Letter 258: Theodore Studite, Letter 258; Greek heading: Λουκιανῷ τέκνῳ.

"Adam, where are you?" [Genesis 3:9] This is the voice of God, addressed not only to our first father, but indeed also to each one who has fallen away from the divine commandment. Where, then, are you, my child and brother? From what glory have we slipped, that we have wrapped ourselves about with the covering of shame? I grieve over you, I groan, I weep, beholding in your defeat my own downfall. Alas, what have you undergone, what have you suffered? But since God is the God of those who repent, rise up, taking this first and last remedy of repentance: to confess your transgression to all, so that the Lord may release you from your communion in impiety. It is enough to say only this much; for I think that you are broken in spirit and exceedingly grieved. But take heart, my child: the Lord is near to those who are broken in heart, and He will save the humble in spirit. [Psalm 34:18]