Message to Abba Orsisius

In the “Epistle to Abba Orsisius” by St. Athanasius the Great concerns the death of Blessed Theodore. The epistle was written in 363–364. Based on biblical texts (Ps. 1:1; Ps. 112:1; Matt. 9:24), the author emphasizes that the deceased is worthy of blessing, for he achieved a “carefree life” and rested with his fathers. St. Afanasy calls not to grieve for the blessed one. Theodore, but to imitate his life, since he went to a place of peace. The saint asks Abba Orsisius to take upon himself the care that was previously borne by the blessed one. Theodore, and become for the brethren a replacement for the deceased. St. Athanasius notes the close spiritual connection between Orsisius and Blessed. Theodore - they were “like one person,” mutually complementing each other. *The title of the work in Greek is Ἐπιστολαὶ πρὸς ̓Ωρσίσιον. *The title of the work in Latin is Epistulae ad Orsisium. Athanasius, Abba Orsisius, the father of the monks, and all those who strive with him in the monastic life, confirmed in the faith of God, beloved and most desired brothers, wishes to rejoice in the Lord. I heard about the dormition of Blessed Theodore and was very concerned at this news, knowing how much benefit it would bring to you. And if it were not Theodore, then I would have told you a lot, thinking with tears about what would happen after death. But since he, Theodore, is known to both you and us, should I say anything in this letter other than the following: “blessed is Theodore, who did not follow the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1)? And if “blessed... fear the Lord” (Psalm 111:1), for now we can safely please him, having a reliable basis for this, because, as if having entered into a harbour, If he has achieved a carefree life, then God grant that each of us achieve the same, each of us, having completed the flow, enter the same pier, each of us in our voyage steers our boat there - to a storm-proof haven, so that, resting with the Fathers, we can say: “I will dwell here as I will” (Psalm 131:14). do not cry for Theodora, because “I will not die... but sleeps” (Matthew 9:24). Let no one, remembering him, shed tears, but let everyone emulate his life, for one should not grieve for one who has gone to a carefree place. I am writing this to you in general, but especially to you, beloved and most desired Orsisius, so that you would take upon yourself all the care of this deceased and replace him with your brothers, because even during his life you were both like one person, and when one was away, the other filled the needs of the two, and when you were together, both of you were one, talking with your beloved about what was good. Do this now, and while doing this, write and inform us about your salvation and the salvation of the entire brotherhood. I ask everyone to pray together so that the Lord will more and more give peace to the Churches. For even now we have complacently celebrated both Easter and Pentecost and are rejoiced at the good deeds of the Lord. So we wrote to you. Greet all those who fear the Lord; those who are with me greet you. I wish you, beloved and most desired brethren, to be strong in the Lord. You might be interested in: