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

To Eusebius, bishop of Samosata.ordered a second synod of bishops of Galatia and Pontus to be assembled at Nyssa. 3008They have submitted, have met, and have sent to the Churches a man of whose character Ido not like to speak; but your reverence can well understand what sort of a man he must bewho would put himself at the disposal of such counsels of men. 3009 Now, while I am thuswriting, the same gang have hurried to Sebaste to unite with Eustathius, and, with him, toupset the Church of Nicopolis. For the blessed Theodotus has fallen asleep. Hitherto theNicopolitans have bravely and stoutly resisted the vicar’s first assault; for he tried to persuadethem to receive Eustathius, and to accept their bishop on his appointment. But, on seeingthem unwilling to yield, he is now trying, by yet more violent action, to effect the establishmentof the bishop whom it has been attempted to give them. 3010 There is, moreover, saidto be some rumoured expectation of a synod, by which means they mean to summon meto receive them into communion, or to be friendly with them. Such is the position of theChurches. As to my own health, I think it better to say nothing. I cannot bear not to tellthe truth, and by telling the truth I shall only grieve you.3008 Mansi iii. 502. The fruitlessness of Ancyra necessitated a second. On Gregory’s deposition and banishment,see Greg. Nyss., De Vit Macr. ii. 192, and Ep. xviii. and xxii. Also Greg. Naz., Ep. cxlii.3009 Tillemont supposes this to refer to some one sent on a visitation to the Churches. The Ben. note prefersto apply it to the unknown intruder into the see of Nyssa, of whom Basil speaks with yet greater contempt inLetter ccxxxix.3010 i.e. Fronto.774