[1:1] The Epistle of Ignatius to the Virgin Mary Her friend Ignatius to the Christ-bearing Mary.
[1:2] Thou oughtest to have comforted and consoled me who am a neophyte, and a disciple of thy beloved John.
[1:3] For I have heard things wonderful to tell respecting thy son Jesus, and I am astonished by such a report.
[1:4] But I desire with my whole heart to obtain information concerning the things which I have heard from thee, who wast always intimate and allied with Him, and who wast acquainted with all His secrets.
[1:5] I have also written to thee at another time, and have asked thee concerning the same things.
[1:6] Fare thou well; and let the neophytes who are with me be comforted of thee, and by thee, and in thee, Amen.