Letter 74: Part of the papal correspondence surrounding the Acacian Schism (484-519), the major breach between Rome and...

Since it is in our mind, most religious father, that in every matter our counsels should run together, so too regarding Helias [Elias], the most reverend bishop, we believe that what should be established — with your legates advising — is what has been seen to be more expedient between the various reasons on both sides. For in the present the bishop of the city of Caesarea is defended by the support of all, whom on account of his most excellent conduct not only the inhabitants think ought to be most resolutely retained, but practically the entire East venerates without doubt; while he who was previously in the same priesthood complains that he was removed unjustly. It has therefore seemed fitting that we neither make an assault against the wishes of innumerable multitudes, nor that a man distinguished by integrity be cast down from a see of which he shows himself worthy, nor that we allow hope to be utterly taken from the former of recovering once more the position from which he asserts he was despoiled without cause, but that we proceed more temperately in a doubtful matter — in such a way that for the time being this same Helias, the most reverend bishop, should remain in peace, but after his successor has departed this life, only then should he return to the see from which he was removed, with all the requirements being first observed that the definitions of the most sacred canons demand for obtaining permission to return, and with the consent also being interposed of both your apostolic see and of this most flourishing city, as well as of others to whom this matter pertains. Regarding Thomas and Nicostratus, the most devout bishops, all things will be put into effect after the remaining venerable churches have also been joined to you in unity — things which, with heavenly protection going before, we shall have determined ought to be established, likewise in accordance with the order of the most sacred canons. Since therefore it was fitting that our deliberation should also be made known to your holiness, so that from this also the desire might be made clear in which we direct every effort toward settling and moderating controversies and extending the desired concord among all, we have deemed it right to send the present letter as well, urging especially that the heavenly power be entreated by your prayers for the unharmed state of the republic.

lusTixVus AUGUSTus HORBnsDAE PAPAE. Cum iu auimo nobis sit, pater religiosissime, ut in omni re nostra inter se concur- rant consilia, tum et in Helia uiro reuerentissimo episcopo id constituendum credimus legatis admonentibus uestris, quod 25 inter uarias utrasque rationes expeditius esse perspectum est. nam et in praesenti pontificem Caesariensium urbis fauor tutatur oranium, quem ob instituta pulcherrima non solum incolae ualidissime retinendum arbitrantur sed prope cuuctus 5 caetera V, ' correxi 8 maxune eae scripst: maxim<» V, maxiinae uulgo 19 constatmop V rustitio cons V Ifm. Dat a. 520 die 7 lun, Edd. Car. P 534; CoUect. Concih; Thiel 914. 22 lustinianus typothetae errore Car. 26 utrimque Thiel perspectum cod. Angelic: prospectum V 27 fabor V 29 incoU^ V Epist. CLXXXXII 3 — CLXXXXIII 4. 651 Oriens sine dubio ueneratur, et qui prior in eodera fuit sacer- dotio iniuria se esse remotum queritur. uisum est itaque 2 conaenire, ut nec faciamus impetum contra infinitarum uota multitudinum aut homo integritate nobilis sede deiciatur, sqna se dignum exhibet, nec anteriori spem prorsus adimi patiamur repetendi locum denuo, quo se spoliatum sine causa confirmat, sed in re dubia temperatius uersemur, ita ut interim quidem hic idem Helias uir reuerentissimus episcopus in quiete permaneat, uerum postquam successor eius uitam lodeposuerit, tum demum ad sedem reuertatur qua destitit, adhibendis prius omnibus, quae ad impetrandam reditionis licentiam sacratissimarum regularum postulant definita, inter- ponendo etiam consensu tam tuae sedis apostolicae quam ilorentissimae huius urbis nec non aliarum, quarum hoc interest. 15 de Thoma etiam et Nicostrato uiris religiosissimis episcopis 3 omnia mancipabuntur effectui, postquam ceterae etiam uobis copulatae fuerint ad unitatem uenerabiles ecclesiae, quae praeeedente superno praesidio statuenda duxerimus pro sacratissimarum regularum itidem ordine. quoniam itaque 4 uestrae quoque sanctitudini deliberationem nostram oportuerat declarari, ut ex hac etiam patefiat desiderium, in quo omnem operam intendimus ad compescendas atque temperandas contro- uersias et optatam inter omnes concordiam prorogandam, praesentes quoque litteras duximus destinandas, monentes « praecipue, ut pro incolomi statu rei publicae numen supernum uestris exoretur precibus. Data VII. Idus lunias Constantino- poli Uitaliano et Rusticio conss. 2 iniarias ease "F, corr. p 6 quo se spoliatum Car.: quos expolia- tuni F, id quod in quo se expoliatum correxit p 7 temperantius p 10 qua I%iel: quia V 16 mantipabuntur V 17 ad unitatem Hartel: et ad unitatem F, et adunatae Thiel 18 superio T", corr. 23 op- tata F, corr. o 26 conatantinopoll V 27 cons V 652 Euphemia Hormisdae; Epiphanius Cpolitanus Hormisdae