Again the fact that in previous times Palestine also was subject to the apostolic see of the city of the Antiochenes is in no doubt However I and the God-loving bishop Isidore make up one person, and I myself say that his love of God performed the ordination on my behalf; therefore let all question and dispute cease. The quality of the person who ordained causes no detriment whatever, such that the ordination that has been performed should be thought to be uncanonical. But you, who are wise in the Lord, ought not to have dropped the religious presbyter Victor out of your consideration: seeing ^ ' that he would often introduce some useful action before the event itself, or that after consenting to what you did he was thenceforward ashamed to go against his own consent; and seeing ^ that many find it hard to endure neglect. But that he was your friend not only I but everyone is aware. I know, I know clearly that it was with judgment that you put forward your devout brothers: but the reason that you yielded to certain men who were putting forward boys was, as it seems, that you might not excite disturbance against you. These things I have written to you by
i Or " on the ground ": there is perhaps some corruption in this sentence.
140 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 50.
p. 155. way of admonition, and privately. For indeed I know how to admonish such.men as you, but to find fault with those who are so exalted in virtue I have not learned, far less to rebuke them, as you write. I know my measure, even though the fact of the office and the spiritual honour that has been given me through the benignance of God tends to exaltation, a thing that to the unintelligent and foolish gives occasion for vanity and pride, but in those who do not deceive themselves and know that they are sinners implants endurance in contests and fear of the judgment, in which we shall give account even for honours that are so high, when the Judge shall give judgment, as is threatened in the prophets, against those that are ** clothed in other men*s apparel." ^ Not the end.
519-20. 50. Of the same to the same John and John presbyters and archimandrites and the rest, {From those after banishment, from the first book the i6th letter.)
If those who were enlightened in their under- standing like you, and for this reason were properly called seers, were a cause of peace to others also by giving the inner man peace from warring passions, and heard from those who approached them the words, *' Thy coming, seer, is peace,"* what wonder if you also by the long-suffering and humility implanted
^ Zeph. i. 8. 2 I R^ xvi. 4.
I. 50. SELECT LEtTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 141
in you have brought about a serene and peaceful p- ^5^. state of affairs ^ in place of the disturbance which had arisen? Wherefore we must also for everything praise and laud our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, our peace and tranquillity; who said to His disciples, " My peace I give unto you, my peace I leave unto you/' ^ and ordered them, to whomsoever they went, to say, ** Peace to this house." ^ Pray therefore that we may be men worthy of this peace, in order that it may also abide with us and never leave us, now that we have once received it, as in fact it wishes, provided of course that we do not do anything contrary to it.
As to the religious Epimachus, because you the holy old man have, as you write, stretched the sinews of your mind and had recourse to the harshness of the strict execution of the canons owing to the admonitions that we gav«,* ought we also to extend this matter further with them, and ourselves also to scratch (?) in a more violent manner that which has once been done, even though in an inconsiderate manner, and make it come to an ulcer and end by being incurable? By no means. But on the contrary, we ought to devise some remedy and carry it out, by some kind of healing friction and humane refreshment. It does. not seem that we are running counter to the intention of the canons in allowing him to conduct the prayers only and so forth, but not to offer the sacred sacrifice.
^ KaToaraa't^. ^ John xiv. 27. ^ Lu. x. 5. * i. 49.
142 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 50.
Accordingly let him have both the title and the privileges of a presbyter, on account of his long continuance in the monastic life, and on account of the fact that he thereby as far as possible purified his previous life, and on account of the man's attested P- '57. devoutness, and because neither did he himself seek to be raised to this position, but was raised against his will and submitted to the decision and nomination of others. In fact even on the former occasion I did not write to you as a lawgiver, but rather as performing a service. And I did not do this of my own accord, but because some great '* necessity is laid upon me," as the Apostle says, and because "woe is unto me if I do not" serve necessity and so "preach the gospel." ^ Indeed, although the burden is heavy, yet still " I am entrusted with a stewardship," ^ and, bowed down though I am, I must execute this with all fear and trembling. Still it would have been unjust that, because you "fear everything through devoutness," as it is written,^ while I submit to the necessity of the laws, the man who came to ordination against his will as we have said should be injured and not receive refreshment. Whence under compulsion and as a consequence we have, as is possible, been brought to these second thoughts, seeing that we too are bowed down by the weight of many sins,. and stand in need, if any man else besides, of the clemency of God. But may you, sacred man, be
^ I Co. ix. 16. ^ Ibid,^ i7« ' Pr. xxviii. 14.
I. 50. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 143
preserved for us in health and youthful vigour, being more powerfully strengthened with spiritual sinews, and correcting our paralysis, and putting forth wings and being renewed like the eagles,^ and singing with the prophet David and saying, **And I will go in unto the altar of God, unto God that reneweth my youth \'' ^: and there offering prayers on our p» ^S^. behalf.
As to the holy communion or oblation which is being sent to Alypius the poor child (so you often termed him in your letter) I have this much to say: that, if you had previously told his father also the very thing which you have often said, I mean that he ought not to be in doubt as to the existing state of things ^ in the holy churches in Alexandria and in Egypt, since it is now (to speak with God s permission) free from association and communion with heretics, you would perhaps now have had the courage to say that the revered and sacred communion or oblation must not be sent to him. But, since the thing has been thus begun and has become known to the adversaries, what necessity is there for us to do further harm, and go on to ruin the boy who is about as your sanctity says to yield to his grand- father? Let the child therefore be refreshed with the usual refreshment from you on account of his believing father, and not be neglected on account of his unbe- lieving grandfather. For it is written, " The thoughts of the righteous are judgments."* And henceforth for
^ Ps. cii. 5. ^ Id,, xlii. 4. ^ KaToorao-ts. * Pr. xii. 5.
