Letter 50005: To the most merciful Emperor Theodosius — from the Council assembled at Aquileia.

From: The Council of Aquileia (led by Ambrose of Milan) To: Emperor Theodosius Date: ~381 AD Context: A third conciliar letter specifically to Theodosius, urging him to settle the disputed see of Antioch, where rival Catholic bishops had created a painful schism even among those who agreed on doctrine. To the most merciful Emperor Theodosius — from the Council assembled at Aquileia. Most gracious Emperor, we write to you about Antioch [the great see in Syria, one of the five patriarchal centers of early Christianity], where the divisions among Catholics themselves cause us the deepest grief. It is not heresy that divides Antioch but rivalry — and rivalry among men who profess the same faith is harder to heal than outright error. The venerable Paulinus [bishop of the "Old Nicene" faction in Antioch] holds the see by right of long tenure and unbroken orthodoxy. Yet others support Flavian [leader of a rival Catholic party]. Both confess the Nicene Creed. Both condemn Arianism. But they cannot sit at the same altar, and the scandal of their division reaches every corner of the East. We ask your piety to intervene — not by imposing a solution through force, but by encouraging the convening of a council where these men can be reconciled. The Church cannot preach unity to the world while its own bishops refuse to share communion with one another. Whatever is decided, let it be decided in charity and in accordance with the ancient canons. We pledge our support for any resolution that preserves orthodoxy and restores peace. May the Lord bless your Empire with the peace you seek for his Church.

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