Letter 178

From: Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrrhus To: Alexander, Bishop of Hierapolis Date: ~433 AD Context: A brief but forceful declaration of loyalty. Theodoret assures Alexander that he has refused to consent to Nestorius's condemnation or to violate the pledges made at Tarsus, Chalcedon, and Ephesus. To Alexander of Hierapolis, I believe that more than anyone else, the most holy and venerable bishop, my lord John [of Antioch], must have been gratified by my refusal either to consent to the condemnation of the most holy and venerable bishop Nestorius, or to violate the pledges we made at Tarsus, Chalcedon, and Ephesus. He also remembers what was repeatedly communicated to us at Antioch after our departure. Let no one deceive your holiness into thinking I would ever do this. God is without doubt on my side and strengthening me.

Letter 178 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... Letter to Alexander of Hierapolis. I think that more than all the very holy and venerable bishop, my lord John, must have been gratified at my refusing either to give my consent to the condemnation of the very holy and venerable bishop Nestorius or to violate the pledges made at Tarsus, Chalcedon and Ephesus. He remembers also what was frequently received from us at Antioch after our departure. Let no one therefore deceive your holiness into the belief that I should ever do this, for God is without doubt on my side and strengthening me.