Three
mss. give the title Γρηγορίω
ἐπισκόπῳ
καὶ
ἀδελφῷ, but, as is
pointed out by the Ben. Ed., the letter itself is hardly one which
would be written to one with the responsibilities of a bishop.
Basil seems to regard his brother as at liberty to come and help him
at Cæsarea. Gregory’s consecration to the see of
Nyssa is placed in 372, when his reluctance had to be overcome by
force. cf. Letter ccxxv. On the extraordinary
circumstance of his well meant but futile forgery of the name of his
namesake and uncle, bishop of an unknown see, vide
Prolegom.