Letter 248

248. To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.

When we look to our own desire, we are grieved at being so far separated from your Reverence; but when we look to the peacefulness of your way of life, we give thanks to the Lord, who has snatched your Reverence from this conflagration, which has consumed more of our region. For the just judge gave us, according to our works, an angel of Satan, sufficiently buffeting us, and vehemently championing the heresy; and he has carried the war against us so far as not even to spare the blood of those who have believed in God. For surely it did not escape your love that a certain Asclepius, because he would not choose communion with Doeg, being struck by them, died under the blows—or rather, through the blows was translated to life. And consider all the rest to follow upon that: persecutions of presbyters and teachers, and all the other things that men would do who use the power that comes from office for their own will. But the release from these things the Lord will give us by your prayers, and the endurance also, so that we may bear the weight of the trials worthily of our hope in him.

And do you yourself count us worthy to write to us continually about your own affairs. And if you find anyone of those faithful to you who is able to convey the book we have laboured over, count us worthy to send for it, so that, taking courage from your judgement, we may send it abroad into the hands of others as well. In good health, in good cheer in the Lord, praying earnestly, may you be granted to me and to the Church of the Lord, by the grace of the Holy One.