Letter 11: The Creator and Governor of all the universe has made you a light to the world, and changed deep, moonless night...

To Flavianus, Bishop of Constantinople. The Creator and Governor of all the universe has made you a light to the world, and changed deep, moonless night into the brightness of noon. Just as the beacon fire beside the harbor mouth shows sailors in the darkness where the safe anchorage lies, so the bright ray of Your Holiness shines out to comfort all who are under attack for the sake of true religion, and shows them the safe haven of the apostolic faith. Those who already knew it are filled with courage; those who did not are saved from the rocks. I am especially bound to praise the giver of all good things, because I have found in you a noble champion who drives out the fear of men by the power of the fear of God — who fights wholeheartedly in the front rank for the teachings of the Gospel, and who bears the weight of the apostolic struggle gladly. Today every tongue speaks your praises, my lord, for it is not only the children of true religion who admire the purity of your faith — even your enemies sing the courage of your witness. Falsehood vanishes in the lightning flash of truth. I write this knowing that the very reverend and devout Hypatius the reader both obeys your every command and speaks constantly of your praiseworthy deeds. I salute you, holy one, beloved of God. Support us with your prayers, I beg you, that we may spend the rest of our lives according to God's laws.

Letter 11