Letter 3

From: Pope Felix III, bishop of Rome (Synodal document) To: The Universal Church Date: ~484 AD Context: The formal synodal sentence against Acacius, representing the decision of the Roman synod convened to address the crisis — the collective action of the Western bishops behind Felix's act of excommunication. The holy synod assembled in Rome, under the presidency of the most blessed Bishop Felix, to all the churches of God, greetings in the Lord. We have assembled to consider the case of Acacius, bishop of Constantinople, and we have reached a determination that we now communicate to all the churches. The facts of the case: Acacius received into communion Peter Mongus of Alexandria, who had been condemned by the holy council of Chalcedon. Acacius supported the Henotikon, a formula that undermines the Chalcedonian definition of the faith. Acacius refused to respond adequately to the corrections and admonitions of this apostolic see. The legates sent from Rome to address this matter were suborned and compromised their mission, returning without having accomplished what they were sent to do. On the basis of these facts, this synod has determined that Acacius is to be considered separated from the communion of the Catholic Church. His name is to be struck from the diptychs [the lists of names commemorated in the liturgy] of the Roman church. He is no longer to be regarded as holding the episcopal office which his conduct has forfeited. This determination is made with sadness but without hesitation. The unity of the church is not preserved by compromising the faith; it is preserved by maintaining it. Given in Rome, by the holy synod.