Since, then, I have had the privilege of seeing you, through Damas your most worthy ^ bishop, and through your worthy ^ presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and through my fellow-servant the deacon Sotio, whose friend- ship may I ever enjoy,^ inasmuch as he, by the grace of God, is subject to the bishop and presbytery, in the law of Jesus Christ, [I now write** to you].