144 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 50.
the future let us not turn aside to similar things, nor give occasion to those who seek occasion, nor in order to content one person disturb the whole church. Know well that I was loth to write that the believing Mitra ought to have sent his son to communicate with the p- 159. church which by God s grace is clean and pure, the church which now looks to our banished self, and does not acquiesce in any cunning fraud. For, even though it had been right to send the often mentioned holy communion to the boy, how can it be anything but unreasonable that this boy should live with enemies, who reveal without shame even that which is thought to be ineffable?
And after other things. As to those who like the magnificent Anastasius are zealous for piety, and all who are settled in the land of the Philistines, who is there who is so wrathful and alien to the divine laws as to say that the conimunion or oblation ought not to be given them when they ask, to any extent that they wish and without stint? Our whole argument with you related to those who are residing in Alexandria and show doubts that are superfluous and intolerable because they inflicted injury on many. Do not there- fore omit to give at the due time and to those who require it the indestructible grace, which as it is written was -given for nothing,^ and is being asked for for nothing. You know, even if we do not write it, how great punishment ^ and reproof from God is caused by
1 Mt. X. 8. '' t-tfiUa,
I. SI. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 145
neglect to give readily and without any hesitation. The end.
p. 1 60. 51. Of the same to Philip the presbyter. (From those 519-38. after banishment, from, the 2nd book the ^oth letter,)
I have read the words written by your religiousness, not without sorrow, but with sympathy: not like a stranger but like a brother: not as one who is above law, but as one who is subject to law. Wherefore I am writing to you that you may rejoice, not that you may be distressed: that you may know yourself, not that you may despair. Do not think that what you have written needs a refutation of the same length. You perhaps made your letter so long from a desire to incline the reader to pity and draw attention to your purpose: but I listen to the sacred writings rather than to you: and in submission to the precise declaration of the Spirit I quote to you the ordinance of Koheleth which ordains that ** there is a time for everything," and with the other things says this also, ** A time to p. i6i. weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. "^ At the proper time, as you say, you con- fessed the sins of your youth to the common and holy fathers. But to me you made the confession at an improper time and after the fitting season; for I acquiesce in your written statement in order that you
1 Ec. iii. I, 4.
10
146 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. $1.
may know that, as the sacred text somewhere says, it is right to obey God under all circumstances.^ But perhaps you will say that even now you have not missed the proper time, seeing that the canons admit the confession of great sins even after ordination, and exclude those who confess them from the sacred minis- try, and allow them to share only the privileges and the name of the priesthood.* Know that I too am not unaware of this statute. But what can the effect upon me be when the Apostle cries, ** The covenant which was before confirmed by God the law which was after- wards does not annul?''^ I describe as the covenant of God the testimony given by our common teacher and father John, the great man of God, when he pre- 162. sented you for ordination, and I heartily confirm it. It seems to me therefore great presumption for me to annul the testimony of a father of this character and such as he, or to add anything to this and give orders that go beyond it. For we all know that that man was not a doer of his own will, nor presumptuous in actions, but one who, if any other man besides, makes the blessing his own which is promised to those who **fear everything through devoutness."* Wherefore ' also I assuredly know that after the confession which you made of your sins, unless he had received confirmation by inspiration from above, he would not have advanced you to this rank. Whenever therefore any of the lapses that you committed in youth troubles your memory, recall
1 Ac. V. 29(?). * Mansi ii. 542. ' Ga. iii. 17. * Pr. xxviii. 14.
* ^- ■■ m wcw^
JI..-, W.l^" i ' ^-
I. SI. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. • 147
your thoughts to him who gave you the testimony and forget yourself, and be '' turned into another man," ^ and boldly perform the duties proper to the sacred ministry: and do not show yourself excessive in devoutness and trust yourself to the pronouncements of the thoughts, lest you hear the sacred scripture reproving you and saying, ** Be not righteous overmuch, neither make thyself over wise lest thou be astonied."^ Whereas you are here, there, and everywhere representing p- ^^3- second marriage as a thing that is less serious than the greatest sins and yet is excluded from priestly func-, tions, know that such a conception falls outside the range of spiritual interpretation. A second marriage was granted by way of indulgence, as a support of weakness: and he who has yesorted to this bf his own will and by deliberate judgment has enrolled himself among those that are weak and have been granted an indulgence and are in the second order, and are not raised to the first sacred rank. It is therefore manifest presumption, and contempt of the sacred laws, for a man to enrol himself among those that are weak and objects of indulgence, and to do this with the law's aid and openly, and then strive to rise to the first sacred rank, which is composed of those who are sound. But a man who has sinned in the times of his youth has not fallen under sin because he judged it lawful to sin, but has committed an involuntary lapse, insomuch that he may be purified by penitence. I do not say this in
1 1 R. X. 6. 2 Ec. vii. 17.
148. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 52.
order to show a second marriage to be a sin (far be it!); it is rather a support for weakness, that does not place those who are married outside the company of those who are saved, but assigns them a low rank, p. 164. Incline your ear therefore to the divine law, and when it bids you perform priestly functions say the words that are written, ** Speak, Lord, for thy bondsman heareth."^ However, if for the present you shrink from offering* the perfect sacrifice, I will allow you to abstain for a time, but not to go so far as to bind yourself under such an inhibition. But in all other functions you shall not be restrained in any way what- ever. The end.
520-25. 52. Of the same to John and John the presbyters and the rest. {From those after banishment, from the 2nd book the /^2nd letter.)
I sent an answer at once to the earlier letter which reached me from your sanctity: and, because no ship was at hand, the letter was delayed several days: but I expect that you have by this time received it. As to the epistle that has just been sent, about the slave who was sold by the Jews and the question regarding him, I have nothing to write. For a letter was written by me about a similar matter to a certain Theodore the God -loving bishop of Olba (this is a city in Isauria),^ and I have thought well to give an ison or
1 I R. iii. 9. 2 dva^opo. ' ix. 2.
I. 52. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 149
copy of it at the end of this letter, so that from it you p. 165. may know what our own conclusion was.
As to clergymen who come from outside, who hold the correct faith but are not united in communion with us, the answer is plain: ^>., that we must not admit these men to the exercise of the ministry: but in all other respects, in order to promote sound and correct opinions, must hold intercourse with them as with our own people and extend goodwill towards them. If we do not do this, we shall, unknown to ourselves, be circumscribing, so to speak, the right ways of the Lord. But, if any man, being a clergyman, wishes to hold entirely aloof from communion with those to whom he is subject, let him go to the God-loving archbishop of the city of the Alexandrines or to the banished bishops, and the privileges of communion will be properly conceded to him by them. For your love of God it is a sufficient answer to these men to say that without the bishops you can do nothing, and this does not lie in your authority. By this plan you will be preserved from irregularity, and they from finding any occasion of stumbling or of offence.
As to those in Isauria and in First Cilicia, an epistle that has just been sent to us is very gloomy: and, not. to say anything harsh, it accuses those of First Cilicia of remissness, and it announces a grievous persecution and expulsion of the orthodox in Isauria, p. 166. as well of the devout monks, as of the clergymen and of those who are among the believing people, not to speak of what has happened in consequence, that
160 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. $2.
all have abandoned communion with Stephen the disturber, the present prelate, and are not unaware of his treachery and falseness and the evil habits ingrained in him. The wretched man has even presumed to send some of the clergymen who have been corrupted by him here also to the saintly I saurian bishops in banishment, as if summoning them to him, and heaping vanities upon vanities, as is written,^ and *' beating the air" in vain, as the Apostle says.* How- ever these impious men do not cease from making con- fusion, and from audaciously attempting to no purpose even things that are impossible, and from polluting the water for drinking with their feet, in order to give those who are not cautious turbid pollution to drink according to the prophetic saying.* Isidore the illustrious tribune has started in peace for Pelusium, after promising the devout presbyter Thomas to do all things in accordance with God's pleasure. He had also after the conversation held here written to the devout presbyter Epimachus to tell his religious- ness to go in the direction of Pelusium. In order therefore that you may not be ignorant of what has happened, this also has been added in this letter.
Console and comfort with loving disposition the
God-loving Isidore bishop of the city of the men of
p. 167. Chalcis, who is troubled with a bodily infirmity, or
rather who is being better proved in the furnace of
trials; and reckon it all as a gift to me: though
1 Ec. i. 3 (?). ^ I Co. ix. 26. ^ Eze. xxxiv. 18, 19.
I. S3. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 151
I know that I am acting superfluously in this, since ready help and zealous attention in these matters are innate in you and belong to your character. For you must believe that I was much distressed when I learned that he had been again seized with the same kind of infirmity. The end.
53. Of the same to the bishops from Syria in 610-20. Alexandria. {From those after banishment^ from the 2nd book the 6/^th letter.)
To the saintly God-loving brothers and fellow- ministers, the bishops who are under the apostolic see of the city of the Antiochenes, and are now settled in the great Christ-loving city of the Alexandrines, Cassian, Constantine, Antoninus, and the rest, Severus greeting in the Lord.
Though I am with your love of God in the spirit, I should have wished to be present in the flesh also, or, while absent in the body, to communicate with you more constantly through this remaining source of comfort, I mean by means of letters, concerning the hope laid down beforehand for those who have believed in Christ. But, since, when men are living p. 168. without fear, every time is convenient to them for sending letters, but, when they are under constraint or imprisoned, it does not lie in their power to do this, even against their will they check and silence the ardour of affection: but when need demands they then cut the fetters of constraint, and do not submit
152 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 53.
to the ropes that fall to them among the strong, to speak in the words of the Psalmist/ but move their tongue, and serve the divine law. For this reason Paul used to say that he ** endured evil things as an evildoer even to bonds for the Gospel's sake," but that " the word of God was not bound," ^ Therefore I also the mean one look to that pattern and say, and that very justly, ** Though I flee for Christ's sake, yet His word has not fled; for it is present in every place where the law of the Spirit wishes to carry it." There- fore I salute you, and embrace you, the sharers of my flight, whose feet are beautiful, who do not preach,^ but by accepting persecution as the law requires walk aright and follow Him who said, " When they perse- cute you in this city flee to another "; * or perhaps / it is better to say that by the very fact of being \ persecuted you loudly proclaim the gospel, and by i the fact of being silent speak. Therefore, since you j have been brought to such honour, Christ who is persecuted with you is present with you also, and He ' is a chief and leader for you in purpose and in p. i^. commands. Those who were removed to the land of Babylon, and endeavoured there also to live in accordance with the law, and were bereft of the sacred fane and the service, and did not even sing a song, because it was not lawful to do any of these things outside the tabernacle or outside the sanctuary,«
^ Ps. XV. 6. 2 2 Ti. ii. 9. ^ Is. Hi. 7. * Mt. x. 23.
* Ps. cxxxvi. 2-4.
