Letter 7

From: Pope Felix III, bishop of Rome To: The monks of Constantinople Date: ~485 AD Context: Felix writes to the Akoimetai (Sleepless Monks) of Constantinople — an influential monastic community known for their unwavering commitment to Chalcedonian orthodoxy — encouraging their resistance to Acacius. Felix, bishop of Rome, to the holy monks of Constantinople who keep faith with the Council of Chalcedon, greetings. We have heard of your courage and your steadfastness, and we want you to know that the church of Rome stands with you. In the confusion that follows the excommunication of Acacius — when many in Constantinople feel uncertain about what the correct course of action is and are looking for guidance from any authority they can find — your clear witness to the Chalcedonian faith is precious. A community of monks who will not compromise the faith regardless of political pressure speaks more powerfully than any number of letters or synodal decisions. We ask you to maintain this witness and to communicate to the faithful Christians of Constantinople that they are not alone — that the apostolic see of Rome regards them as brothers and sisters in the faith, that the separation that has been created is the separation of Acacius from the truth, not the separation of the people of Constantinople from the universal church. We commend you to God's protection, which you need more than we can provide. Felix, bishop of Rome, who prays for you