Epistle 1, written from Rhodes, before the council

In the “1st Epistle, written from Rhodes, before the council” (presumably 430-431), St. Cyril of Alexandria addresses his flock - priests, deacons and laity. He reports his safe arrival in Rhodes and expresses confidence that their common prayers will help heal church differences. The saint calls on everyone to maintain humility, piety and unity, emphasizing that the true dignity of a Christian is manifested both in the presence and in the absence of a spiritual guide. Cyril wishes every good thing for the Lord to the beloved and most desired presbyters and deacons and the people of Alexandria. By the grace and love of Christ, the Savior of us all, we crossed the great and wide sea, with the lightest and quietest winds, so that we reached Rhodes, sailing without fear and without any danger, for which we glorify God in the words of the psalmist; “You rule over the power of the sea; you calm the disturbance of its waves” (Psalm 88:10). And since, being absent in body, but present in spirit, it was necessary at least to embrace you in writing, like children, then I considered it necessary to write to you and notify you at least about this. I hope that God, bowed by the prayers of all of you, will provide the rest. Therefore, as a fruit of love, pray for us, especially at the present time (and I do this constantly), so that God, who crushes all warfare, the Lord of hosts, stopping the discord that has arisen and calming all the confrontation, will again return us in joy to the joy of you as children. For He can do everything, according to Scripture, and nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37). And you observe the humility that is characteristic and proper to you. This will especially prove your right to respect, namely that you, both in the presence and absence of your spiritual father, value a noble and praiseworthy life. “Kiss one another with the holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16). The brethren who are with me greet you. I wish you, beloved and most desired, health in the Lord. You might be interested in: