Letter 131: You have demonstrated both your zeal for true religion and your love for your neighbor -- two things closely...

To Longinus, Archimandrite of Doliche, You have demonstrated both your zeal for true religion and your love for your neighbor -- two things closely connected at the present time, since I am being attacked precisely because of the apostolic teachings. I refuse to give up the inheritance of my fathers, and I would rather endure any suffering than stand by while a single letter is stolen from the faith of the Gospel. You have joined in my sufferings -- not only by comforting me with your letter, but by sending the honorable and devout Matthew and Isaac. You will surely hear from the lips of the righteous Lord: "I was in prison, and you visited me" [Matthew 25:36]. I am small and of no account, weighed down by a great burden of sins, but the Lord is generous. He remembers the small rather than the great and says: "Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these who believe in me, you have done it to me" [Matthew 25:40]. Since you are distinguished for sound doctrine and shine by the worthiness of your life, and therefore have great boldness before God, I beg you: help me with your prayers. Pray that I may be able to stand, as the Apostle says, "against the wiles of error" [Ephesians 6:11], escape the snares of the destroyer, and stand -- however little boldness I may have -- on the day when we appear before the righteous Judge.

Letter 131