Theodoret of Cyrrhus → Anatolius, Constantinopolitan

To Anatolius the Patrician.

The most holy lord Archbishop Domnus has arranged for the devout bishops to travel to the imperial city, to bring a complete refutation of the false accusations made against all of us. At this moment we stand in particular need of the assistance of your Magnificence, since the Lord of all has endowed you with the gifts of pure faith, of ardent zeal in its defense, of clear judgment and the capacity to carry out wise counsel — and with the power to do so.

I ask you, therefore, to defend the cause of those who have been wronged, to stand against the lies, and to champion the apostolic teaching that is now under attack. Without doubt the Master and Guide of the churches will bless your efforts, will scatter the lowering clouds, and will give the children of the faith the clear sky they so intensely long for. Even if he permits the storm to prevail for a time, your Greatness will receive your perfect reward — and we will bow our heads before the tempest, ready to live with cheerfulness wherever it may drive us, and waiting for the judgment of God and his true and righteous verdict.