Letter 172

From: Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrrhus To: Nestorius [the deposed Patriarch of Constantinople, now in exile] Date: ~433 AD Context: A remarkable and delicate letter to the exiled Nestorius. Theodoret tells him honestly that Cyril's new conciliatory letter is orthodox, but firmly refuses to consent to Nestorius's condemnation, and assures him of unwavering personal loyalty. To Nestorius, Your holiness is, I think, well aware that I take no pleasure in social distinction, nor in the advantages of this life, nor in reputation, nor am I drawn to other episcopal sees. If I had learned this lesson from no other source, the sheer remoteness of the city I am called to govern would be enough to teach me this philosophy. It is known not only for its isolation but also for the many disturbances that would dampen the enthusiasm of even the most eager. Let no one persuade your holiness, then, that I accepted the Egyptian writings as orthodox with my eyes shut because I covet some other see. In truth, after reading and carefully examining them many times, I have found them free of all heretical taint. I have hesitated to press any objection, though I certainly have no personal affection for their author, who was the originator of the disturbances that have shaken the world. For this honest assessment I hope to escape punishment on the day of judgment, since the just Judge examines our motives. But to what has been done unjustly and illegally against your holiness -- not even if someone were to cut off both my hands would I ever consent, God's grace helping me and strengthening my weakness. This I have stated in writing to those who demand it. I have sent your holiness my reply to what you wrote me, so you may know that, by God's grace, no circumstance has changed me. I am not like centipedes and chameleons that take on the color of whatever stones and leaves they live among. I and all who are with me greet all the brothers who are with you in the Lord.

Letter 172 Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more — all for only $19.99... Letter of Theodoretus to Nestorius. To the very reverend and religious lord and very holy Father, Nestorius, the bishop Theodoretus sends greeting in the Lord. Your holiness is, I think, well aware that I take no pleasure in cultivated society, nor in the interests of this life, nor in reputation, nor am I attracted by other sees. Had I learned this lesson from no other source, the very solitude of the city over which I am called to preside would suffice to teach me this philosophy. It is not indeed distinguished only for solitude, but also by very many disturbances which may check the activity even of those who most delight in them. Let no one therefore persuade your holiness that I have accepted the Egyptian writings as orthodox, with my eyes shut, because I covet any see. For really, to speak the truth, after frequently reading and carefully examining them, I have discovered that they are free from all heretical taint, and I have hesitated to put any stress upon them, though I certainly have no love for their author, who was the originator of the disturbances which have agitated the world. For this I hope to escape punishment in the day of Judgment, since the just Judge examines motives. But to what has been done unjustly and illegally against your holiness, not even if one were to cut off both my hands would I ever assent, God's grace helping me and supporting my infirmity. This I have stated in writing to those who require it. I have sent to your holiness my reply to what you wrote to me, that you may know that, by God's grace, no time has changed me like the centipedes and chameleons who imitate by their color the stones and leaves among which they live. I and all with me salute all the Brotherhood who are with you in the Lord.