31 (267). To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata
LETTERS
orphanhood, but pardon me for not bearing patiently the separation from a soul incomparable among those left behind. Again, therefore, my illness has recurred, and again I am confined to my bed, sorely distressed by my utter weakness, and momentarily all but expecting the appointed end of life.
Further, the churches are afflicted in much the same manner as my body, no good hope dawning upon their affairs that are constantly sinking to a lower level. In the meantime, however, Neo-Caesarea and Ancyra seem to have found successors to the departed and so far they have remained calm. At least, those plotting against us3 have not been allowed, up to the present time,. to do anything comparable to their wrath and bitterness. The reason for this we openly attribute to your intercessions for the churches.
Therefore, do not grow weary of praying and importuning God for the churches. Salute with many greetings those deemed worthy to assist your Holiness. 4
31. To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata 1 The famine has not yet released us from its grasp. Therefore, we must remain in the city both for the purpose of distributing aid 2 and for showing compassion for those in affliction. For this reason, I am not able even now to share the journey with my most revered3 brother Hypatius, to !I I.e., St. Basil and his church.
4 Hosioteti-a title generally used by St. Basil only in addressing bishops.
I This letter was written in the autumn of 36R; d. Schiifer, lac. cit.
2 Cf. Letter 91, in which the Eastern bishops count among the evils in their churches the appropriation by officials of funds destined for the relief of the poor.
3 Aedesilllotdtoi-a title of distinction applied hy SI. Basil to hoth clergymen and laymen.