Letter 132: The Lord has taught those who suffer injustice not to be downcast but to rejoice, and to draw comfort from ancient...

To Ibas, Bishop of Edessa, The Lord has taught those who suffer injustice not to be downcast but to rejoice, and to draw comfort from ancient examples. From the first men down to our own day we find people who were zealous in worshiping the God of all yet were wronged by those around them and fell into many grievous troubles. I would have gone through the entire list, but since you, beloved of God, have been nurtured from boyhood in the divine Scriptures, I thought it unnecessary. I ask only this: cast your eyes on those examples, and look with sorrow on the well-meaning clergy who have done wrong, with pity on those who watch wrongdoing and do nothing, and with grief at the turmoil in the Church. But rejoice and be glad that I am sharing in suffering for the sake of true religion, and praise without ceasing the One who has imposed this lot on me. As for honor, comfort, the prestige of episcopal sees, and wretched reputation -- let us leave all that to the murderers. Let us cling only to the doctrines of the Gospel. With them, if need be, let us endure any extreme of pain, and let us choose honorable poverty over wealth with all its anxieties. I write this not to give you instruction, for I know the courage your holiness shows in trouble. My purpose is to make my own convictions known to you, and to let you know that you have comrades who are gladly risking everything for the truth's sake. I have been wanting to write to you for some time but could find no one to carry the letter. Now I have met with the honorable and devout presbyter Ozeas, a man who is both fighting for the truth and devoted to your person. Through him I send greetings, and I beg you to support me with your prayers and comfort me with a letter in return.

Letter 132