NPNF2-08. Basil: Letters and Select Works - Holy Bible Institute

To Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria.To Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria.Letter LXVI. 2237No one, I feel sure, is more distressed at the present condition, or, rather to speak moretruly, ill condition of the Churches than your excellency; for you compare the present withthe past, and take into account how great a change has come about. You are well aware thatif no check is put to the swift deterioration which we are witnessing, there will soon benothing to prevent the complete transformation of the Churches. And if the decay of theChurches seems so pitiful to me, what must—so I have often in my lonely musings reflected—bethe feelings of one who has known, by experience, the old tranquillity of the Churchesof the Lord, and their one mind about the faith? But as your excellency feels most deeplythis distress, it seems to me only becoming that your wisdom should be more strongly movedto interest itself in the Church’s behalf. I for my part have long been aware, so far as mymoderate intelligence has been able to judge of current events, that the one way of safetyfor the Churches of the East lies in their having the sympathy of the bishops of the West.For if only those bishops liked to show the same energy on behalf of the Christians sojourningin our part of the world 2238 which they have shewn in the case of one or two of the menconvicted of breaches of orthodoxy in the West, our common interests would probably reapno small benefit, our sovereigns treating the authority of the people with respect, and thelaity in all quarters unhesitatingly following them. 2239 But, to carry out these objects, whohas more capacity than yourself, with your intelligence and prudence? Who is keener tosee the needful course to be taken? Who has more practical experience in working a profitablepolicy? Who feels more deeply the troubles of the brethren? What through all theWest is more honoured than your venerable gray hairs? 2240 O most honoured father, leavebehind you some memorial worthy of your life and character. By this one act crown yourinnumerable efforts on behalf of true religion. Despatch from the holy Church placed underyour care men of ability in sound doctrine to the bishops in the West. Recount to them thetroubles whereby we are beset. Suggest some mode of relief. Be a Samuel to the Churches.2237 Placed in 371. cf. Letter lxii.2238 ὑπὲρ τῆς παροικίας τῶν καθ᾽ ἡμᾶς μερῶν. On the use of παροικία in this sense, cf. Bp. Lightfoot, Ap.Fathers I. ii. 5. So Apollon. in Eus., H.E. v. 18. ἡ ἱδία παροικία, of the Christian society. Thus the meaning passesto parochia and parish.2239 “Them” is referred by the Ben. Ed. not to the sovereigns (τῶν κρατούντων they understand to meanValens) but to the Western bishops.2240 A various reading (“Tres mss. et secunda manu Medicœus,” Ben. Ed.) for πολιᾶς reads πολιτείας “thelife and conversation of your Holiness.”—Athanasius was now about 75. His death is placed in 373.485