I. 53. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 163
but Still set themselves to live in accordance with their fathers* customs and to pronounce right judgments had the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, insomuch that the divine Daniel being most divinely inspired from that source convicted those wicked elders, and those three boys not only performed a miracle by exulting in the furnace, the burning effect of the fire having been assuaged, but also sang a prophetic hymn of praise. Who is there therefore who will not say with greater justice that the Holy Spirit is dwelling among you, even when you are settled by the evangelic throne of the holy Mark, and are dwelling in a very loyal city, one whose special possession and high honour in addition to its other excellences is correctness and distinction in the faith, and as a chief and leader and counsellor and good teacher of everything that ought to be done and counselled you have the saintly Timothy the archbishop of this city, a man who not only fills the place of my meanness, but is even able to shelter me owing to his high position? Hence also the case of the religious Paul, formerly bishop of Olba in Isauria, has been very well treated by you and brought to a very proper conclusion: and this resolution that you have adopted is not at variance p. 170. with the sacred ecclesiastical ordinances. For a time of persecution more particularly invites us to be more than ordinarily mild, and to gather together the scattered limbs of the church, and to block the exits of unreasonable schisms. Secondly, if one understand the diataxeis or canonical commands also not accord-
164 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 53.
ing to the letter after the manner of a Jew, but according to the spirit and intention of the church law, one will find that they desire that a bishop who has been unanimously deprived by the synod in the province ^ shall in those cases only be denied restoration in another synod when the synod that has pronounced his deposition remains in the same mind. For the eighty-fourth canon says as follows: '* If anyone has been excommunicated by his own bishop, he shall not be received by others unless he has first been received by his bishop himself, or a synod has been held and he has presented himself, and made a defence, and has persuaded the synod and received another verdict. And the same rule applies also to laymen and presbyters and deacons and all that are included in the canon." ^ The ninetieth canon also says as follows: ** If any presbyter or deacon shall be deprived by his bishop, or a bishop also by a synod, and shall dare to trouble the king s ears, p. 171- and, when he should betake himself to a greater synod of bishops and offer the pleas which he thinks he has to a larger number of bishops, and accept examination and judgment from them, shall treat these with contempt and trouble the king, these men shall not receive any forgiveness, nor shall an opportunity of defence be allowed them, nor shall they expect any hope of future restoration."^ It is therefore manifest from this too that it is possible for a man who has
^ ivapxta. ^ Mansi ii. 1312. ^ /^id,, 13 13.
I. 53- SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 165
been deprived by a smaller synod to be received in a. greater one if the charges and complaints against him are examined and investigated afresh. It is in a sense similar to this that the eighty-second canon also is to be understood, which says: [Here follows the citation given at p. 124]. For the substance of these three canons is this: that, when a man has been deprived by a small synod, it is possible for him to discuss the causes of his deprivation before a greater synod and obtain restoration, if the great synod decide to absolve this man. But, if he shall dare after his deprivation to perform any priestly function, even access to a greater synod shall be refused him, if those who have once effected his deprivation continue to maintain the same judgment of deprivation. For the whole purpose of the canons is directed to this; that the verdicts ^ of those who p. 172. have duly decided shall not be annulled, so long as they continue to maintain their verdict ^ which they have pronounced. But, if these men (I mean those who deprived the man) with the same unanimity recede from the unfavourable verdict,^ and betake themselves to another which absolves him, how can anyone doubt that the forgiveness is certainly war- ranted by law, especially if another synod greater than it also confirms this? If therefore the saintly bishops in Isauria who effected the deprivation of Paul and his companions continued to maintain the same ver-
1 d7ro<^ao'€is. ^ aTro^ao-ts.
166 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 53.
diet ^ of deprivation, it is absolutely necessary that the severity of these canons shall prevail, and that the punishment which was inflicted upon them shall be in no point annulled by the authority of a greater synod. But, if they also all alike consented to absolve those who were condemned, and Solon also of saintly memory, the bishop of their metropolis, acquiesced in this decision, we for our part will not show ourselves harsh searchers of the canons, which in no way prevented those who have deprived a man from coming to a more lenient state of mind, but laid down a law and issued a command regarding another synod, saying that it has no right to lay additional commands, to speak in the words of the Apostle, upon the bishops who effected the p- 173 deprivation, and tyrannically to annul the judgment given by these. We find that the holy fathers for the benefit of the churches often receded and granted an indulgence even after sentence of deprivation had been passed by a catholic and oecumenical synod, for the sake of the general benefit and peace of the churches themselves. For instance in the holy synod at Ephesus Helladius of Tarsus and Eutherius of Tyana, and Dorotheus and Himerius were deprived together with Nestorius, on the ground that they were infected with opinions akin in impiety, and were afflicted with the same madness as he to a greater extent than the others. And yet afterwards, when the bishops of
I. 53. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 167
the East had abandoned the unreasonable schism and submitted to the resolutions of the holy oecumenical synod which assembled in the city of the Ephesians, upon Paul bishop of the city of the Emesenes coming to the city of the Alexandrines and on their behalf asking Cyril the chief champion of orthodoxy, a man who in apostolic contests endured dangers even to death, that they might remain in their sees in the p- 174 position which they actually held he waived the depri- vation of the said wicked men, insisting only on this point which was more particularly necessary, I mean that the deprivation of Nestorius should be confirmed by all of them together and in writing, and that they should confess that the holy Virgin is the God-bearer and such conditions as follow upon these. This he stated in the letter to Eusebius the presbyter, in which he wrote as follows: *' I have read the letter from your devoutness: and I have found you to be distressed by the supposition that the peace of the churches has been completed upon an unreasonable basis; but I imagined that it was by love that your gentleness was moved. However it is probable that you have no accurate knowledge of the points settled. For certain persons are, I learn, circulating letters purporting to have been written to me by the devout and religious bishop John. But it is probable that either they are forgeries or they contain additions made to please those who hold the opinions of Nestor- ius. For, in accordance with the resolution of the holy synod in the metropolis of the Ephesians, I did
168 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 53.
