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All power acts by persuasion or coercion (1). When in one region the mob raged against Christians and, having killed many of them, threatened to do even more, the regional commander, wanting to keep a middle ground between the requirements of the laws and the spirit of the time (since he considered himself obligated to serve the spirit of the time, and had some respect for the laws), punished many of the pagans. What happened? They reported on him. Suddenly, with great dishonor, he was seized and presented to the king, and he was put on trial for punishing the pagans, although he referred to the laws by which he was entrusted to judge, and was almost sentenced to death. Finally, the king (Julian the Apostate) showed him his love for humanity, that is, he condemned him to exile. And at the same time, what an amazing and humane saying everyone heard! “What is this important matter,” said the “just” judge, “who does not persecute Christians,” “if one pagan hand killed ten Galileans?” Isn't this sheer cruelty? Is this not a decree of persecution, more clear and terrible than those issued publicly? In fact, what difference does it make whether to declare by decree the persecution of Christians or to express one’s pleasure to their persecutors and to charge Christians with some justice as a serious crime? The will of the king is an unwritten law, protected by the power of authority and stronger than written decrees that are not supported by authority (1). It is dangerous to exhaust the mercy of our superiors, hoping for frequent forgiveness, because, having exhausted them, we ourselves will be held accountable for their severity, who disturb the silence with the wind, bring darkness into the light and mix wormwood with honey. And among our laws there is one law - a laudable law and beautifully established by the Spirit, Who gave His laws, comparing the possible and the best. According to this law, just as slaves must be obedient to their masters, wives - to their husbands, the Church - to the Lord, disciples - to shepherds and teachers, and everyone who is obliged to give tribute - obey all the powers that be, not only out of fear, but also according to conscience (see Rom. 13: 5-6) and not make the law hateful, doing evil, not bring yourself to the sword, but, purifying yourself with fear, deserve praise from the authorities. Same rule; but it spares the straight and cuts off the superfluous. There is only one sun, but it shines for healthy vision and darkens weak vision. Do you want me to boldly say something from my teaching? There is only Christ, but He stands for the fall and for the rise (Luke 2:34) - for the fall of the unbelievers, for the rise of the believers. For some He is a stone of stumbling and a stone of temptation (1 Pet. 2:7), namely for those who have not known, have not even understood, but walk in darkness, or serve idols, or do not further understand the letter and do not want and cannot be enlightened by anything other than the letter. For others He is the corner stone and the stone of praise, namely for those who are bridled by the word and established themselves on this stone. Or, if you want, He is the pearl that a good merchant buys with all his property (see Matt. 13:45-46). But we, brothers, who do not fulfill our duties, but are indignant at the authorities, act almost the same as the one who, himself sinning against the laws of struggle, accuses the one who distributes rewards of injustice, or who, himself suffering from a serious illness and having the need for healing no less painful, blames the ignorance and recklessness of the doctor who uses incisions and cauterizations. This is my consolation and, at the same time, instruction for my subordinates (1)! Kings! Respect your purple (for our word gives laws to legislators), know how important what is entrusted to you is and how great the sacrament is accomplished in your judgment. The whole world is at your fingertips, held back by a small crown and a short robe. What is above belongs to the One God, and what is below belongs to you too; be (I will say a bold word) gods for your subjects. It is said (and we believe) that the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord (Proverbs 21:1). This should be your strength, and not in gold and not in hordes. Close to the royal courts and thrones! Do not be too proud of your power and do not consider immortal that which is not immortal. Be faithful to kings, first to God, and for His sake to those to whom you are entrusted and devoted. Proud of nobility! Ennoble your morals, or I will say something, although unpleasant, nevertheless noble: then your nobility would be truly the most noble, if ignoble people were not written in genealogical books. Sages and philosophers, venerable in beard and cloak, sophists and grammarians, seekers of popular applause! I don’t know why we should call those who do not contain the first teaching wise (1). Strong ones, fear the strongest; you who sit on high thrones, fear the Most High (1)! Blessed is the one who, having assumed power over the people, reconciles Christ with the earthly creatures through pure and great sacrifices (2). Suppose you want to punish those who have violated the command of your authority; I don’t dare say anything against this, although, as they say, this insolence is not from a general intention, but only a reckless impulse of some young people 36 . However, put aside most of the anger, use more reasoning... I will not find anything stronger than your reason, which governs so many people, and yes, it is controlled even more fully at the highest levels of management. But even then, it is necessary for your great mind to know about those who come to you, that these people are completely pitiful, abandoned and did not participate with the criminals in any disorder, as many of the self-witnesses assure us. Give in this matter such a definition as you can recognize as useful both for the local glory and for the hopes there. And we will endure everything that comes to your mind, although not without sadness, but we will endure it. For what else can we do? And if the worst prevails over you, then we will be the only one who is upset and will shed a tear over the city that was before (2). Out of habit of being in power, do not ignore the proposals made to you by a person who is not ignorant of such things (2). St. Gregory asks Olympius for mercy on the city of Diocaesarea, where the disturbance occurred. – Approx. ed. You might be interested in: