Letter 77

Isidore of PelusiumUnknown|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: An unnamed person (Timothy's sibling)
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore writes a eulogy for a holy man named Timothy.

Your blessed brother Timothy has departed from among us, leaving behind everything mortal in the earth but walking the heavens with his soul — and, as I believe, dancing with the divine and supercosmic powers. Therefore let us moderate our grief, even though it is immense, as far as we are able. We do not mourn as those who have no hope [1 Thessalonians 4:13]. Timothy did not cease to exist — he changed his address. He left a house of clay for a house not made with hands. Grieve for yourself, if you must — for you have lost his company. But do not grieve for him — he has gained everything.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.