not give him communion until he had anathematized in writing the doctrines of Nestorius, and confessed that he held him to be under deprivation, and assented to the ordination of the devout God-loving bishop Maximian. But when the religious Paul bishop of the city of the Emesenes exerted himself vigorously on p- 175« behalf of those who had been deprived, Helladius I mean and Eutherius and Dorotheus and Himerius, and begged that, when the peace of the churches was established, their case^ also might receive a typos or determination, I used these words: * I do not take any account of those who have been deprived: but they must remain in the position in which they in fact are now.' But the insult which they levelled against me I have forgiven. For it was not indeed fitting that for this reason and no other the churches should fall into a state of schism and division, when the more necessary point was brought to a conclusion, I mean the requirement that the doctrines of Nestorius should be anathematized and his deprivation acknowledged by those who would not do this before, and they also confessed in writing that the holy Virgin is the God- bearer."* This generous forgiveness he bestowed, for the sake of the peace and union of the holy churches, upon men who, as the succeeding time showed, were incurable. And yet he endured for the sake of an object that was better and of higher advantage, I mean for the sake of the unification and binding together of
1 wo^co-is. ' Ep. 54.
I. 53. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 159
the more important limbs. For in the same letter he added these words also: ** For, even though Helladius in Tarsus and certain others do not think rightly, this p- ^7^- has nothing to do with those who wish to think what is right. For let two or three go if they wish, so long as the churches everywhere hold one - and the same faith." How then are we for our part not bound to regard the mind of those who fed and governed the churches of God with such understanding, and to con- clude that the course sanctioned by you in the instance of the religious Paul must also be followed in that of the devout bishop Elpidius, particularly since Paul as I have learned during the time of his deprivation pre- sumed so far as to attempt the performance of high- priestly acts or services, but Elpidius, they say, did nothing whatever of the kind. I forbear to mention also the celebrated case^ of the holy John who was bishop of Constantinople. Since you read church histories, you know that he incurred deprivation; but, because of his reputation for right teaching and in order that those in the royal city who were in separation on account of the mention of his name might be reconciled to the body of the church, the holy Cyril waived the point, being apostolically minded in this matter also, and not seeking his own but that which belongs to Christ Jesus,* and setting the benefit of ecclesiastical p- 177. union and reconciliation against all subtle words and strict procedure, and that though in letters he often
1 vTrd^co-is. ^ Ph. ii. 21.
160 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 53.
contended for canonical strictness. Therefore I bestow all praise upon the whole of your God-loving synod, seeing it both examined the demands of strictness, and at the same also considered the suggestions of a be- nevolent mind. In fact both those who desired strict procedure did so because they took account of pre- serving an appearance worthy of confidence and suited to the church, and equally also those who inclined to mild measures were not of this opinion because they had anything else at heart than to bring about a bond of peace and to gather together those who were dis- persed. However in such cases as these that plan must be followed which gathers together the limbs of the church and has clemency as a superfluous advocate, and the example of the fathers who were thus minded in similar cases, and thus provided for what lay before them. Do not therefore think to yourselves that you did anything unreasonable in discussing this matter with one another (it is not right or proper for us to say that you were divided). Did not this happen among the apostles also? The book of the Acts relates that ** certain men had come down from Judsea and were teaching the brethren, saying, ' Unless ye are circum- p. 178. cised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot have life ': and, as Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them,"^ the disputation passed to other churches also, until Peter the chief of the apostles and James, who was termed brother of our Lord, but had
^ Ac. XV. I, 2.
I. 53. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 161
received the first episcopal office in Jerusalem, were inspired from above,, and brought forward the prophetic words, and so put an end to the dispute that had been raised: and they extended their resolution to the other churches also, so that all members of all of them might say the same and think the same. I forbear to say that there was a quarrel not only about doctrines but also about a person between Paul and Barnabas, since the one said that they pught to take John who was called Mark with them on their preaching, while the other said not. These things are written as a pattern for us, in order that we may not fear and be caused to fall. It is not possible that being men we should not be angered: but, if we are angered, we must turn from our anger. Therefore in the case of Paul and Elpidius the devout bishops also let the suggestions of a benevo- lent mind and the course of forgiveness prevail, and let them share in the privileges and title of bishops, but not thrust themselves into their cities, if the time p. 179- invite to this, seeing that other God-loving bishops have once been lawfully designated to their sees, nor have any share in the rights belonging to that parish: a principle which, as I have been told, they have in fact with great propriety as well as with much justice acknowledged to you in writing. For they also shall not lack any kind of consolation which, while consistent with the canons, will not cause any useless annoyance or injury to anyone, if it take place here. For indeed **our life is swifter than a runner,"^ as it is written:
1 Job ix, 25.
II
162 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 54-
and " what the day that is coming will bring forth " we know not at all.^ I have written this epistle while suffering the affliction of a fugitive and unable to set
foot in .... as it is written and,
as ... . says, no book and no ... . sur- rounds me. But .... remembering the sacred . . . . and .... in [my] memory the laws and customs also that were practised from of old in the holy churches. Wherefore also I have both received and duly praised the resolutions canonically adopted by you and inserted in an epistle concerning those in the Christ-loving city of the Antiochenes who wish to come to repentance. For they were lawful and proper, p. i8o. and such as, while not falling outside the limits of what is lawful, bore the marks of a loving disposition and of clemency. If anything else also of this kind should happen, ...
