197. К Феодору 144

I’m surprised how it happened that I learned from others, and not from you, about the negligence of Presbyter Salust. I know exactly that until October he barely gave only five conversations and that neither he nor Presbyter Theophilus - one out of laziness, the other out of cowardice - go to church. I sent a sharp reproach to Theophilus for his behavior; Regarding Salust, I am writing to your honesty, knowing how dearly you love him, which is very pleasant and comforting to me. I also complain, however, about your honesty in that you did not inform me about this and, while you should have not only brought it to my attention, but also corrected it, you did neither one nor the other. I earnestly ask you, at least now, for your own sake and as a great favor to us, awaken him as much as possible and do not let him either fall asleep or be forgotten in inaction. If at the present time, during adversity and stormy upheavals, he does not show the necessary courage, will we need him to such an extent when peace and quiet come? I ask you, in the name of your own duty, encourage him and all others to be more diligent and attentive to the needs of the distressed flock, being, however, completely confident that even without our letter you are trying to do this out of your own desire and motivation. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” From Kukuz in 404, like the following three letters. You might be interested in: