Letter 366: Theodore Studite, Letter 366; Greek heading: Σιλουανῷ τέκνῳ.

I praised my God when I learned of your health from your letter, my child. And I was very glad indeed that you have escaped from the affairs of the city and have been joined to your brother Lucian; and that you live in such a place, from which boasting and turmoil and the flame of heresy [hairesis, false teaching; here the iconoclast denial of the veneration of icons] have fled, while quiet [hesychia, contemplative stillness] and freedom from disturbance make their dwelling there. From these a good disposition arises in the soul, and most of all this is, for you, at once meritorious and brotherly amid the grief of this one [the unnamed person whose sorrow they share], and for me a great consolation, since I do not bear it without feeling. You are blessed, beloved, for having so rightly resolved. May your community prosper in the Lord, may your work be guided in holiness, and may you also be mindful in prayer concerning us sinners, that we may be saved in all things.