Justin Augustus to Pope Hormisdas

It is fitting that the blessings of God, though granted to many, should especially be made known to the supreme pontiffs. Therefore, through this letter, we inform your holiness that, first by the favor of the indivisible Trinity, and then by the will of the most distinguished leaders of our sacred palace, the most holy senate, and the firm choice of the loyal army, we have been elected and confirmed as emperor, albeit against our will and with reluctance. We therefore pray that with your holy prayers, you may implore divine power so that the beginnings of our reign may be strengthened. This we hope for, and it is fitting for you to fulfill.

Given on the Kalends of August, at Constantinople, under the consulship of the illustrious Magnus (year of our Lord 518).