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.

5. Creations in Russian translation. Vol.VI. Book 2. P.711. St. Petersburg. 1900.

6. Trullo Council, canon 82.

Epistle 9(68). To Joseph, Brother and Archbishop

Writing to your holiness is always desirable for me, and all the more so the longer the distance between the places of exile, for it brings me closer to your venerable face and gives relief to me, as it is now, saddened by the betrayal of the truth of certain abbots.

Let it be known to your reverence that the old Custody, i.e. Joseph, who united adulterers, the abbot of Photinudia, the abbot of Heracleia, Midicia, Michiana, Ipolychnia, Guleia, and, alas, my sin! - even Fluvutsky, deceived by unreasonable simplicity, unanimously, allegedly defending "economy", being carried away by Joseph, who was accustomed to doing such things, deviated after Satan, entering into communion with the wicked more than once.

Enjoying their humiliation, they catch the unsteady in their fall. It seems that even the Bishop of Nicaea has fallen. For those who are in exile are summoned for such deeds. And if the hand of God does not hasten to protect, then we, the rest, will perish. What does this mean, is it possible that again, we, the humble, together with a few, are beset by these deplorable circumstances?

Arise, O man of God, as a bishop of Christ, the True Archpastor, all the more so since you stand above all in the height of the priesthood, except for one who is imprisoned [2]. Glorify God both in your body and in your soul (1 Corinthians 6:20), do not remain constantly on the island. Perhaps you must still be tried in order to receive the most radiant crown in this way.