Chapter XXII
.—
Epistle
written by the Synod of Jerusalem in Favor of Athanasius
.
“
The
holy Synod assembled
at Jerusalem, to the presbyters, deacons, and people of Egypt, Libya,
and Alexandria, our beloved and most cherished brethren, greeting in
the Lord.
1278
“We can never,
O beloved, return adequate thanks to God, the Creator of all things,
for the wonderful works he has now accomplished, particularly for the
blessings He has conferred on your churches by the restoration of
Athanasius, your shepherd and lord, and our fellow-minister. Who could
have hoped to have ever seen this with his eyes, which now you are
realizing in deed? But truly your prayers have been heard by the God of
the universe who is concerned for His Church, and who has regarded your
tears and complaint, and on this account has heard your requests. For
you were scattered abroad and rent like sheep without a pastor.
Therefore, the true Shepherd, who from heaven watched over you, and who
is concerned for His own sheep, has restored to you him whom you
desired. Behold, we do all things for the peace of the Church, and are
influenced by love like yours. Therefore we received and embraced your
pastor, and, having held communion with you through him, we dispatch
this address and our eucharistic prayers that you may know how we are
united by the bond of love to him and you. It is right that you should
pray for the piety of the emperors most beloved of God, who having
recognized your desire about him and his purity determined to restore
him to you with every honor. Receive him, then, with uplifted hands,
and be zealous to send aloft the requisite eucharistic prayers in his
behalf to the God who has conferred these benefits upon you; and may
you ever rejoice with God, and glorify the Lord in Christ Jesus our
Lord, by whom be glory to the Father throughout all ages.
Amen.”
1278
From Athan.
Apol. cont. Arian.
57, where also
the names of the subscribers are given.