Letter 118: To the Archdeacon of Rome,

To the Archdeacon of Rome, A terrible storm has struck our churches, but the defenders of the apostolic faith have in your holiness a safe and quiet harbor. You not only champion the doctrines of the Gospel but also rightly detest the wrong done to me. I was living far away -- a full thirty-five days' journey -- when I was condemned at the whim of those most "righteous" judges. They have abandoned the teaching that has prevailed in the churches since the coming of God our Savior. They have introduced a new and counterfeit doctrine, diametrically opposed to the apostolic tradition, and are openly at war with everyone who holds to the ancient teaching. I ask you, most godly sir, to kindle the zeal of the most sacred and holy archbishop [Pope Leo], so that the churches of the East may also benefit from your care. Above all, fight for the faith delivered from the beginning by the holy apostles. Preserve our fathers' inheritance unimpaired. Scatter the fog that oppresses us and give us bright sunshine in place of this moonless night. Condemn the wickedness of the unjust slaughter carried out against us. It would be a fitting addition to your holiness's other good deeds.

Letter 118