Dear sister Olympia,
please listen to what I want to tell you. Why are you so worried, sad, and anxious? Is it because the storm that weighs upon the church is strong and ominous, shrouding everything in perpetual darkness? Is it because it is nearing its peak? Is it because each day brings us the terrifying specter of shipwreck, while the whole world around us crashes into ruins? (…)
Although I am well aware of all this misery, I have never ceased to hope. I always keep the Supreme Helmsman in mind. And if He is slow to act, it is simply His decision. He will not deliver us from danger the moment we are threatened, but will drive it away when it is close to its peak, at the time when everyone has already given up hope.
Do not be discouraged by what is happening. You should fear only one thing that tempts you, and that is sin. Everything else is meaningless: conspiracies, quarrels, betrayals, lies, accusations, confiscations, exile, sharp swords, the dangers of the sea, or the threat of war. Nothing lasts forever. All of this will pass. The present may be happy or sad, but surely it will not last eternally. (…)
Do not worry about these things. Instead, call out again and again to Jesus, whom you love, and ask Him to turn to you. Then your sorrow will vanish in an instant.
Your
John
(John Chrysostom /349–407/, letter from exile, June 404)
