Letter 4024: Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol.
Gregory to Zabardas, Duke of Sardinia.
From the letters of my brother and fellow bishop Felix, and of the servant of God Cyriacus, we have learned of your Glory's fine qualities. We give great thanks to Almighty God that Sardinia has such a duke — one who knows how to fulfill his duty to the state in earthly matters while also showing proper reverence to Almighty God for the sake of the heavenly homeland.
They have written to tell me that you are negotiating peace terms with the Barbaricini on conditions that would bring these same Barbaricini into the service of Christ. This fills me with great joy, and, if it pleases Almighty God, I will promptly report your accomplishments to our most serene emperors.
Continue what you have begun. Show the devotion of your heart to Almighty God, and give every possible support to those we have sent to your region for the conversion of the Barbaricini. Know that such efforts will strengthen your standing both before our earthly rulers and in the eyes of the heavenly King.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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