Letter 202: Under other circumstances I should think it a special privilege to meet with your reverence, but above all now, when the business which brings us together is of such great importance. But so much of my illness as still clings to me is enough to prevent my stirring ever so short a distance. I tried to drive as far as the martyrs and had a relaps...

Basil of CaesareaAmphilochius, of Iconium|c. 369 AD|basil caesarea
illness
Persecution or exile
From: Basil, Bishop of Caesarea
To: Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium
Date: ~369 AD
Context: Basil, still too ill to travel, tries to reach a martyrs' shrine and suffers a relapse, asking Amphilochius to proceed without him if the matter is urgent.

Under other circumstances I would count it a special privilege to meet with your reverence, but now above all, when the business that brings us together is so important. Yet what remains of my illness is enough to prevent me from stirring even the shortest distance. I tried to drive as far as the martyrs' shrine and had a relapse almost to my previous state.

You must forgive me, then. If the matter can wait a few days, I will, God willing, join you and share your concerns. If it is urgent, do what needs to be done, with God's help -- but count me as present with you in spirit and as a participant in your worthy work.

May you, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, be preserved for God's Church -- strong, joyful in the Lord, and praying for me.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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