Letter 97: Theodore Studite, Letter 97; Greek heading: Ζαχαρίᾳ ὑπάτῳ.

Once again I, the lowly one, am a debtor obliged to write to your God-loving renown, my lord. Why so? Because you are forever established as our benefactor, a mighty friend, a faithful friend. And what is the distinguishing mark of a faithful friend? That the one who loves lays down his life for the one he loves. Look, then, upon yourself and consider whether you have not measured up to this standard toward our lowliness, toward that of the most God-loving archbishop, and toward the benefit of those brothers of ours who happen to be present with you. Reflecting upon each of your kindnesses, we both love you and bless you, we pray and pray fervently for you, presenting to you Christ as the one who renders the recompense - he who promised to repay wages even for a cup of cold water [a reference to Christ's words in Matthew 10:42], let alone for benefactions as great as these. May you, then, be preserved for us a long while, in good health, prospering, of good cheer, and indeed holding right belief concerning the faith that is without blemish.