161. К заключенным в Халкидоне епископам, пресвитерам и диаконам 119

Blessed are you both for your bonds and for the feelings with which you endure the bonds, showing apostolic courage in the midst of them. So the apostles, being scourged, persecuted, and imprisoned, endured all this with great joy. But they not only endured this with great joy, but at the same time did their work among the bonds, caring for the entire universe. Therefore, I earnestly ask your love not to lag behind them in this regard: but the more your sufferings cause you pain, the more show your zeal in continuous concern for the churches throughout the universe, for the proper correction of their present situation, and do not give up hope, looking back at your small number and at the ubiquity of persecution. Your suffering will gain you more boldness from God, and therefore will bring you more strength. Act, taking advantage of opportunities, zealously, and both directly through your own efforts and through others, through whomever is possible, try in word and deed to dispel the storm that has come. Perhaps your diligence will bring the greatest benefit; but even if it did not bring anything, then you will have a reward from the man-loving God for your good intention and diligence. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” It is believed to have been written on the road to Kukuz in the year 404. You might be interested in: