Hormisdas to Dioscorus, Deacon.

We rejoice in the success of the work you have undertaken with the help of Almighty God, regarding what has been accomplished thus far. We instruct you to consider how those who condemned the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon in writing are to be brought back. Perhaps such individuals are not merely schismatics but may rather be considered heretics. Is there, indeed, a single case for both those who verbally opposed and those who are proven to have condemned the Council in writing? This distinction appears to be the focus of a question raised by our son, the illustrious and devout Albinus. Consider whether those who wrote against the Council of Chalcedon should be received by means of the general document alone or if something more specific should be required of them.

Regarding the Churches of Alexandria and Antioch, aided by the comfort of our God, strive to ensure that all matters are properly arranged so that they may be united in Catholic communion. The situation of our brothers and fellow bishops, Thomas and Nicostratus, has long troubled us; we are amazed that they seem to struggle for the right faith before a Catholic prince. Your charity should alleviate their concerns, acting so that their sorrow may be turned into joy by achieving what they hope for.

John, Bishop of Nicopolis, has written to us through Ammonius, a deacon, that certain malicious individuals are attempting to generate false accusations against him before the prince. We commend him to your love, urging you to work diligently so that the deceit of his enemies may not harm his peace. We do not wish to receive Ammonius, the deacon who is coming to us, into the communion of the Apostolic See until, having conferred with Deacon Sergius, we could investigate what ought to be ordained concerning him. Our deliberation concerning the aforementioned deacon has found it proper that he be joined to Catholic communion through the testimony of the document. We indicate that this document, solemnly presented and submitted to our communion, has been attached.

Given under the consulship as mentioned above (in the year of our Lord 519).