Letter 89: This letter (probably earlier in date than the three preceding) commends to Jerome the monk Theodore, who, having come from Rome to declare the condemnation of Origenism by the church there, had visited the monasteries of Nitria now purged of heresy, and wished before returning to the West to see the Holy Places as well. The date of the letter i...

Theophilus, Bishop of Alexandria, to his dear brother and colleague in the faith, the presbyter Jerome — greetings in the Lord. I have heard of the monk Theodore's plans — as has Your Holiness, I am sure — and I give them my full approval. He is about to sail back to Rome, but he refused to set out without first visiting you and the venerable brothers in your monastery, embracing you as his own family in Christ. I know you will rejoice at the news he brings: peace has been restored to the Church here. He has toured all the monasteries of Nitria and can give you a firsthand account of the monks' discipline and gentleness — and of how the Origenists have been routed and scattered, the Church's peace secured, and the Lord's order upheld. How I wish I could say the same for those in your own neighborhood who are said to be quietly undermining the truth. I feel compelled to warn you because the brothers near you seem genuinely confused about these men. Watch yourselves, therefore, and keep clear of anyone of that sort, as it is written: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring the Church's faith, do not welcome him." It may seem unnecessary to say all this to you, who are perfectly capable of recalling the erring to the truth. But it never does harm when those who care about the faith remind even the wise to stay vigilant. Please give my warmest greetings to all the brothers with you.

From Theophilus to Jerome This letter (probably earlier in date than the three preceding) commends to Jerome the monk Theodore, who, having come from Rome to declare the condemnation of Origenism by the church there, had visited the monasteries of Nitria now purged of heresy, and wished before returning to the West to see the Holy Places as well. The date of the letter is 400 A.D. Theophilus, bishop, to the well-beloved lord and most loving brother the presbyter Jerome. I have learned the project of the monk Theodore — which will be known also to your holiness— and I approve of it. Having to leave us on a voyage for Rome, he has been unwilling to set out without first visiting and embracing as his own flesh and blood you and the reverend brothers who are with you in the monastery. You will, I am sure, rejoice in the news with which he will meet your welcome, that quiet has been restored to the church here. He has seen all the monasteries of Nitria and can tell you of the continence and meekness of the monks in them; as also how the Origenists have been put down and scattered, how peace has been restored to the church, and how the discipline of the Lord is being upheld. How gladly would I see the mask of hypocrisy laid aside by those also who near you are said to be undermining the truth. I feel obliged to write thus because the brothers in your neighbourhood are mistaken concerning them. Wherefore take heed to yourselves and shun men of this type; even as it is written:— if any man bring not to you the faith of the church, bid him not God speed. It may, indeed, be superfluous to write thus to you who can recall the erring from their error, yet no harm is done when those careful for the faith admonish even the wise and learned. Kindly salute in my name all the brothers who are with you.