Hormisdas to Epiphanius, Bishop of Constantinople,

For a long time, we have been kept in suspense by the lack of news about the beginnings of your dignity, and in the midst of the common joy of celebration, we have been greatly surprised that the usual custom has been neglected. Since, with the favor of God, the harmony between the Churches has been restored, a full measure of fraternal peace demanded this duty, especially since it was not a matter of personal pride but of observing the established rules.

Indeed, dearest brother, it would have been proper for you to send legates to the Apostolic See at the very beginning of your episcopate so that you might fully know the affection we owe you and properly fulfill the form of ancient custom. But although you have omitted these things and judged it sufficient to rely on written communications on the occasion of discussions, we, however, compelled by the urging of grace, have justly broken the constancy of our expectation, responding with reciprocal words of mutual affection. For our spirit, impatient with love, and the desired report of our legates have drawn the silence that the situation demanded toward kindly duties.

At present, we show the signs of our joy and pay our respects to a certain private friendship. We also patiently await your legation and, supported by ancient customs, we request it so that we may more clearly express both the joy we feel at the honor of your episcopate and the thanks that should be rendered to you for your efforts in promoting unity, as our legates have frequently affirmed in their reports.