95 (261). To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata
SAINT BASIL
95. To Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata1 Although I had long since written to your Reverence about other matters, and especially concerning our meeting with each other, I was utterly disappointed in my expectation, since the letter did not reach your Honor's hands. The blessed deacon, Theophrastus,2 who had taken the letter at a time when we were obliged to set out on certain visits, did not send it on to your Reverence, being prevented by the illness from which he died. This accounts for my writing too late to expect that there will be any advantage from this letter, because so little time remains. For Meletius and Theodotus,3 bishops dearly beloved of God, bade us come to· visit them., considering our conference proof of our love, and desiring that some correction of matters now annoying them be effected. They also appointed for us the time for the conference, the middle of the coming month of June, and the place,
Phargamos, a spot famous for the renown of its martyrs as well as for the full attendance at the synod held there each year. But, when I learned, on my return, of the death of the blessed deacon and that the letters from us were lying undelivered, it was necessary for me not to be idle, since there still remained for us only thirty-three days until that appointed time. Therefore, with all haste I am sending this letter to the most revered brother Eustathius, our fellow minister, so that through him it may be conveyed to your Dignity and the answer speedily brought back to us. For, if it is possible, or at all satisfactory for you to attend, we also shall be presI Another letter to Eusebius, written in May, ~72.
2 Probably the bearer of a letter to Meletius from St. Basil in 371. Cf.
Letter 57.
3 Theodotus of Nicopolis was disturbed about St. Basil's being in I;om. munion with Eustathius. On Meletius, Bishop of Antioch, cf. Letters
57, 68, 89, 120, 129, 216, and notes.