To Demosthenes, Vicar of Pontus.  It is doubtful whether he is the same Demosthenes who was at Cæsarea with Valens in 371, of whom the amusing story is told in Theodoret Hist. Ecc. iv. 16, on which see note.  If he is, it is not difficult to understand his looking with no friendly eye on Basil and his brother Gregory.  He summoned a synod to Ancyra in the close of 375 to examine into alleged irregularities in Gregory’s consecration and accusations of embezzlement.  The above letter is to apologize for Gregory’s failing to put in an appearance at Ancyra, and to rebut the charges made against him.  Tillemont would refer Letter xxxiii. to this period.  Maran Vit. Bas. xii. 5 connects it with the troubles following on the death of Cæsarius in 369. as from the synod of bishops.