教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 406 章

We know that your Excellency's Christian devotion is ever intent on good works; and therefore we provide occasions of reward for you, which it is certain that you love, so that we may be joined to you by providing for your merits. We indicate to you, then, that John the priest, bearer of these presents, has come forth free from those charges of which he had been accused. Examining his faith by subtle scrutiny, a council having been held, as he requested, we found in him no fault of a corrupt confession. But since, by God's mercy, he appeared a professor and cultivator of the right faith, we absolved him by our definition, especially since his accusers professed that they did not know what that heresy of the Marcianists was which they kept mentioning.

Wherefore, saluting him with fatherly affection, we ask that you deign to protect him with the grace of your favour. And lest anyone should wish vainly hereafter to afflict him, or to inflict on him any molestation in any way whatever for this matter, let the defence of your Excellency, for the sake of its own reward, so protect and defend him more insistently against these things, that unjust tribulation may no longer consume him, and that the Maker and Redeemer of the human race, whom you worship with sincere confession, may recompense you in kind among the very many good things which you do. In the month of October, in the 14th indiction. Gregory to John, bishop of Syracuse.

Prompted by the benevolence of the Apostolic See and by the order of ancient custom, we have foreseen that the use of the pallium is to be conceded to your Fraternity, whom it is established to have undertaken the office of governance in the Church of Syracuse—namely at those times and in that order in which you do not doubt that your predecessor also used it; admonishing you nonetheless of this, that just as you rejoice to have received from us the use of this ornament unto the honour of the priestly office, so also by the probity of your conduct and deeds you may strive to adorn the office you have undertaken, unto our glory in Christ. For thus you will be conspicuous by mutual ornament in turn, if the good qualities of your mind also accord with the habit of this body.

For all the privileges which are established to have been formerly conceded to your Church, we confirm by our authority, and decree that they remain inviolate. (See above, book 5, epistle 17.)