Justin Augustus to Pope Hormisdas through the legates Germanus and John, Bishops, Felix and Dioscorus, Deacons, and Blandus, Presbyter.

Indeed, you deserve the highest gratitude for not hesitating to put forth eager effort to gather and unite the venerable churches. However, what shines brightest is your perfect wisdom in choosing men who can serve with a sincere and honest spirit, consistent with the good will of your holiness. The most reverend Bishop Germanus, along with the religious men Felix, Dioscorus, and Blandus, have shown themselves to be so diligent and have acted with such wisdom that, as far as their duty is concerned, everything has been fully accomplished and nothing remains for further dispute.

But, given the condition of mortal frailty, people desire a gentler approach in dealing with themselves and clear answers to their questions, especially when a matter has been brought before an immense multitude of people. Therefore, whatever has been decided in this most flourishing city concerning matters of religion and the unity to be celebrated with the Apostolic See, during the times of John of most pious memory, while he was in the priesthood of this royal city, let it remain unchangeable with God’s favor. Moreover, your decision has been approved and accepted in many other cities.

However, regarding the names of bishops, a somewhat more lenient approach is needed, not for those specifically listed in the letter that your holiness is known to have sent to us, but for others whose memory is cherished by the great cities in which they are known to have flourished while still living. Therefore, your holiness’s legates had no authority to deviate from the mandate with which they were sent. Now, the entire resolution of this matter depends solely on your judgment, as it should be for the one who initiated the first steps of the issue. But these and some other matters will be more clearly communicated by our legate, who will be sent shortly. Meanwhile, with the return of these most religious men, we thought it appropriate both to address your reverence and to request that you use your prayers on behalf of our empire and for the safety of the republic. Given on the sixth day before the Ides of July, at Constantinople, in the consulship of the illustrious men Vitalianus and Rusticus (year of our Lord 519).