Theodoret of Cyrrhus → Florentius

To Bishop Florentius,

Truly the grace of our God and Savior has not yet abandoned the human race. He has left us a "seed" in your holiness, lest we become like Sodom and Gomorrah [Isaiah 1:9]. This seed keeps us from losing heart entirely and gives us reason to wait for the passing of this terrible storm.

We have therefore sent to your holiness the godly presbyters Hypatius and Abramius, chorepiscopi, and Alypius, head of our monks, so that you may help end the disaster that has struck the churches of the East. First, confirm the faith handed down to us from the beginning by the holy apostles; condemn the heresy that has emerged; and publicly convict the men who dare to debase the preaching of the divine plan of salvation [the "Economy" -- the incarnation of Christ]. Second, champion those of us who are under attack for the truth's sake.

It is for the apostolic faith, most holy brother, that we have endured this unjust massacre -- because we refused to abandon the truth of the Gospel. It is now your duty not to overlook the unjust persecution of men who share your beliefs. Use your righteous influence to put a stop to this injustice, and teach those who act lawlessly at their own pleasure that they cannot be allowed to carry out their designs unchecked.