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

at Constantinople, 3077 the famous one; another at Lampsacus, 3078 then that of Nike in
Thrace; 3079 and now again the creed of Cyzicus. 3080 Of this last I know nothing, except
that I am told that they have suppressed the homoousion, and are supporting the like in essence,
while they subscribe with Eunomius the blasphemies against the Holy Spirit. Although
all of the creeds which I have enumerated may not be opposed to one another, yet they alike
exhibit the inconsistency of the men’s minds, from their never standing by the same words.
I have said nothing as to countless other points, but this that I do say is true. Now that they
have gone over to you, I beg you to write back by the same man, I mean our fellow presbyter
Strategius, whether you have remained in the same mind towards me, or whether you have
been alienated in consequence of your meeting them. For it was not likely that they would
be silent, nor that you yourself, after writing to me as you have, would not use free speaking
to them too. If you remain in communion with me, it is well; it is what I would most earnestly
pray for. If they have drawn you over to them, it is sad. How should separation from such
a brother not be sad? If in nothing else, at least in bearing losses like this, we have been
considerably tried at their hands.
3077 In 360, when the Acacians triumphed, and Eustathius with other Semiarians were deposed. The Creed
of Ariminum, as revised at Nike, was accepted.
3078 In 364, when the Creeds of Ariminum and Constantinople were condemned by the Semiarians, and the
Dedication Creed was reaffirmed.
3079 The Creed of Nike in Thrace was the Creed of Arminum revised, and it seems out of order to mention
it after Lampsacus.
3080 In 375 or 6. This is the formula referred to in Letter ccli. 4, as the latest. On the variety of Creeds, cf. p.
48, n.
To Patrophilus, bishop of Ægæ.
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