(He testifies that the love which he had for them according to rumors about them was further strengthened by the letter sent to him; he praises their constancy in the faith and wishes them to remain patient to the end. (Written in 375)

And before this I knew you, beloved, because your reverence is glorified: it is known what a crown you have received for the confession of Christ. And perhaps some of you will ask: Who then divulged this at such a distance? The Lord Himself, Who sets up those who worship Him like a lamp on a shelf, makes them visible in the whole universe. Does not the reward of victory usually herald valiant fighters, and does not the intricacy of the work herald artists? But if the memory of these and similar deeds remains unforgettable, then will He not make known and visible to all those who worship Christ, of whom the Lord Himself says: "She who glorifies Me, I will glorify" (1 Samuel 2:30), making them known and visible to all, spreading with the sun's rays the radiance of their lightning-fast radiance? You have instilled in me still greater love for you, honoring me with a letter, and such a letter in which, in addition to the previous labors for piety, you abundantly revealed a rich and vigorous constancy in the true faith. Wherefore I rejoice with you and pray that the God of all, in Whose power is the podvig, the place of podvig, and the crowns, will influence your zeal, grant you spiritual strength and bring your work to His perfect glorification.

242 (250) To Patrophilus, Bishop of the Church in Aegea

(He thanks him for the letter sent with Stragius, and for the continuation of his former love; he explains why he cannot be in communion with Eustathius. (Written in 376 AD))

Though I received late replies to my former letters, nevertheless I received from my most beloved Stratigius and thanked the Lord that you remain the same in your love for me. And the fact that you have now deigned to write about the same subject, serves as a proof of your good will, because you yourself adhere to the proper way of thinking, and advise me what is useful. But since I see again that I will have a very long word, if I answer separately all that is written by your prudence, I will only say that if the good of the world consists in one name of the world, then it is ridiculous, choosing both, to allow them only to participate in the world, and exclude thousands of others from communion in this good. If, however, agreement with harmful people who enter into it compels them to act in a hostile manner under the guise of peace, then see what are those with whom those who have hated me with unjust hatred have entered into union, whether they do not belong to the number of those who do not have communion with me, because I do not need to mention them by name now. They were summoned by them to Sebastia, took possession of the Church, performed the sacraments on the altar, gave their bread to all the people, being proclaimed bishops from the local clergy, and accompanied by them throughout the country as saints and in communion with them. If it is necessary to take their side, then it is ridiculous to begin with the nails, and not to turn to their very heads. If no one should be considered a heretic in all things, and run away, then tell me, why do you separate yourself and avoid communion with some? And if some are to be removed on the basis of the exact observance of the rules, then let the exact executors tell me to which side do they call from Galatia belong? If all this seems to you worthy of sorrow, then my separation is the culprit. If you consider this to be indifferent, then forgive me, who does not agree to partake of the leaven of those who teach in a different way. Wherefore, if thou wilt, leaving all these plausible words, rebuke with all boldness those who do not walk rightly according to the truth of the Gospel.

269 (277). To Maximus Scholasticus

(Hearing from Theotecnus that Maximus, who came from a noble family, had entered into the life of the Gospel and was practicing virtue, he proved to him that this is the only desired good, because it is permanent; but all the rest that people recognize as good are more deceptive than a dream dream. (Written at the end of the life of St. Basil))

The beautiful and kind Theotecnus told me of your honesty, and aroused in me a desire to see you, clearly depicting in words the face of your soul, and so kindled my love for you, that if old age had not burdened me, and the illness that had grown with me had not held me back, nothing would have kept me from being with you myself. And indeed, it is no small gain, having passed from a great and noble family to the life of the Gospel, to curb youth with reason, to enslave carnal passions to the mind, and to be guided by humility, to which a Christian is obliged, who thinks about himself as he should, whence he comes and where he goes; for the understanding of nature reduces the arrogance of the soul, expels from it all pride and arrogance, in a word, makes it a disciple of the Lord, Who said: "Learn of me, that I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29). For truly, most dear son, one constant good is desired and praiseworthy. And this is an honor with God. The human is more intangible than a shadow, more deceptive than dreams. For youth passes more quickly than spring flowers, and bodily beauty fades either from illness or from time; riches are uncertain, fame is impermanent; the very studies of the arts are successful only for the duration of real life. And what is most desirable for everyone, art in words, is pleasing only to the ear.

But the exercise of virtue is a precious asset to him who has, and the most agreeable sight to him who sees. By taking care of this, you will make yourself worthy of good things, according to the promises prepared by the Lord. And how to attain to the understanding of the beautiful and how to preserve what has been acquired, it would be necessary to speak about this longer than the purpose of the present word allows. And now it occurred to me to speak to you only because I heard from Brother Theotecnus, to whom I wish always to tell the truth, especially when it comes to you, so that the Lord may be more glorified in you, who from an alien root bears the precious fruits of piety.

283 (291). To Timothy, chorbishop

(Timothy, who formerly led an ascetic life, and then began to engage in worldly affairs, exhorts him to return to his former way of life. (Written during the episcopacy))