519-88. 54
in truth that the mouth should be silent which never grows weary and seerrts as if it had been set apart for prayers, the mouth which in very deed says ** I will bless the Lord at air times,"^ and at all times circulates His praises. You did well and conferred a great service upon us by relating in the course of your letter how you celebrated the memories of the holy fathers, and which of you have departed to God, one among whom is the religious presbyter Patrick. We are much profited
* Pr. xxvii. I. 2 Ps. xxxiii. i.
I. 54. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 163
when we learn the names of these in order that we may remember them in our prayers, and as far as. possible, cast from us the weariness that dominates us, and prepare ourselves for the final departure from this world.
As to the events that have happened in the East, and the way in which the believers in Antioch have girded themselves for a second and third contest, as if they had never been tried by any tribulation, it is superfluous for us to write to you, since these are things which you learn also from report. Only we ask you to keep those who are thus combating in more earnest remembrance, and to ask that endurance may be granted them all by God. In trials which are so unendurable it is in fact impossible to be steadfast without help from that source. Wherefore Jeremiah p. i8i. also said to God over all, '' Lord, the endurance of Israel! Thou savest in the time of evils." ^ But I beg your holinesses to grant a place among those who are remembered by you over the rational sacrifice and have already gone to God to Eustochius of God- loving memory, deacon of the holy church in Alex- andria, who has now put off his life in much zeal for the orthodox faith, with all accuracy and in knowledge as the divine Apostle says,^ so that he often longed for the bodily sight of your love of God also. Of him the religious presbyter Philip also made trial to a moderate extent. TAe end.
1 Jer. xiv. 8. ^ \(Zo,\,^\ Ph. i. 9 (?).
164 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 55*
125-81, 55. Of the same to Theodore presbyter and archi- mandrite of the monastery of father Romanus among the saints. {From those after banishment ^ from the ^rd book the 2^2nd letter.)
Even I, though I am in hiding and live in different places at different times on account of the present stress, was not unaware of your religiousness' praise- worthy life. Whwefore also I thought the expressions p. 182. of John the Evangelist and Apostle fitted to be addressed to you by me, which he composed when writing an epistle to someone and speaking thus: ** I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified to the truth that is in thee, how that thou walkest in the truth.** ^ Continue therefore to show the same energy, and press forwards, and enlarge the rational flock of those who practise with you the ascetic life of solitariness, and let them henceforth have a * measure of wheat ' of the doctrines of philosophy with under- standing, as the gospel text advises; which also promises a blegsing to him who does this carefully and with diligence, saying, " Blessed is the bond- servant whom his lord shall come and find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you that he will set him over all that he hath.'* ^ The question also that you have now been pleased to ask of the religious presbyter Thomas by your letter was in truth in consonance with your
^ 3 J. 3. ' Lu. xii. 42-44.
I. SS- SELECl^ LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 166
understanding. For he sent me the letter that you wrote, and, when it came to my knowledge, I praised it. And, owing to the urgency of the matter, I con- sidered it right to treat all other things as secondary, and send you this mean letter: in which it is pointed out that all of you who hold to communion with us must not recognise any distinction between those who are banished from the East, and made illustrious by the combat of confessorship, and the saintly bishops in Egypt, and that you must reckon that to be one •church which is compacted together in the orthodox ^:
faith, and confession and communion, and is most pure and free from the no-association with the heretics; p. 183. and that you must also have no vain hesitation about ordinations: but that both your religiousness and the other religious archimandrites of the holy cloisters that have been banished from Palestine ^ on account of the •word of truth must after probation present your own brethren to the God-loving bishops in Egypt, in order that they may ordain presbyters and deacons for you, and satisfy the requirements of your need. How is it anything but an unreasonable state of affairs and one fraught with matter for every kind of accusation that, while the bishops who have been banished from other countries and bear upon them marks for Christ's sake flee to the great orthodox apostolic church in Alexandria as to a mother, certain men out of a childish mind should create a distinction that does not
^ This was therefore written during the exile of the monks (Zach Rh. viii. 5).
166 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. SS-
* ^^
exist between those who are thus united and make up the compact union of the limbs of the one body, and through the very facts themselves proclaim the im- mobility and steadfastness of the holy persecuted churches in the East and those in Egypt, which are already preparing to suffer the same things, and showing the immoveable nature of their piety? I think that the events which happened a short time ago in Alexandria have reached your ears also, events capable of showing even to those who are very foolish fi««4* the steadfastness and fixedness of the saintly arch- bishop Timothy, and of the God-loving bishops under him, and of the churches in their cities: so that one may fitly utter the celebrated expressions of Isaiah the prophet, ** Tabernacles that shall not shake; nor shall the pegs of her tabernacle be moved for ever, and her cords shall not be broken asunder." ^ Therefore for a man to try to separate by vain thoughts things that are so admirably united, and to divide things that are so indivisible through the inspiration of grace from above is a thing fraught with matter for every kind of evil- speaking and fault-finding. This we warn both your love of God and all who communicate with us to shun, and to cast such stones of stumbling out of the Lord's ways as it is written,^ and, as we said before, to reckon the ordination of the saintly bishops of the East and that of those of Egypt to be one, and not recognise any distinction between these. If you wish to read
* Is. xxxiii. 20. ^ Id,, Ivii. 14 (?).
I. 56. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 167
this letter to any other persons also, in order to show what our opinion is, neither do we forbid this. How can it not be right that we should also proclaim openly in words the things that we in actual practice think and do? The end,
p. 185. 56. Of the same to Proclus the bishop. {From those 619-38. after expulsion, from the ^^rd book the ^Sth letter).
