Letter 96: Theodore Studite, Letter 96; Greek heading: Ἄννῃ μοναζούσῃ.

Even though I receive no replies, I long to write to my lady; for I am bound, if anyone is, to render thanks to you for the many and great benefits which I have enjoyed from you, and which indeed I still enjoy. Would that I were able to repay this even bodily, in deeds; but you know that I am without means, and moreover a sinner as well. Being therefore at a loss on both counts, from where might I repay you the debt? From nowhere except from God, who takes upon himself the kindnesses done to one's neighbors. So much for the many things that have gone before. But what of this, that even after the affliction caused by those who through folly became your debtors, you did not grow weary of doing good among the brethren? Those around the abbot Hypatios came in, and you anticipated them with mercy; those around the abbot Theoktistos are being supplied with food outside, in one of the suburban estates; I forbear to mention my own affairs, and indeed also those of the brother Silvanus, or of anyone else who has met with your right hand [your generosity]. May your portion, then, be with the saints; and if also with us, should you not flee from us, may it be granted to you; for if you minister to us in fleshly things, it is not unreasonable that you should also share with us in spiritual things, according to the apostolic teaching [cf. Romans 15:27]. And since these things are so, I am anxious also about the preservation of your soul, especially on account of the heresy [the iconoclast heresy]. But may God keep you under his mighty hand, unharmed and without stumbling.