Letter 120

120. To Meletius, Bishop of Antioch

I have received letters from the most God-beloved bishop Eusebius, directing that the Westerns be written to again concerning certain ecclesiastical matters. And he wished the letter to be drafted by us, but signed by all who are in communion. Since, then, I did not find how to write concerning what he enjoined, I have forwarded the memorandum to your godliness, that, having both read it and given heed to what is reported by the most beloved brother Sanctissimus, our fellow-presbyter, you yourself may deign, as seems good to you, to draft something concerning these matters — we being ready both to agree with it and quickly to have it carried round to those in communion, so that the one who is to set out to the bishops in the West may go bearing the signatures of all. Command that what seems good to your holiness be made known to us quickly, so that we may not be ignorant of your decisions.

Concerning the things being contrived, or already devised, against us in Antioch, the same brother will report to your honour, unless the report of what has happened, getting there first, makes the deeds plain. For the expectation of the outcome of these threats is near. I wish your reverence to know that the brother Anthimus has ordained Faustus, the companion of the Pope, as bishop — without even receiving votes — ordaining him to the place of the most reverend brother Cyril, so as to fill Armenia with factions. Therefore, that they may not falsely accuse us, nor that we ourselves be held to blame for the disorder of what has happened, I have made these things known to your honoured self. And it is plain that you too will deign to make them known to the rest. For I think this disorder will grieve many.