Letter 121

121. To Theodotus, Bishop of Nicopolis

The winter has been severe and prolonged to the utmost, so that not even the consolations that come by letter are easily available to us. Hence I know that I have but seldom both written to your reverence and received letters. But since our most beloved brother Sanctissimus, the fellow-presbyter, has undertaken the journey as far as you, through him I greet your orderly self, and beg you to pray for me and to lend your ear to the aforesaid man, so that you may learn from him in what state the affairs of the churches are, and may bring what diligence you can to the matters before us.

Know, too, that Faustus came to us bearing letters from the Pope, asking that he be made bishop. But when we asked for the testimony of your reverence and of the rest of the bishops, he despised us and went off to Anthimus, and, having received ordination from him, returned without any commendation from us.