut up together with me, greets you along with all. The grace be with you. Amen.