Message to Presbyter Palladius

Bishop Athanasius wishes to rejoice in the Lord to his beloved son, Presbyter Palladius. Having received a written message from you alone, I was glad, especially since you, as usual, breathe Orthodoxy. The reason why you live together with our beloved Innocent became known to me not only now, but from ancient times, and I approved of your reverence. Continuing to do this, write and inform us how the brethren think of us and how we are enemies of the truth. And what you bring to my attention about the Caesarea monks is already known to me from our beloved Diania, namely, that they are indignant and opposed to the bishop, our beloved Basil. I praise you for letting me know about this, and I told them what should have been done, namely, that as children they should be obedient to their father and not contradict what he recognizes as the best. If one could suspect him of reasoning the truth, then it would be good to go against him. And if we are firmly convinced, as we all are, that he is the praise of the Church, strives more for the truth and teaches those who need it, then we should not oppose him, but rather approve of his good conscience. For from what my beloved Dianius told me, it appears that they are indignant in vain. Basil, as I am firmly convinced, is weak, but he gains strength for the weak (1 Cor. 9:22). And our beloved ones, looking at his goal and vision - to observe the truth, may they glorify the Lord, who gave Cappadocia such a bishop as every country desires to have. Therefore, you, beloved, deign to declare to them, so that, as I wrote, they will be submissive to him. This will show them gratitude to their father, and this will preserve peace in the Churches. I wish you, beloved son, to be strong in the Lord. You might be interested in: