Meletius, of Antioch

Meletius of Antioch (d. 381) was one of the most important — and most complicated — figures in the ecclesiastical politics of the fourth century. His contested election as bishop of Antioch created a schism that lasted decades and complicated the anti-Arian cause even among those who agreed on theology. He died during the Council of Constantinople in 381, where he had been presiding. He appears 7 times in this collection as a recipient of Basil's letters. Basil was a devoted supporter of Meletius and wrote to him about the political situation in the Eastern church, the need for Western support, and the challenge of maintaining Nicene orthodoxy against both Arian imperialism and the rival Nicene faction of Paulinus in Antioch. Meletius matters because the Antiochene schism was one of the most damaging divisions within the pro-Nicene camp, and Basil's letters to him document the frustration and determination of those trying to hold the orthodox coalition together despite internal divisions.
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Letters sent
8
Letters received
8
Total letters
2
Correspondents

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All letters (8)

From Libanius
libanius #231
From Basil of Caesareac. 360

If your holiness only knew the greatness of the happiness you cause me whenever you write to me, I know that you would never have let slip any opportunity of sending me a letter; nay, you would have written me many letters on each occasion, knowing the reward that is kept in store by our loving Lord for the consolation of the afflicted. Everythi...

basil caesarea #57
From Basil of Caesareac. 361

I wished to detain the reverend brother Dorotheus, the deacon, so long at my side, with the object of keeping him until the end of the negociations, and so by him acquainting your excellency with every detail. But day after day went by; the delay was becoming protracted; now, the moment that some plan, so far as is possible in my difficulties, h...

basil caesarea #68
From Basil of Caesareac. 362

1. The eagerness of my longing is soothed by the opportunities which the merciful God gives me of saluting your reverence. He Himself is witness of the earnest desire which I have to see your face, and to enjoy your good and soul-refreshing instruction.

basil caesarea #89
From Basil of Caesareac. 364

I have received a letter from the very God-beloved bishop Eusebius, in which he enjoins that a second letter be written to the Westerns about certain Church matters. He has expressed a wish that the letter should be drawn up by me, and signed by all those who are in communion. Having no means of writing a letter about these wishes of his, I have...

basil caesarea #120
From Basil of Caesareac. 364

1. I knew that the charge which had lately sprung up against the loquacious Apollinarius would sound strange in the ears of your excellency. I did not know myself, till now, that he was accused; at the present time, however, the Sebastenes, after search in some quarter or another, have brought these things forward, and they are carrying about a ...

basil caesarea #129
From Basil of Caesareac. 368

I am not able to flee from the discomforts of winter so well as cranes are, although for foreseeing the future I am quite as clever as a crane. But as to liberty of life the birds are almost as far ahead of me as they are in the being able to fly. In the first place I have been detained by certain worldly business; then I have been so wasted by ...

basil caesarea #193
From Basil of Caesareac. 369

Many other journeys have taken me from home. I have been as far as Pisidia to settle the matters concerning the brethren in Isauria in concert with the Pisidian bishops. Thence I journeyed into Pontus, for Eustathius had caused no small disturbance at Dazimon, and had caused there a considerable secession from our church.

basil caesarea #216