67 (50). To Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria
SAINT BASIL
to unite these and bring them together into the harmony of one body is the prerogative of Him alone who by His ineffable power grants even to dry bones a return to sinews and flesh. Assuredly, the Lord performs His great works through those worthy of Him. Again, therefore, we hope that in this instance, also, your Excellency will see fit to assume the administration of these important matters, so that you will settle the disorder of the people, make an end of the factional exercise of authority, subject all to one another in love, and give back to the Church her pristine strength.
67. To Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria1 In my earlier letter to your Honor it seemed sufficient to me to declare this only-that all those comprising the holy
Church at Antioch, who are strong in their faith, should be brought into agreement and unity. My purpose was to make clear that the many sections which have now been formed should unite with Bishop Meletius, dearly beloved of God.
But, since this same beloved fellow deacon of ours, Dorotheus,2 has asked for more definite information on these matters, we are, perforce, adding by way of explanation that both the whole East and we, who are in complete union with Meletius, pray and desire to see him governing the Church of the Lord. For, he is a man blameless in faith and incomparable in his manner of life, as well as being, so to say, the leader of the whole body of the Church, whereas all the rest are as segments of its members.
1 Concerning the same matter as the preceding and written at about the same time.
~ Dorotheus was a deacon of the Church at Antioch belonging to the party of Meletius. St. Basil used him on several occasions to carry letters.
Cf. Letters 47. 50. 52. 61. 62. and 273.