Letter from Valeria to Apa Paphnouthios asking prayers for healing TM 32659unbekanntMitte IV

[recto] To the most honoured and Christ-bearing Apa Paphnouthios, adorned with every virtue. Valeria, greetings in Christ. I ask and beseech you, most honoured father, to request for me […] from Christ, and that I may receive healing. Thus I believe that through your prayers I receive healing, for revelations are shown to those who practise asceticism and devotion. For I am afflicted with a great illness, a terrible shortness of breath. For thus I have believed and believe that if you pray over me I receive healing. I beseech God, I beseech you also: remember me in your holy prayer. Even if I have not come to your feet in body, in spirit I have come to your feet. I greet my daughters, and remember them in your holy prayer, Bassiane and Theoklia. My husband also greets you much, and pray over him. And my whole household greets you. I pray for your health, most honoured father. [verso] To the most honoured father Apa Paphnoutios, from his daughter Valeria.