56. To Theophilus. The troubles of the
church of Antioch through the Meletian schism might have terminated on
the death of Paulinus, had he not on his deathbed consecrated Evagrius
as his successor in violation of the canons. Theodosius, being
pressed by the Western bishops, now summoned a council at Capua,
commanding Flavian to attend, which command he however disobeyed.
The council referred the matter to Theophilus of Alexandria and the
bishops of Egypt. But Flavian, as Theophilus had informed St.
Ambrose, refused to submit to their decision. This is the reply
of St. Ambrose advising Theophilus to summon Flavian once more, and
communicate the result to Pope Siricius. The letter must have
been written quite at the end of a.d. 391, or
the beginning of 392.