Sophronius Master

Sophronius, referred to as 'Sophronius Master' in this collection, appears 6 times as a recipient of Basil of Caesarea's letters. He was likely a magister officiorum or other high-ranking official in the Eastern imperial administration. Basil wrote to Sophronius on matters requiring imperial intervention — tax relief for Cappadocia, legal cases involving clergy, and the practical needs of his diocese. The letters reveal the constant negotiation between episcopal and imperial authority that characterized the fourth-century Eastern church.
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Letters sent
6
Letters received
6
Total letters
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Correspondents

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All letters (6)

From Basil of Caesareac. 359

Our God — beloved brother, Gregory the bishop, shares the troubles of the times, for he too, like everybody else, is distressed at successive outrages, and resembles a man buffeted by unexpected blows. For men who have no fear of God, possibly forced by the greatness of their troubles, are reviling him, on the ground that they have lent Cæsariu...

basil caesarea #32
From Basil of Caesareac. 361

The greatness of the calamities, which have befallen our native city, did seem likely to compel me to travel in person to the court, and there to relate, both to your excellency and to all those who are most influential in affairs, the dejected state in which Cæsarea is lying. But I am kept here alike by ill-health and by the care of the Churche...

basil caesarea #76
From Basil of Caesareac. 362

Who ever loved his city, honouring with filial love the place which gave him birth and nurture, as you do; praying for the whole city together, and for every one in it individually, and not merely praying but confirming your prayers by your own means? For this you are able to effect by God's help, and long, good man that you are, may you be able...

basil caesarea #96
From Basil of Caesareac. 367

There is no need for me to say how much I was delighted by your letter. Your own words will enable you to conjecture what I felt on receiving it. You have exhibited to me in your letter, the first fruits of the Spirit, love.

basil caesarea #172
From Basil of Caesareac. 368

With your extraordinary zeal in good deeds you have written to me to say that you yourself owe me double thanks; first, for getting a letter from me, and secondly, for doing me a service. What thanks, then, must not I owe you, both for reading your most delightful words, and for finding what I hoped for so quickly accomplished! The message was e...

basil caesarea #192
From Basil of Caesareac. 373

1. It has been reported to me by Actiacus the deacon, that certain men have moved you to anger against me, by falsely stating me to be ill-disposed towards your excellency. I cannot be astonished at a man in your position being followed by certain sycophants.

basil caesarea #272