Letter 142 (373)
Priests and Hierarchs: Shepherds of Sheep
There might have been some sort of understanding between the bishops and government officials for the relief of the many peopLe in need of assistance. Intrigants and politicos were not making the task easier, and our churchmen had often to appeaL to the common sense and conscience of civil functionaries to obtain some cooperation in granting reductions or exemptions from excessive taxes, imposed upon individuals or institutions by overzeaLous fiscal agents. Here again we find Basil in the Lead, either before or after his elevation to the episcopacy. The following letters are addressed to civil officials, in favor of private persons or communities for whom our hierarchs requested an adjustment of state taxes.
SAINT BASIL TO A PROVINCIAL TREASURER,
LETTER 142 (373)
I had summoned OUf brothers the chorepiscopoi to the convocation in memory of Eupsychios [a victim of Emperor
Julian], so that I might introduce them to Your Honor. But since you were absent, I have to present them by letter to Your Excellency. Be aware, according to your prudence, of the trustworthiness of this God-fearing brother [porter of the message]. Whatever he reports to your kindness toward the poor, give it preference as to one who is telling the truth, and do grant to the needy whatever assistance you can. You will naturally deign also to inspect the hospice of the poor in his resort and exempt it from all contributions. Your colleague has already agreed that the meager possessions of the poor should be exempt from taxes.