Hormisda to Ennodius and Peregrinus, Bishops:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with the intercession and help of the saints, we direct you on how to handle the case of the Nicopolitan Church.

First, when you arrive in Thessalonica, with God’s help, deliver our letters, which we have sent regarding this matter, to the Bishop of Thessalonica. Observe the order in his greeting that you know we have commanded for those who do not communicate with the Apostolic See, that is, the Catholic Church. After delivering the letters, you should insist that he refrains from disturbing the Church. Explain that he cannot remain in communion with the body of the Church while being joined with those who have not yet returned. We do not nullify the privileges granted by our predecessors if he does not abandon ecclesiastical norms.

If he returns to unity, we will ensure that all privileges granted by the Apostolic See to his Church are preserved intact. Tell him openly that he shows himself to be an enemy of the faith if he attacks those he sees returning to Catholic communion.

If you manage to resolve this issue there, by the grace of God, inform the Bishop of Nicopolis through a letter of the progress you have made. If, however, he remains obstinate and refuses to cease his attacks, proceed with the case of the Nicopolitan Church before the Emperor, according to the letter we have sent to the most merciful Emperor.

Tell the Emperor: “Alcyson, the Bishop of Nicopolis, reconciled with the Catholic Church, was received and brought back into communion. His successor, Bishop John, fearing God and concerned for his salvation, following the good example of his predecessor, condemned the heretics and sent word to the See of the Apostle Peter, and he was received. Now the Bishop of Thessalonica plots against him and attacks him, wishing to demand contrary things to what he has done.”

Here, your father and all the orthodox ask that by your orders, this harassment be removed from him, so that it does not appear to men that he suffers persecution because he returned to the communion of the Apostolic See. Those who expect unity through you may begin to believe otherwise if they see that your piety neglects or disregards this matter.

We have deemed it necessary that, wherever prudent, you should have the letters we sent to the Bishop of Thessalonica regarding the Nicopolitan case published in different places, especially in the city of Thessalonica. By doing this, we believe both the harassment against our people may cease, and it may also lead to his own salvation, should he correct himself.