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

To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.Letter XCV. 2336To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.I had written some while since to your reverence about our meeting one another andother subjects, but I was disappointed at my letter not reaching your excellency, for afterthe blessed deacon Theophrastus had taken charge of the letter, on my setting out on anunavoidable journey, he did not convey it to your reverence, because he was seized by thesickness of which he died. Hence it happened that I was so late in writing, that, the timebeing now so exceedingly short, I did not look for there being much use in this letter. Thegodly bishop Meletius and Theodotus had strongly urged me to visit them, representingthat a meeting would be a proof of affection, and being wishful of remedying the troubleswhich are at present a cause of anxiety. 2337 They had appointed, as a time for our meeting,the middle of the approaching month of June, and for the place, Phargamus, a spot famousfor martyr’s glory and for the large number of people attending the synod there every year.Directly I returned and heard of the death of the blessed deacon, and that my letter was lyinguseless at home, I felt that I must not be idle, because thirty-three days were still remainingup to the appointed time, and so I hurriedly sent the letter to the very reverend Eustathius,my fellow minister, with the object of its being sent on by him to your reverence and ofgetting an answer without delay. If, then, it is possible and agreeable to you to come, I willcome too. If not, I, God willing, will pay the debt of meeting due from last year: unlesshaply some hindrance for my sins comes in the way again, in which case I must put off mymeeting with the bishops to another time.2336 Placed in 372.2337 Theodotus of Nicopolis was distressed at Basil’s being in communion with Eustathius.529