Послание 26. К Симеону, игумену

Worthy of your sacred and God-bearing soul, venerable father, you have written a letter to us, which expresses your kind disposition towards us sinners, and shows equal and unanimous agreement with us regarding the Divine commandments, and also teaches the best and at the same time reveals a readiness to steadily endure the upcoming exploits and not at all waver from the idle talk of infidels and liars. Truly, your venerable letter inspired our courage and strengthened our strength, so that we glorified our Good Lord, who did not abandon our completely humble race, but gave life-giving sparks to those who wish to glow with good deeds of piety. We, sinners, earnestly pray that the life of your holiness remains an example of salvation both for us and for others who wish. For those who distort the rules and violate the regulations do not at all see the righteousness in those who strictly observe the word of truth, but even laugh at them and pronounce reproaches. What else happens from here, if not that we become even more established, recognizing their instability and inconstancy? That your lofty mind is not captured by them is worthy of surprise and desirable for us. However, you want to know what new has happened in the present case, but we cannot say anything, because the Emperors are now in the camp. What can we say about the bishop 45, who did not even answer us a word and does not want to listen to anything, leaving everything to Caesar? Mister Simeon 46 is two-faced, changing this way and that, however, we again talked to him and did not hide the truth. He softens somewhat, but remains the same, thinking and caring about completely pleasing the Emperors. When our pious ruler departed, we wrote to him again, at his request; and yet he did not want us to appear before him. We sinners remain, as long as your prayer maintains us, in the same state, not wanting to change the truth and enter into communication with them, even if exile threatened, even if a sword flashed, even if fire ignited. But we, unworthy even to be called monks, would not have the strength to do this if the Lord, who listens to your holy prayers, did not strengthen our weakness and infirmity. Therefore, stay awake, holy fathers, considering that your business is what it truly is: to defend what is beneficial to all. Our most venerable brother and steward of your holy monastery, departing at the command of God, will deliver to your holiness copies of the letters sent to both persons, so that you, having learned more clearly from them about our affairs, may partly assist with letters, partly help with requests. And we entrusted some other news to this brother, which he, of course, will take and convey when he arrives and sees your venerable face. Archbishop Kalogir, Abba Leonty, and the rest of our brotherhood greet you with us; take pains to greet your holy community from us. This refers to the monk Simeon, to whom letters 21–23 were written. You might be interested in: