Justin Augustus to Pope Hormisdas,

Since it is our intention, most religious father, that all our decisions should align, we believe the matter concerning the most reverend Bishop Elias should be decided in accordance with the guidance provided by your legates, as they have indicated the most expedient course of action among the various considerations. Currently, the bishop of the city of Caesarea enjoys the favor of all, and not only do the local inhabitants firmly believe that he should be retained due to his excellent conduct, but he is also undoubtedly venerated throughout nearly all of the East. Meanwhile, the former holder of the office complains that he was unjustly removed from his position.

It seems fitting, therefore, that we neither act against the wishes of countless people nor remove a man of noble integrity from the seat for which he has shown himself worthy, nor do we wish to completely deprive the former bishop of hope to reclaim his position, which he asserts he was unjustly stripped of. Rather, in this uncertain matter, we should proceed more cautiously. Thus, for the time being, the most reverend Bishop Elias shall remain in peace. However, once his successor has departed from this life, Elias shall return to his seat, provided he first fulfills all the requirements set forth by the most sacred rules for obtaining permission for his return, including the consent of both your Apostolic See, this flourishing city, and other relevant parties.

Regarding the most religious bishops, Thomas and Nicostratus, all matters will be brought to fruition once they are also united with you, and once the venerable churches, which we have decided to establish under the guidance of divine providence in accordance with the order of the most sacred rules, have come into unity.

Therefore, since it was necessary to inform your holiness of our deliberation, so that our desire to resolve and moderate disputes and to extend the desired concord among all might be clear, we have decided to send this present letter, asking especially that your prayers invoke the divine favor for the continued safety of the republic. Given on the sixth day before the Ides of June, at Constantinople, in the consulship of Vitalianus and Rusticus (year of our Lord 519).