Letter 92: Theodore Studite, Letter 92; Greek heading: Στεφάνῳ ἀνεψιῷ.

I have learned that you too have been laid hold of by the ill-named heretics [the iconoclasts, whom Theodore regards as heretics], my most genuine and most honored one; and I was grieved that it was from another cause, but I rejoiced greatly that your imprisonment is for Christ's sake. For those who are now acting impiously bestow every favor, granting the very thing they seek. But thanks be to Christ, who has empowered you to overlook all things for the sake of one thing alone, namely, not to act impiously [i.e. not to apostatize] which will become for you a glory of the soul, a human renown, a boast of virtue, indeed every kind of good thing whatsoever. Let us bear, then, brother, the confinement that is for the Lord's sake, the affliction, the distress, in return for which there will dawn upon you everlasting gladness, life without end. And even now an angel is the one who guards you, becoming a sharer of your hearth; those who know you praise you, the orthodox speak well of you; all things run together for your good, and will run together for you as you bring to completion, by the strength of Christ, the course. Let me know, if you can, your own affairs as well by letter, praying for me, brother, unforgettingly, because I am a sinner above every man.