The words that I wrote to the two of you in common^ were enough to show ^ your love of God my opinion, since you thought me at all competent to give advice. For my part, since *' I have boldness of speech towards you," as Paul says to the Corinthians,^ I thought that, inasmuch as you have been brought up from the earliest times in works of piety, and have stood with us from the beginning, and borne the assaults of many waves, that you are competent to give advice and direction to others also in what is right. However choice is an evil thing, evil indeed, and may involve even wise men in ruin in adverse times, for, ** they were confounded and staggered like a drunken man, and all their wisdom was swallowed up,*'* says he that sings figuratively and instructively. Wherefore I myself also recognise our nature's feebleness, and, inasmuch as I am subject to the same weaknesses, I grant you forgiveness for having
1 V. 13.
2 Whether the following to p. 1 70, 1. 4, belongs to this letter is doubt- ful: see vol. i., Intr. ^ 2 Co. vii. 4. * Ps. cvi. 27.
168 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 56.
shown a common weakness and being in need of en- couragement. Perhaps also some thoughts are spring- ing up in your heart, which put such ideas as these into you and say, **This man, because he has nothing to do with the affairs of the world, and is not assailed p. 186. i3y trouble of this sort, and does not know what kind of thing is the tie of nature that arises from the marriage connexion and the birth of children, will give you impassioned advice from beyond the boundaries, and will speak as from some exalted height with those that creep upon the earth/' Therefore in answer to these things also we must use introductory words and say what is the truth. Paul the wise man and chosen vessel, who had Christ so firmly established in him that in giving ecclesiastical commandments he would sometimes appeal to the laws of Christ, and draw his admonitions from them, and at another put forward his own thoughts in place of a law and say, ** I have no commandment of the Lord; but I give counsel; inasmuch as I have obtained mercy of the Lord to be a believer,"^ when appointing bishops, did not take men from the training-school of the solitary life and set them over the churches, nor men of philosophic habits, free from wives, and without children, but he said, " The bishop ought to be the husband of one wife," and, **one that ruleth his house well and hath his children in subjection with all gravity "; ^ and he was not assured as regards these ties of nature, the ties of
^ I Co. vii. 25. 2 J Tj iii 2, 4.
I, S6. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 169
children I mean and of a wife, that they would corrupt the character of a shepherd in times of stress. But, as to what the character of a shepherd is, hear the shepherd Himself crying and saying, " The good shep- herd layeth down his life for his sheep/* ^ If therefore we have been called by Him to so great a height of p. «87. spiritual authority, it is absolutely necessary that we should rise to the same' height, and that we should ** mind high things " and " seek the things which are above, where Christ is, sitting on the right hand of God ": so that, when He ** is revealed," then we ** also may be revealed with Him in glory," ^ and share with Him in splendour. But, that you may not think to yourself that you alone among bishops have had a wife and children, and are required to ** resist sin even to blood," as it is written,^ and to distinguish yourself in combats on behalf of piety, the words of the apostolic legfislation that have just been quoted, words that have a general application to every bishop, would in them- selves have been sufficient answer to such a fancy: but I will quote to you from actual experience also an example worthy of consideration, which shows that in times of martyrdom the women also who were joined in marriage to those who held the rank of the episcopate contested and strove in the same contests. Here it is. Diony- sius, who was bishop of the great Christ-loving city of the Alexandrines, in an epistle to Flavian * bishop of
^ John X. II. '^ Col. iii. i, 2, 4.
^ He. xii. 4 ^ Fabius is meant.
170 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 56-
AntiQch, in which he describes the combats of those who were martyred in the neighbourhood of Alexander s city in the days of Decius, after describing the other events introduces this statement also: ^,
p. 188. in sin, and utterly refuses to turn her eyes upwards while there is time. For for you, who bear with patience that which has happened in this matter also, a worthy reward will surely be reserved, although you did not treat her case with circumspection at the begin- ning. But, if you both exert yourself and bring her back from the error in which she is involved to repent- ance and recognition of the truth, then you will in truth be doubly a father to her, insomuch as to be able to say, ** Behold! I and the children whom God has given me." ^ For you must do all these things to the best of your power, in order that you may not have your con- science accusing you, as if you ought to have done something and had neglected it. You know well from the sacred writings what Eli suffered, because, though he spoke reprovingly to his sons and chid their folly in the unhallowed deeds which they committed, yet he did not deal with them as a ruler. But the Lord will, I know well, grant your sanctity understanding, so that with fatherly admonitions you may mingle such cen- sures as are likely to produce conversion and are suited to a ruler, and that you may take the sheep upon your shoulders, and present it to the chief shepherd Christ,
' Eus. H.E. vi. 41. 2 Is. viii. 18.
I. 57. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 171
and reckon it among those that are saved. For indeed He alone is able by His almighty power and His grace to make things possible that with men are impossible. The end,
p. 189. 57* Of the same to Didy^nus the bishop. {From 619-25. those after banishment, from the T^rd book the ^oth letter,)
The news of the attack of the barbarians ^ and of the captivity that has fallen upon those who live in your neighbourhood, and the siege and war that have been hanging over your city have caused intolerable grief and sorrow to all who hear of it, but especially to us. Our anxiety on other grounds and general sorrow was further increased by thinking of your religiousness, who have had to endure such an unexpected attack at the very beginning of your episcopate: since men who have been admitted to feed rational souls reckon common and public^ calamities as their own. Where- fore David also the great among prophets and kings, when he saw his subjects being destroyed in the death- dealing plague by the divine wrath, being unable to endure the sight,* begged that he might suffer instead of those under his rule, saying to the Lord, "It is I who have sinned, and I the shepherd have done wickedly: and these the sheep what have they done? Let thine hand be upon me, and upon my father's house. "^
^ Probably the incursion of Al Mundhir (Zach. Rh. viii. 5). ^ Srjfi6(ria, ^ 2 R. xxiv. 1 7.
