Bad Advertisement?
Are you a Christian?
Online Store:Visit Our Store
| To Marinianus, Bishop.
PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - HELP 
Epistle XXIV.
To Marinianus, Bishop.
Gregory to Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna.
We have received by the deacon Virgilius
the letter of your Fraternity, in which
you inform us that certain of the clergy and people have cried out that
it is contrary to the laws and canons that the cause between your
Church and the abbot Claudius should be examined and decided
here. But, had they paid attention to ecclesiastical order and to
the persons between whom the case is pending, they would by all means
have abstained from needless complaint; especially as the cause could
not be pleaded there, where the aforesaid abbot has complained of
having endured injustice from your predecessor and of still suffering
from it. For the objection might perhaps have been made if he had
not appealed to a superior authority, and sought to have the rights of
his case determined before it. Nay, but dost thou not thyself
know that the case which arose on the part of the presbyter John
against John of Constantinople, our brother and fellow-bishop, came
before the Apostolic See, and was decided by our sentence?1646
| 1646 See III. 53,
note 9, and reff there. It seems from what Gregory here
says, that it was not in the East only, but also in Italy, at Ravenna,
that the authority of the Roman See met with opposition, perhaps mainly
on the ground of Ravenna having been an Imperial city, and being still
the seat of the Exarch of Italy. Cf. III. 57, note 4. | If, then, a cause was brought under
our cognizance from that city where the prince is, how much more should
an affair between you have the truth about it ascertained and be
terminated here? But as for you, let not the words of foolish men
there move you, and believe not that through us any detriment to your
Church is caused. For, if you will enquire of the servant of
God Secundinus your deacon and of Castorius
our notary, you will learn from them how your predecessor had already
desired to arrange this case. But your Fraternity has done wisely
in sending persons hither for this business, and in not listening to
vain words. Now we trust in Almighty God
that this cause may be terminated in a way well-pleasing to
God, so that no room may be left for renewed
complaint and that neither party may be aggrieved unjustly. The
sword1647
| 1647
Spatam. Cf. VI. 61, note 8. | which our most beloved son Peter, then
deacon and guardian (defensor) in your parts, had left for us
with your predecessor, please to send to us by the servant of
God Secundinus, and Castorius the notary, the
bearers of these presents.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
|
