Hormisda to all bishops in the Eastern regions:

Even if the concern of my admonition is required, it would have been more fitting for you to remember your own duty, not neglecting to uphold what all should earnestly keep for the salvation of their souls, so that the discipline of the heavenly commandments might not shine forth through another’s effort but rather through your own intent. For although there is praise for those who follow good counsel, the one who leads in righteousness is more honored than the one who merely follows established rules, just as it is more illustrious to teach than to learn.

Let each person recall the calling with which they were called by the Lord and consider what is expected of them. It is wretched to lie within the limits of one’s intentions when what is professed by name is not demonstrated by action. We are greatly deserving if we fulfill what is commanded of us. Whoever rejoices in being called to feed the Lord’s flock must consider the judgment concerning the governance entrusted to him. A vigilant watch must be applied, and protection must be ongoing: there must be no room for ravenous wolves, and nothing should be left to chance, because the neglect of the flock’s errors is the fault of the shepherds. He will come to examine the account of the stewardship entrusted to us.

It is well-known that justice belongs to all and that no one has the liberty to sin without punishment. But who does not know the varying degrees of merit, and that just as rewards are not equal, neither are punishments? The blows are multiplied for those who know more; there are fewer stripes for ignorance. If this is so, as it surely is, consider what should be the intention of someone who must also answer for the errors of others. The Holy Spirit cries out through the prophet: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves!” (Ezekiel 34:2). It is certain that more is required from the one to whom more is entrusted, and we become more liable the more we are honored with abundant grace.

The Good Teacher, who brings light through darkness and truth through the riddles of parables, does not reproach the servant for guarding the entrusted talent without increase but condemns him as unprofitable (Matthew 25). Hence, it is clear the fear that should befall the one who loses the Master’s coin, if the one who kept what he received without diminution is condemned (Luke 19). No one should be satisfied with his own innocence, for to our God, who sees all, we owe the duty of constant preaching, even for the guidance of another’s calling.

The knowledge of teachers should be generous. The Christian faith does not favor secrecy; anyone who whispers it only into an ear is hiding it. The preaching of the Word is commanded to the apostles throughout all nations, and how can anyone keep silent about this which has been entrusted to him? What benefit is there in maintaining respect for the paternal rules if he tolerates them being disturbed by others or being treated without honor? It shows a weak spirit if someone does not defend what he loves.

The holy constitutions are attacked on all sides by the faithless, and impropriety continually rises again from the suppressed excesses. How, I ask, does one prove his piety toward God if he overlooks the wicked? Let us remember the vast assembly of Catholic priests by whom those councils on which we rely were held: how many were neither hindered by weakness nor slowed by burdensome old age. The intervals of vast regions seemed short, and the labors themselves were a joy, as if a certain comfort, while wisdom was guided by the spirit of holy congregations, and old age received what it would preserve.

Yet when the impious attack, after the root of perfidy has been condemned, those who know what is entrusted to them remain silent. “Lift up your voice, O herald of good news to Jerusalem; lift it up, fear not” (Isaiah 40:9). Did not the Teacher of the Gentiles have this before his eyes when he instructed his disciple never to cease preaching opportunely? He admonishes: “Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persist in these things, for by doing so, you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Therefore, being stimulated by prophetic exhortations or instructed by the norms of apostolic teachings, assume the care of salutary preaching. Love and defend the judgments approved by the pious, hostile to the unfaithful. Returning to the rock upon which the Church is founded, absolve yourselves in the spirit of those Fathers whose venerable constitutions are being wickedly undermined. Consider that when the Lord comes to the awaited judgment, whether it is better to be reproved by them or to be united with their cohort, whether to confess the Lord as He is, as He has been believed by the apostles, and as He was foretold by the angel, or to deny Him as He is by the wicked.

Nothing should deter you from salvation: return quickly to the right path. The fall does not burden one who rises. The teaching of the Lord’s mercy is abundant; the chains of error are harmful while they bind. Justice hates the stubborn; mercy favors those who correct themselves.

Given on the 3rd of the Nones of April, during the consulship of Agapitus, in the year of our Lord 517.