Letter 87: Theodore Studite, Letter 87; Greek heading: Εἰρήνῃ πατρικίᾳ.

Even though I receive no letters from your Honor, lady, I shall not cease, whenever I happen upon a trustworthy letter-carrier, to write to you as to my spiritual mother. For how could I not call you thus, you who suffer so for Christ's sake, torn away from your head [your husband], cast out of home, city, kinsmen, and friends, and confined in some remote corner? And I do not yet speak of the rest of your distinguished good works, accomplished long ago in former years, since I pass over also those done to me the sinner, and still being done. These are the deeds of a woman most manly in spirit, these the deeds of a soul of a martyr's mind, these the deeds of a heart that seeks God with all its strength. Let the meek hear and rejoice, that a senatorial woman has taken up the crown of confession of Christ; let East and West hear that even now the golden race of the blessed women, from whom Thecla and Phebronia [early Christian women martyrs/saints] sprang, has arisen. For what then? Even if you were not slaughtered, yet by your resolve and by what has followed you have chosen the passion [martyrdom]. Blessed are you among women, thrice-blessed among mothers. Where then would the other mothers be? Where then those who hold the highest dignities? One out of all and before all, you have proved yourself the bravest; you have dealt a mortal blow to the devil. But since it is not the one who has merely begun the noble work who is already counted blessed, but the one who has brought the noble undertaking to its end, I beg you, my revered mistress, strengthen your spirit at the end of the contests, leaving your own life behind to those who come after as the record of a glorious career. And this I urge and remind you of: that you should be sparing of your body's health, for I know the unchecked vehemence of your eagerness. Use the things that are able to restore your strength; comfort yourself, for the trial of being deprived of all things is sufficient. So much, then, to you the mother, briefly. But what shall we say to the lady daughter, who keeps pace with your virtue? From a good root you have sprung a good fruit. Do not grieve that you have been deprived of your spouse; for if he were present, you would not be caught up in the circumstances in which you now are: with a mother indeed, but a mother who is also a martyr; with a father, but still more with the One above and immortal, no longer as in the flesh, but beyond the flesh. Anoint your mother who bore you, a martyr, I beg you; share with her in the trial of exile, as indeed you do; serve her, a woman confessor of Christ. The dwelling together and the contending together suffice for your good repute and your salvation. These things come from spiritual love, from a care that labors for you; since, as has been said, we know that you are wise to do all that reason demands. I have received your offerings now as well, and so long as I am still in exile. But to one who longs, every undertaking is easily accomplished. May all be borne up as a fragrance of sweet odor to Christ. Pray you yourselves also for me the sinner.