126 (364). To Atarbius
LETTERS
126. To Atarbius1 We came to Nicopolis in the hope of correcting the disorders which had been stirred up and of applying a possible remedy to what had been done irregularly and contrary to ecclesiastical law. And we were exceedingly disappointed when we did not find your Excellency on our arrival, but learned that you had gone out in all haste, even though the synod which you were holding was scarcely half finished.
On this account we have been compelled to write a letter, through which we suggest that you meet us in order that you may personally relieve our grief, by which we are distressed even to the point of death. For, we have heard that in the midst of the Church you have dared actions which have never before this day come to our hearing. And, even though these things are both painful and grievous, they are still endurable because they have been done against a man who, having entrusted to God the vengeance for what he has suffered, is wholly desirous of peace and of having nothing harmful happen through his own fault to the people of God.
But, some of the brethren who are held in honor and worthy of all trust have reported to us that you have made some innovations concerning the faith and have talked in a manner contrary to sound doctrine. They have been aroused the more on this account and exceedingly distressed, lest in addition to these countless wounds ·with which the Church has
I For Atarbius, Bishop of Neo·Caesarea, d. Letter 65. Although related to St. Basil, he was the leader of the Neo.Caesareans in their revolt against St. Basil. Cf. Letter 207. This letter is a good example of St.
Basil's firm and tactful manner of dealing with those who had failed against the orthodoxy of the faith or had wronged him. It was written in 373.