172 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. $7*
And by so saying he changed the wrath to mercy, and stayed the plague. Therefore you also must know that such events are fraught with no small hardship: but, when men consider things in the right spirit, and
P*l'9o. accept the chastisement as a help, they bring them great profit, and lead them into close relationship with God. Therefore we also, looking at what has hap- pened, believe that it is by divine providence that you have been raised to a sacred headship of this kind, in order that you may show yourself a man capable of comforting the flock that has been entrusted to you. As to the question that you ask about presbyters who have grown very old, I mean whether their customary share in the distribution of presents ought to be cut off from them, on the ground that they cannot perform the sacred ministry, and others introduced in their place who ought to be supported, and receive the
p. 191- portion cut off from these, know that such a thing is not legal, nor otherwise holy. If men who perform bodily services as soldiers for kings on earth, when they reach old age, receive higher stipends, inasmuch as they have previously toiled and laboured in wars, bow is it anything but abominable that men who have served in the sacred military service* should not only not receive higher honour in their old age, but even be deprived of the customary emoluments? David's soldiers also once thought something like this, when they went down with him to fight against the bar- barians who had come against them, and mightily overcame them, and stripped them of all the booty
I. 57. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 173
that had been carried off by them from the wars ^ with Israel. For, when they returned from the war and their minds were somewhat uplifted on account of their victory, they claimed that they alone should take all the things that they had captured from the bar- barians, and not give an equal portion to those who stayed in the camp and guarded their baggage, on p- 192- the ground that they had not taken part with them in the fight in exactly the same fashion. And upon this the just David was indignant, saying that those also who remained to guard the baggage ought to get a portion equal to that of those who formed part of the array in war. Moreover also he repressed their greed and said to them in rebuke, *' And who will hearken to these words of yours? For they are not inferior to you. But, as his portion is that went down to the war, so shall his portion be that stayed by the baggage. They shall part alike." ^ Knowing there- fore from the divine writings that these things are laid down as law, give greater gratification, if possible, to those who have grown old, both in stipends and in honour. For honour is the due of elders, and the enjoyment of the good things that come after war. The great governor Moses also wrote in Numbers that he said to Hobab his wife's brother, who was journeying with Israel in the way in the wilderness, '' Leave us not, forasmuch as thou wast with us in the wilderness. And thou shalt be an
^ The translator therefore read ttoXc/awv for ttoXcwv. "* i R. xxx. 24.
IT* SKLBCT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. I. 57.
elder among us. And it shall be, if thoa go with us, we will do thee good out of all the good things which the Lord shall do unto us." ^ But I beg your love of God not to associate indiscriminately with those who unreasonably cut themselves off from our communion, men who magnify with lips only an orthodoxy that is inactive and runs no risk, while they take no part in the sufferings of the persecuted church which it has p. 193. suffered for the sake of the sound word of faith and is still even now suffering, but justify themselves in vain. Lack of discrimination towards them confirms them yet more in the evil itself, and they think to themselves that we blame ourselves as if there had been something wanting in our conduct, and honour and praise them as men of strictness. We listen also to our Saviour in the Gospels crying, " He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth." ^ Ignatius also the great bishop and martyr, who fed the church of the Antiochenes after Peter the captain of the apostles, and, because he was full of the Holy Spirit, was called "the God-clad," says in his letter to the men of Smyrna, ** Shun divisions, as the beginning of evils.** ^ Further also in another letter of his to those at Philadelphia he says thus: *' If anyone follows a man who makes a schism, he does not inherit the kingdom of God." ^ Again in writing to the Ephesians he expresses the same thing in a more fearful form, saying, ** He therefore that
^ Nu. X. 31, 32. . ^ Lu. xi. 23. 3 Sjjj 3 4 pj^jj^ 2
I. 57. SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS. 175
does not join in the assembly has already behaved proudly, and separated himself. For it is written, 'The proud God resisteth.* " ^ Irenaeus also a man of ancient times, bishop of the city of Lyons (this is one of the cities of the men called Gauls), who was a hearer of Polycarp bishop of Smyrna and martyr, who p- 194. was a disciple of John the Evangelist, wrote thus, in his fourth book against heresies, about the Lord who will judge every breathing thing, and as it is written the whole ** world in righteousness" ^: " But he will also judge those who create schisms, who are men void of the love of God, and seek that which is for their profit but not the union of the church, and for small and con- temptible reasons cleave and divide the great and glorious body of Christ and, as far as in them lies, destroy it, men who speak peace and make war, who truly strain out the gnat, but swallow the camel. For it is impossible that any benefit can spring from them of the same kind as is the injury that springs from their schism." ^ To these things therefore direct your mind, and beware of the obstructive forces every- where: especially of those that arise from thoughts on the right side, which lead astray from the *' royal road " *: and, looking to heaven and making God your guide in all things, cry, '' Direct my paths according to thy word " ^; and you will surely go straight, and not fail to do what is right. TAe end.
1 Eph. 5. ^ Ps. ix. 9. 3 Adv. Haer. IV. xxxiii. 7 (62).
^Nu. XX. 17. spr^ iii^ 5 0^
176 SELECT LETTERS OF THE HOLY SEVERUS.!. $8.
p. 195.
519-25. 58. Of the same to Didymus the bishop. [From those ^ after banishment^ from the T^rd book the ()Otk letter.)