53 (76). To the Suffragan Bishops
SAINT BASIL
53. To the Suffragan Bishopsl The disgracefulness of this hitherto-considered-incredible matter about which I am writing, and which consequently has become the subject of suspicion and common conversation, has filled my soul with grief. Therefore, let him who is conscious of guilt receive my words on this subject as a remedy; anyone who is not guilty, as a precaution; and anyone who is indifferent-I pray that such may not be found among you-as a solemn protest.
What is it that I mean? There is a rumor that some of you receive money from those you ordain, covering this over with the name of piety,2 thus making the fault worse. For, if anyone does evil under the pretense of good, he is deserving of a twofold punishment, because he not only does evil, but also uses the good as an accomplice, so to say, for committing the sin. If this be so, it must not be done in the future, but must be corrected. For, it is necessary to say to him who receives the money what the Apostles said to the man who wished to pay in order to buy a participation in the Holy Spirit: 'Thy money go to destruction with thee.'3
In fact, he who through ignorance wishes to buy is less guilty than he who sells the gift of God, making it a business transaction. And, if you sell what you have received as a gift, you will be deprived of its grace, as if you had been sold
I The suffragan bishops were a grade of the clergy between bishops and priests. The Benedictine editors say that. since suffragan bishops do not have the power of ordination. the letter is addressed to the bishops subject to St. Basil. Although the authenticity of this letter has been questioned by Schafer. op. cit. 5ff. it is not lacking in the earliest manuscripts of the letters. It was written in the beginning of his episcopate.
2 I.e .• piety on the part of the contributor.
3 Acts 8.20.
LETTERS
to Satan. Furthermore, you are introducing into the Church, where we have been entrusted with the Body and Blood of Christ, the bartering of material for spiritual things. Therefore, this must not be done. This, I say, is the artifice. They think they do not sin because the money is received not before, but after, the ordination. But, any receiving, whensoever it may be, is receiving.
Now, I urge, forsake this way to revenue, or rather, this road leading to hell, and do not, by defiling your hands with such gains, make yourselves unworthy of celebrating the sacred mysteries. But, pardon me; at first I speak as one not believing, and then I threaten as one persuaded. If after this my letter anyone shall do any such thing, he shall withdraw from the altars in this diocese and seek a place where he may be able to buy and sell again the gift of God. For we and the churches of God do not have such a custom.4
After adding one more statement, I shall stop. This practice is born of avarice. And avarice is the root of all evils, and is called idolatry.5 Do not, therefore, for the sake of a little money, honor idols above Christ. And again, do not imitate Judas, handing over for gain a second time Him who was once crucified for us. For, both the lands and the hands of those who receive these fruits will be called Haceldama. 6
4 Cf. I Cor. 11.l6.
5 Cf. Col. 3.5.
6 Cf. Acts 1.18·19.