Letter 61: Theodore Studite, Letter 61; Greek heading: Γρηγορίῳ ἡγουμένῳ.

We have already written to you, in accordance with our promise, that as our son you should shepherd the flock there with knowledge, according to the commandment of the Lord, overlooking nothing of the things that tend to the benefit of the brethren. For if the man entrusted with irrational sheep does not sleep but keeps watch, and is not neglectful but contends night and day that not one of them be taken by wild beasts or left lean and unfattened, but even keeps a lookout for thieves and robbers, drives off wild animals, talks to the flock, and going on before them procures their food, leading them to the water of rest and to shady places, and all the other things that one can see done with a shepherd's staff [the pastoral crook] - what then ought he to be, and how great, who has been allotted to preside over souls, whose blood, if any negligence should occur, will be required at his hands, as it is written? Stand fast therefore from now on, O child, watchful in your shepherding of the flock; heal those who have grown sick, turn back those who have gone astray, exhort, admonish, remind them of the kingdom promised to those who walk in a manner befitting holiness, and, on the contrary, of the unending judgment that awaits those who live out their lives in passion, so that in this way you may save both yourself and those who hear you. He who loves disciplines diligently, but he who hates allows his followers to be indifferent. But you also, brothers and children in the Lord, be as sheep of Christ, loving to perform His commandments and to conduct yourselves in monastic fashion and not in worldly fashion. Let there be one will of all, one heart, one soul; not 'mine' and 'thine,' but all things in common, all things made pure through open confession [exagoreusis, the disclosure of one's thoughts and faults to the superior]; and if it is not so, you have both lost the worldly man and, not being true monks, you will become liable to a just condemnation. We have given this reminder out of love. As for you, may you fare well and be pleasing to God, praying also for us sinners, that those whom we teach may be workers of these things in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be the glory. Amen.