Hormisda to Ennodius and Peregrinus, Bishops:

After your departure, a deacon from Nicopolis, who had met you on your journey, came to Rome. We saw him, despite the delay, considering whether there was anything we should add to the instructions for your mission. The matter itself clearly showed that this was a prudent decision.

He brought us a letter from his bishop, John, and another from the synod of the Nicopolitan Church under his jurisdiction. These letters complained that the Bishop of Thessalonica had initiated both civil and ecclesiastical actions against them, and that they were being severely oppressed by these actions because they did not send a report of their ordination to the bishop according to ancient examples. For this reason, they hoped we might consider a remedy, and they asked us to give them permission to send their report to the designated bishop according to custom.

Therefore, we have advised the Bishop of Nicopolis not to attempt anything of the sort if he wishes to remain in communion with us; lest our communion be tainted through him if he should seek confirmation from someone who is outside our communion. These details have been provided so that you may be fully informed of all matters. What should be done about this, with God’s favor, is explained in the attached documents.

Given on the day before the Ides of April, under the consulship of Agapitus.