Letter 118

From: Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrrhus To: The Archdeacon of Rome [a senior figure in the Roman church hierarchy] Date: ~449 AD Context: Theodoret appeals to the Archdeacon of Rome for help against his condemnation at Ephesus, asking him to encourage Pope Leo to act on behalf of the Eastern churches. To the Archdeacon of Rome, A terrible storm has struck our churches, but the defenders of the apostolic faith have in your holiness a safe and quiet harbor. You not only champion the doctrines of the Gospel but also rightly detest the wrong done to me. I was living far away -- a full thirty-five days' journey -- when I was condemned at the whim of those most "righteous" judges. They have abandoned the teaching that has prevailed in the churches since the coming of God our Savior. They have introduced a new and counterfeit doctrine, diametrically opposed to the apostolic tradition, and are openly at war with everyone who holds to the ancient teaching. I ask you, most godly sir, to kindle the zeal of the most sacred and holy archbishop [Pope Leo], so that the churches of the East may also benefit from your care. Above all, fight for the faith delivered from the beginning by the holy apostles. Preserve our fathers' inheritance unimpaired. Scatter the fog that oppresses us and give us bright sunshine in place of this moonless night. Condemn the wickedness of the unjust slaughter carried out against us. It would be a fitting addition to your holiness's other good deeds.

Letter 118 Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more — all for only $19.99... To the Archdeacon of Rome. A terrible storm has attacked our churches, but the adherents of the apostolic faith have in your holiness a safe and quiet haven. Not only do you champion the cause of the doctrines of the Gospel, but you utterly detest the wrong done to me. I was living far away at a distance of thirty-five days' journey, when I was condemned at their good pleasure by those most righteous judges. Teaching which has obtained in the churches from the coming of God our Saviour till this day they have abandoned. They have introduced a novel and bastard doctrine, diametrically contrary to the tradition of the apostles, and are openly at war with them that hold to the ancient instruction. Deign, then, most godly sir, to kindle the zeal of the very sacred and holy archbishop, that the churches of the East too may enjoy your kindly care. Above all fight in behalf of the faith delivered from the beginning by the holy apostles; preserve the heritage of our fathers unimpaired, and scatter the mist that oppresses us. Give us instead of moonless night clear sunshine, and condemn the wickedness of the massacre unrighteously wrought against us. It is becoming to your holiness to add yet this act of zeal to your other good deeds.