29 (67). A Letter of Condolence to the Church of Ancrya
LETTERS
with God as my witness and also those men who have had experience of us, we declare that on no occasion did we fail in our agreement in doctrine and in our summons to him as a partner of the contests against the heretics.
29. A Letter of Condolence to the Church of Ancyra1 The distressing report of your sad misfortune shocked us for a long time into silence. But, since we have somewhat recovered from the speechlessness which we suffered as do men who have been struck deaf by a mighty burst of thunder, we cannot, in the midst of our mourning over the occurrence, refrain from sending you a letter. We do this, not so much for your consolation (for what words could ever be found that would be able to heal such a great affliction), but to reveal to you by this message, as far as is possible, the grief of our hearts, for which we would need, indeed, the lamentations of Jeremias or of some other blessed man who has bitterly bewailed a tremendous calamity.
In truth, a man, the pillar and support of the Church, has fallen, or, rather, having gone from us, has been raised up to a blessed life. Now, there is no slight chance that many, having this prop snatched from under them, may fall, and that the corruption of some may become manifest. A mouth has been closed which impartially spoke frankly and graciously for the edincation of the brethren. Gone are the counsels of a mind which truly moved in God. 0 how frequently (for I must accuse myself) have I been indignant with him, because, being wholly absorbed in his desire 'to depart and be with Christ,' he did not prefer for our sakes
The death of Athanasius. Bishop of Aneyra. called forth this letter of consolation. It was written in (he spring of 368; d. Schafer, loco cit