Symmachus, by the grace of God bishop of the holy Apostolic See, to the most reverend and holy brother Theodore, Archbishop of the Church of Larissa.

During your lifetime, you have requested, as is fitting, the use of the pallium from the Apostolic See to adorn the priestly office and to show the unity that the entire flock of the Lord’s sheep, entrusted to you, undoubtedly shares with the blessed Apostle Peter. Following the custom of the Church’s founders, we have gladly granted this to demonstrate that you are a master and archbishop, and that your holy Church of Larissa is the metropolitan see of the province of Pannonia. Therefore, we earnestly admonish and decree that you use the pallium, sent to you with apostolic charity, according to your Church’s custom. Understand that this vestment, worn during the solemnities of the Mass, bears the sign of the cross, through which you must share in your brothers’ sufferings and be crucified in spirit to worldly allurements. When you wear this outward sign, inwardly consider that it is more a burden than an honor. Guard your heart under God’s protection, restraining it from worldly desires, so that you diligently govern the entrusted flock, and by upright conduct, vigilant care, and steadfast faith, you prove worthy of the dignity you hold. Thus, may you merit from God, the rewarder of all good, the grace of blessing and eternal life. Amen.

Note: This letter is designated as the twelfth in Migne’s *Patrologia Latina* (PL 62) but was formerly the eleventh in earlier manuscript traditions.