123. К чтецу Феодоту

Don’t bother to apologize for leaving here soon, pointing to the painful state of your eyes, the cold here, and justifying your departure with this. The feeling of love tells us that you are still with us and with us now as before; and over time we hope to again have the pleasure of seeing you in person. Don't worry. If winter drove you out of Armenia, it has not yet driven you out of our soul; on the contrary, we constantly think about you. And if this Isaurian war, which blocked all the roads, did not make it difficult for us to send letters, we would write to you countless often. And even now we did not write all the past time only on paper; in their hearts, on the contrary, they were constantly occupied with you and your circumstances, and in their thoughts they constantly wrote to you. Knowing this, think that you are still with us and living with us in Armenia. If someone starts plotting and doing evil to you, be above these arrows, because not to endure evil, but to do evil - that’s what it really means to suffer from evil. Approving your courage and firmness, we especially respect you because, amid such an extraordinary storm that arose against you, you remained untouched by its horrors. Continue sailing with great pleasure on this calm and storm-free sea. Do not be surprised that I call this sea stormless when you have so many misfortunes in your memory. I speak, basing my judgment not on the intentions of those who excite him, but on the peace of mind brought by virtue. What do I mean by this? The great and lofty way of life, aimed at winning heaven, by the nature of things seems to be difficult; but, with courage and readiness for anything, those who take it upon themselves, in reality it becomes very easy. And what is especially surprising in this philosophy is that the one who sincerely and ardently passes through it among the raging sea floats completely quietly and safely, amid the turmoil arising from everywhere, enjoys complete calm and among the countless number of arrows directed from everywhere remains completely unharmed, taking, of course, blows upon himself, but without feeling any harm from them. Reap, knowing this and always being guided by your wisdom, the unfading joy of expecting the crowns prepared for you by God for your good deeds. Constantly write to us as soon as possible and notify us about your health, both mental and physical. Use all your free time to read the Holy Scriptures and occupy yourself with them as much as the painful condition of your eyes allows, so that if we ever have time to begin explaining its meaning to your noble soul, we can undertake it with sufficient convenience; Knowing the letter of Scripture will greatly help you to better understand the meaning contained in it over time. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: