Hormisda to the clergy, people, and orthodox monks residing in Constantinople:

If anyone, following the commandments of the Gospel, offers even a cup of cold water, he will receive a reward for his good intention, with the Lord Himself, who taught this, as his rewarder. Then, does not one who neglects to proclaim the truth to such a multitude of the faithful rightly incur the penalty of condemnation?

Therefore, to avoid the condemnation of the heavenly commandment (for one must speak what is fitting in matters pertaining to God and not remain silent), and out of concern for your salvation, I have taken up this admonition, which the present necessity requires. I urge all who care to preserve the Christian religion with an untainted faith to avoid and shun those who reject the Holy Council of Chalcedon and the letters of Blessed Leo concerning the Catholic faith with all the strength they can muster. For these are the ones who, tainted with the impure contagion of Eutyches and Dioscorus of Alexandria, or rather of the vile Manicheans, seem to fight against the decrees of the Fathers in word, but in reality, openly oppose the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember, beloved, what was attempted when Basiliscus, of the imperial palace, seized power; recall the events of those times, what you saw or heard. Consider how wicked were the presumptions of Timothy, surnamed Elurus, how brazen and monstrous. Yet, throughout the entire world, the fervor of your faith shone forth. The people of Constantinople then demonstrated how purely it is fitting for believers to guard the Christian mysteries. But would that the efforts of that time had been enough, and that the present time did not demand similar efforts.

For now, the same heretics once again raise their insolent heads from the depths into which they had been cast. Therefore, I implore, encourage, and urge you, my beloved, to separate yourselves from their assemblies and communion. Remember the zeal of the past, and show that the light, the spark of spiritual fire, still lives within you, so that those who are lost may not rejoice that they have subdued the simple affection for truth within you by their cunning.

Let this, then, suffice as a word against the present danger and as an exhortation to take caution against the impious. I hope, however, that if this admonition succeeds, it will be of benefit both to me and to you, for God will be glorified in your salvation, and the fruit of our concern will be evident.

Given on the Nones of April, under the consulship of the illustrious Agapitus (in the year of our Lord 517).