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

To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata.Letter C. 2351To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata.When I saw your affectionate letter, in the country bordering on Armenia, it was likea lighted torch held up at a distance to mariners at sea, especially if the sea happen to beagitated by the wind. Your reverence’s letter was of itself a pleasant one, and full of comfort;but its natural charm was very much enhanced by the time of its arrival, a time so painfulto me, that I hardly know how to describe it, after once making up my mind to forget itstroubles. However, my deacon will give you a full account. My bodily strength completelyfailed me, so that I was not even able to bear the slightest movement without pain. NeverthelessI do pray that, by the aid of your prayers, my own longing may be fulfilled; althoughmy journey has caused me great difficulties, in consequence of the affairs of my own Churchhaving been neglected through its occupying such a long time. But if, while I yet live, Godgrants me to see your reverence in my Church, then truly I shall have good hope, even forthe future, that I am not wholly excluded from the gifts of God. If it be possible, I beg thatthis meeting between us may take place at the Synod which we hold every year, in memoryof the blessed martyr Eupsychius, 2352 now about to be held on the 7th of September. I amcompassed with anxieties which demand your help and sympathy, both in the matter of theappointment of bishops and in the consideration of the trouble caused me by the simplicityof Gregory of Nyssa, 2353 who is summoning a Synod at Ancyra and leaving nothing undoneto counteract me.2351 Placed in 372.2352 cf. Letters clxxvi. and cclii. Eupsychius suffered for the part he took in demolishing the Temple of Fortuneat Cæsarea. cf. Sozomen, Ecc. Hist. v. 11. An Eupsychius appears in the Bollandist acts under April 9th. VideProlegomena.2353 The Ben. note, in answer to the suggested unlikelihood of Basil’s being plotted against by his brother,calls attention to the fact that this opposition was due not to want of affection but to want of tact, and comparesLetter lviii. on Gregory’s foolish falsehood about their uncle.537