There is a saying of the Sixth Holy Council of the God-bearing Fathers: "On some sacred icons is depicted a lamb, to which the finger of the Forerunner is pointed, taken into the image of grace and foreshadowed for us in the law the true Lamb, Christ our God. Venerating the ancient images and shadows handed down to the Church as signs and predestinies of truth, we prefer grace and truth, accepting it as the fulfillment of the law. For this reason, in order that the art of painting may present to the eyes of all that which is perfect, we command henceforth that the image of the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world, Christ our God, be represented on icons in human nature, instead of the old lamb, so that by contemplating the humility of God the Word, we may be led to the remembrance of His life in the flesh, of His sufferings and salvific death, and thus of the redemption of the world.

Therefore, beloved, having such testimonies, together with your own conviction based on the truth itself, as shown above, watch, I exhort you, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, strong (1 Corinthians 16:13), do not be afraid of adversaries in anything, as well as false brethren, deceived and deceived, this is for them a sign of destruction, and for us salvation. And this is from God. For it is written: For it has been given to you for God's sake, for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him with the same podvig that you have seen in me, a sinner, and now you hear about me. Stand in one spirit, contending with one accord for the faith of the Gospel, with fear and trembling work out your salvation (Phil. 1:27-30; 2:12), so that I, a sinner, may rejoice when I hear about you.

Look at Satan, look at his audacity, see that someone does not offend God in any way. For this great dragon is very cunning and experienced. Where he cannot destroy through faith, he tries to produce the same evil in us through the law of sin, which is contrary to the law of our mind. He, like a lion, roars, seeks someone to kidnap, deceives, kindles fire, tries to burn down the house of the soul (1 Peter 5:8). But we have from God the means to expel him: water in the head is a source of tears, petitions, prayers.

Let there be the fear of God in everything, which binds and nails our flesh. Let not envy, enmity, vanity, or any of the works of darkness dwell anywhere. Let the passions be expelled immediately, before they are strengthened, before they enter and infect the soul, for then it will be difficult to destroy them. The ascetics abstain from everything, so flee in order to receive a reward. The younger ones obey the elders; God is not a God of disorder, but of peace (1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 14:33).

Abbots, love those who are subject divinely, and not out of love of power, but out of virtue and goodness, demand submission and obedience. Do not distance yourself from each other, changing many places and not benefiting anywhere. Paul did not want to take the Evangelist Mark with him, as it is written, because he did not go with him, but returned home earlier (Acts 15:38). Should we not be content with our condition? In what calling he is called, brethren, in him shall each one remain (1 Corinthians 7:24).

Let us cleanse ourselves, beloved, from all defilement of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). Keep the traditions which you have been taught (2 Thessalonians 2:15), instruct one another, always remember death. Pray, therefore, I exhort you, for all.

Bless your persecutors; bless, and do not curse (Romans 12:14), going from place to place, enduring deprivations, sorrows, bitterness, wandering in deserts and mountains, and perhaps hiding in the ravines of the earth (Hebrews 11:37,38). Boast that it is you who suffer for Christ, that the whole world is not worthy of you. Be patient, my children, be patient a little, for the Lord will come, the Giver of crowns, the Giver of rewards, Whose joint heirs we are promised to be, if only we suffer with Him, that with Him we may also be glorified (Romans 8:17).

Always pray for me, unfortunate, that my heart may be strengthened and that I may endure the calamities that befall us even unto death, that Christ may not reject me for my unworthiness, that I may be cleansed in every way from all evil. Now I live, beloved, that you stand in the Lord. Who is our hope, or joy, or crown of praise; are you not both in the present age and in the age to come" (1 Thessalonians 2:19)? Thus, you are the delight of love and my consolation.

May the God of peace Himself sanctify you in all its fullness, and may your spirit, soul, and body be preserved without blemish (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Our God is faithful, and he will do it, brethren. Greet one another with a holy kiss (2 Corinthians 13:12). Greetings from me, humble Theodore, to all my children, from the lips of my heart. Greetings from the brothers who are with me. Grace is with your spirit. Amen.

Notes

1. Written in 814.

2. Chetyi Menaion. July 9. Acta Sanct. April, 1. Pag.237-243.

3. About the Martyr Barlaam. Creations in Russian translation. Vol. IV. P. 258. Moscow, 1842.

4. To Amphilochius on St. Spirit. Creations in Russian translation. Ch.18. Vol.III. P.244. Moscow, 1891.