Letter 94: In this letter (translated into Latin by Jerome) Dionysius, bishop of Lydda, praises Theophilus for his signal victories over Origenism and urges him to continue his efforts against that heresy. Written in 400 A.D. About this page Source.
Dionysius, Bishop of Lydda, to Theophilus of Alexandria — greetings in the Lord.
(Translated from the Greek by Jerome)
The news of your victories against Origenism has filled us with joy and renewed our courage. You have done what many of us barely dared to hope: you have named the heresy plainly, condemned it formally, and driven its promoters from their positions of influence. The Church owes you a debt that cannot easily be repaid in words.
Do not relent now. The serpent has been wounded, not killed. Those who spread Origen's errors are resourceful, well-connected, and unashamed. They will regroup, find new patrons, and present themselves as innocent victims of episcopal tyranny. You know better, and so do we. Continue the work. We stand with you and will follow your lead in whatever further action the cause requires.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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Jerome congratulates Theophilus on the success of his crusade against Origenism, and speaks of the good work done in Palestine by his emissaries Priscus and Eubulus. He then (by a singular change in his sentiments) asks Theophilus to forgive John of Jerusalem for having unwittingly received an excommunicated Egyptian. The date of the Letter is 4...
The synodical letter of the council of Jerusalem sent to Theophilus in reply to the preceding. The translation as before is due to Jerome. The following is an epitome: We have done all that you wished, and Palestine is almost wholly free from the taint of heresy.