Letter 1: Untitled

[1] ... not less than what is fitting. The humble labors of your diligence have been accomplished, so that by this power, and to touch upon my thought, not in a mortal manner, a perfect debt of your zeal, which also in another wisdom was increased, that which after the labor of deeds is established, but immediately and in that very goodness of the perfection of your great love, it became for me to be delighted, when the fruits of humility of choice in the time of righteousness were rewarded, upon the foundations of the hidden mysteries of the grace of God, and the bitterness of the air from the winter of afflictions is changed into the joy of consolation, and we laugh at the pride in the salvation from the great sun of righteousness. Then your mouth was filled with laughter and your tongue with praise, and then you said among the peoples, "May the Lord increase to do with these," and you also said fittingly, "May the Lord increase to do for you," and you were in joy, to whom glory forever, amen. For when the wise man wisely asks after the peace of your beloved ones, with a few lines upon the paper, as is fitting, for not even if they had written to you would this have been enough for you. For I, at one time, was enslaved to the love of your honor, and I consider the excellent goodness that I have towards you to be sufficient. For I, at one time, was enslaved to the love of your honor, and I consider the excellent goodness that I have towards you to be sufficient for the labor of your memorials, because by this merchandise of paper I have now thought to touch upon your person, and I do not think that the diligence of my mind is wearied from your side. If, therefore, you wish that I should touch upon these things in this manner, do not let the good gift of your thoughts be withheld from those who are accustomed to think upon your health. Ask after the peace of the state of your labors. All the saints of your congregation ask after your peace.

... not less than what is fitting. The humble labors of your diligence have been accomplished, so that by this power, and to touch upon my thought, not in a mortal manner, a perfect debt of your zeal, which also in a manner that does not diminish from what is fitting for the supplication on my behalf. Through the offering of the holy mysteries, and the completion, moreover, of the divine liturgy, by the prayers of those who are like you in the mercy of his grace, may it be fulfilled.