John Ryland’s Papyrus:
Beneath your compassion
we take refuge, Theotokos.
Our petitions do not despise in time of trouble,
but from dangers ransom us,
Only Holy, Only Blessed
3rd Century Letter [5]
Egypt, Circa AD 250
3rd Century Papyrus:
As we sing to Father Son and Holy Spirit, may all the powers join with us to say Amen. To the only giver of all good things be power and praise. Amen.
Probably Egyptian, 3rd Century AD hymn [4]
Origen of Alexandria:
Now supplication and plea and thanksgiving may be offered to people without impropriety. Two of them, namely pleading and thanksgiving, might be offered not only to saints but to people alone in general, whereas supplication should be offered to saints alone, should there be found a Paul or a Peter, who may benefit us and make us worthy to attain authority for the forgiveness of sins.
On Prayer, 14.6 [3]
Alexandria, Circa AD 253
St. Hippolytus of Rome:
Tell me, you three boys, remember me, I entreat you, that I also may obtain the same lot of martyrdom with you, who was the fourth person with you who was walking in the midst of the furnace and who was hymning to God with you as from one mouth? Describe to us his form and beauty so that we also, seeing him in the flesh, may recognize him.
Commentary on Daniel, 30.1[2]
Rome, Circa AD 202-211