180 (333). To the Master Sophronius, in Behalf of Eumathius
SAINT BASIL
180. To the Master Sophronius, in Behalf of Eumathius1 I have suffered much in spirit on meeting with a worthy man who had been subjected to an unendurable situation.
For, since I am a man, why should I not share the suffering of a free man who is involved in troubles beyond his desert?
After deliberating how I might become useful to him, I found one solution for the difficulty which beset him-if I might make him known to your Modesty. The rest, then, is your duty-to exhibit for him the zeal which you have shown for many, as we have witnessed.
The petition presented by him to the emperors will make known the facts; let me urge you to take it into your hands and to co-operate with the man as far as possible, for you are showing a kindness to a Christian who is both a noble person and one who invites respect for his great learning. But, if we add that we also receive a great favor through your beneficence to him, certainly, although our affairs are otherwise insignificant, yet, since your Dignity is always willing to consider our interests of some account, the favor granted to us will not seem trifling.
181. To Otreius of Meletine 1 I realize that the separation from Bishop Eusebius, dearly beloved of God, affects your Reverence as much even as ourselves. Since, then, we both need comfort, let us become a I Nothing i$ known about this Eumathius except for this present letter written in 1174.
1 Otreius. one of the leading orthodox prelates of the fourth century. was at Tyana in 1167. and at Constantinople in 1181. Meletine. now Malatia. is in Armenia Minor. This letter was written in !l74.