Letter 75: To the Clergy of Beroea [modern Aleppo],
To the Clergy of Beroea [modern Aleppo],
I see that my warm feelings toward your reverences are well founded, for your kind letter has assured me that my affection is returned. There are many reasons for this affection of mine.
First, your father -- that great and apostolic man -- was my father too. Second, I regard the truly devout bishop who now governs your church as a brother, in both blood and sympathy. Third, our cities are near neighbors. Fourth, our frequent dealings with one another naturally create friendship and, once created, strengthen it. If you like, I will add a fifth: we share the same relationship as the tongue has with the ears -- the one uttering speech, the other receiving it. For you listen most gladly to my words, and I am happy to let fall my small contribution.
But the crown of our union is our harmony in the faith: our refusal to accept any counterfeit doctrines, our preservation of the ancient apostolic teaching -- a tradition brought to you by venerable wisdom and nourished by the hard labor of virtue.
I urge you, then, to take even greater care of the flock: preserve it unharmed for the Shepherd, and boldly speak the famous words of the patriarch: "That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you" [Genesis 31:39 -- Jacob's declaration that he never passed off a loss as unavoidable].
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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