Theodoret of Cyrrhus → Irenæus

Theodoret to Andreas, Bishop of Samosata.

The storm that assails the churches does not abate, and the clouds grow thicker by the day. Those who should be pilots steering the ship through the tempest seem instead to be drilling holes in the hull. But let us not lose heart. He who rebuked the winds and the sea and brought a great calm has not forgotten His Church.

I have received the letters Your Holiness sent, and I thank you for your concern and your counsel. The news you share both grieves and heartens me — grieves me because the faithful suffer, and heartens me because they suffer bravely and hold fast to the truth.

Let us continue to pray for one another, and let us not grow weary of the good fight. The crown is for those who endure to the end.