Nicene and Post-Nicene Church Fathers Series 2 - The Still Small ...

To Atarbius. 2419
Letter CXXVI. 2418
On arriving at Nicopolis in the double hope of settling the disturbances which had
arisen, and applying a remedy, as far as possible, to measures taken in a disorderly manner
and in violation of the law of the Church, I was exceedingly disappointed at failing to meet
you. I heard that you had hurriedly withdrawn, and actually from the very synod which
was being held by you. I am, therefore, under the necessity of having recourse to writing,
and by this letter I bid you present yourself before me, that you may in person apply some
remedy to the pain which I felt, even unto death, on hearing that you had ventured on action,
in the very middle of the church, of the like of which I hitherto have never heard. All this,
although painful and serious, is endurable, as having happened to a man who has committed
the punishment due for his sufferings to God, and is wholly devoted to peace and to preventing
harm falling from any fault of his on God’s people. Since, however, some honourable
brethren, worthy of all credit, have told me that you have introduced certain innovations
into the faith, and have spoken against sound doctrine, I am under the circumstances the
more agitated, and above measure anxious, lest, in addition to the countless wounds which
have been inflicted on the Church by traitors to the truth of the Gospel, yet a further
calamity should spring up in the renewal of the ancient heresy of Sabellius, the enemy of
the Church; for to this the brethren have reported your utterances to be akin. I have,
therefore, written to charge you not to shrink from undertaking a short journey to come to
me, and, by giving me full assurance in the matter, at once to alleviate my pangs, and to
solace the Churches of God, which are now pained to a grave, nay an unendurable extent,
at your actions and your reported words.
2418 Placed in 373.
2419 Bishop of Neocæsarea. VideLetter lxv.
To Atarbius.
568