Letter 171: Ep. CLXXI. To Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium.
Scarcely yet released from the pains of my illness, I hasten to you — the guardian of my healing. For the tongue of a priest meditating on the Lord raises the sick. Do, then, the greater thing that your priestly ministry allows: loose the great weight of my sins when you lay hold of the Sacrifice of the Resurrection. When with a bloodless cutting you divide the Body and Blood of the Lord, using your voice as the blade — remember me.
Your affairs are a care to me whether I am waking or sleeping. You have been to me a good plectrum, and you have made a well-tuned lyre to dwell within my soul, for by your many letters you have trained my mind in the things of God. Do not cease to pray for me, most reverend friend, and to plead for me when you draw down the Word by your word.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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