Letter 9066: Those who have returned from the Istrian schism [a schism in northern Italy and the Balkans over the Council of...

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Anatolius, Constantinopolitan|c. 595 AD|Pope Gregory the Great|AI-assisted
donatism

Gregory to Anatolius, deacon.

Those who have returned from the Istrian schism [a schism in northern Italy and the Balkans over the Council of Constantinople in 553 — many bishops and communities refused to accept the Fifth Ecumenical Council's condemnation of the Three Chapters] to the church's unity are to be treated with generosity and welcome.

The return of those who have been separated is a cause for rejoicing, not suspicion. They have made a difficult decision and should be supported in it. See that they receive favorable treatment and that their return is made as easy as possible.

Those who are considering returning but have not yet done so should see in the treatment of those who have returned what awaits them. Be generous precisely because it matters for the others.
Gregory

AI-assisted translation — This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.

Latin / Greek Original

AD ANATOLIUM DIACONUM.

Ex latrig schisemate ad Ecclesia unitatem reversis
ſaveatr.

Gregorius Anatolio diacono Constantinopolitano.

Latores presentium , qui * de Istricorum schis-
mate ad unitatem Ecclesizz Deo miserante reversi
sunt, multa de pravitate episcoporam JggFZ qui in
illis partibus sunt conqueruntur. EL quia ea pro re
Constantinopolim ſeslinantes tua $ibi petunt adesse
debere solatia, dilectionem tam his hortamur affa-
tibus, ut eis +alva ralione solatiari debeat atque con-
currere ; quatenus te opitulante et minus illic fati-
gari, et quod justum est ſacilius valeant adipisci.

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