Reference numbers Urk. 32
Doc. 37
CPG 2021
Incipit Καὶ νῦν ἄρα
Date Beginning of 328
Ancient source Anonymous Church History 3.15
Modern edition used: M. Heinemann and G. Loeschcke, Gelasius. Kirchengeschichte, GCS 28 (Leipzig: Hinrichs, 1918)

The victorious great Constantine Augustus to father Alexander, the bishop:

(1.) And now the abominable ill-will will bark back in reply with unholy excessive contrivances, “And so what for the present? Are we submitting other things beyond those determined by the Holy Spirit through you, most honored brother?” (2.) Arius, that Arius I say, came to me, the Augustus, at the encouragement of most everyone. He promised that he now holds to our catholic faith as laid down and confirmed through us at the Council of Nicaea, while I, also your fellow servant, was present and consented. (3.) And so he immediately came to us, together with Euzoius, knowing clearly the will of the royal command. And so I held a conversation with them about the Word of Life while many were present. I am the one who committed my decision to God with a pure faith. I am your fellow servant, who took upon myself the concern for our <love> and unity.

And after these things:

(4.) So you see, I have written this letter, not simply to inform you, but I expect you to receive these men who are approaching you for forgiveness. And so if you find that they are now laying claim to the apostolic, orthodox faith, which was set forth at Nicaea and lives forever [possibly but less attested: gives eternal life] — and in fact we have confirmed that they do — then I encourage you to provide for all things. For if you should show care for these things, then the grudges (lit: hates) will be conquered by unity. (5.) So come to the aid of unity. Share the goodness of friendship with those who are not separated from the faith. Make sure that I hear a report of peace and unity between all of you, for which I hope and even long.

God will watch over you, most honored father.

Translation by AJW

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