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

To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.To Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium.Letter CCII. 2725Under other circumstances I should think it a special privilege to meet with your reverence,but above all now, when the business which brings us together is of such great importance.But so much of my illness as still clings to me is enough to prevent my stirring everso short a distance. I tried to drive as far as the martyrs 2726 and had a relapse almost intomy old state. You must therefore forgive me. If the matter can be put off for a few days, Iwill, by God’s grace join you, and share your anxieties. If the business presses, do, by God’shelp, what has to be done; but reckon me as present with you and as participating in yourworthy deeds. May you, by the grace of the Holy One, be preserved to God’s Church, strongand joyous in the Lord, and praying for me.2725 Placed in 375.2726 Tillemont conjectures that the drive was to St. Eupsychius, but the day of St. Eupsychius fell inSeptember, which the Ben. note thinks too late for the date of this letter. The memorials of St. Julitta and St.Gordius were also near Cæsarea, but their days fell in January, which the same note thinks too early. Gregoryof Nyssa (Migne iii. p. 653) says that there were more altars in Cappadocia than in all the world, so that we needhave no difficulty in supposing some saint whose date would synchronize with the letter. Basil, however, mayhave tried to drive to the shrine of some martyr on some other day than the anniversary of his death.688