Letter 12

To Cyril. Go, brother Cyril, to your mother Church — from which you were not excommunicated, only separated for a period measured to match your failings. I am sure our late, holy Father [Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria] would have taken this step long ago if death had not come too soon. To shorten your penalty was clearly the act of a heart already inclined to pardon. Consider that the sacred priest himself has given you permission to return. Approach God with a soul free of suffering and cleared of guilt. Hold in blessed memory that holy elder, dear to God, who appointed you a leader of his people. May all of this bring you joy.

Letter 12: Congratulations [1] To Cyril Go, my brother Cyril, to your mother Church, from whom you have not been excommunicated, but only separated for a period which is measured according to that which your shortcomings deserve. [2] I feel sure that our common Father of holy memory note [Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria.] would have taken this step long ago if the fatal hour had not come too soon; for to shorten the term of your penalty was clearly the act of one whose heart prompted him to pardon. [3] Consider then that that sacred priest himself has given you permission to return, and approach God with a soul free from suffering and enjoying amnesty from evil. Hold, moreover, in all happy memory that sacred elder clear to God, who appointed you a leader of the people. May all this be not without joy to you!