Hormisda to Epiphanius, Bishop of Constantinople

We bless the Lord with the affection of fraternal charity, because we have come to know not only through the synodical report that you have worthily reached the priesthood, but also through your deeds and conduct we have confirmed this: so the degree of your merit has been revealed through your actions that we believed everything even before the testimony of our brothers and co-bishops. For what they promised about your ability to do all things, we have seen you fulfill, and as if the grace of peace had been preserved in your faith, thus the divine desires of unity have so far been delayed.

The name of your charity, under which you are called, has been added to their predestination of love, under whose spirit, with concord now appearing, it has come about that we can say: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133). Therefore, in our Lord Christ, returning the duties of greeting, we urge you to continue the praiseworthy beginning of good works, according to the holy Gospel, in which we are admonished: “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10). Therefore, encourage the others, invite them with admonitions, gather them with kindness: for the multiplied gains of the entrusted talent are divine sacrifices.

Furthermore, we were most pleased to learn of your promotion of charity through our brother and co-bishop John, as well as Heraclianus the priest and Constantine our sons, the messengers, than which we think nothing could be sweeter. And even if the aforementioned men were acting in respect of their accepted service, they did not praise you without good reason, we are blessed by all, because the worthy messenger was also a worthy reporter of a worthy matter, so that the proof of honor lies absolutely with you based on the merits of the legates.

By the hand of the Pope: We have received a gold chalice adorned with gems, a silver paten, another silver chalice, and two veils intended for the service of the basilica of the blessed Apostle Peter, sent by your charity.

Given on the seventh day before the Kalends of April, under the consulship of Valerius, a most renowned man (in the year of our Lord 521).