(He gives thanks for their steadfastness in the faith and asks for their reward from the Lord. (Written in 374 A.D.))

As much as I grieve, imagining the widowhood of the Church, so much do I bless you, who have attained such a measure of podvig, which may the Lord grant you to perform courageously, so that you may receive a great reward both for the faithful dispensation and for the courageous firmness which you have shown for the name of Christ.

176 (183). К правителям самосатским

(Хвалит их усердие к добрым делам, советует быть в сем твердыми и просит писать к нему. (Писано в 374 г.))

Когда посмотрю, что искушение разлилось уже по всей Вселенной и что значительнейшие города Сирии претерпели страдания, равные вашим, но не везде вижу, чтобы советодательное сословие было так искусно и отличалось добрыми делами, как прославляется теперь ваше усердие к добрым делам, тогда бываю близок к тому, чтобы радоваться настоящему положению Дел. Ибо если бы не было этой скорби, то не обнаружилось бы и ваше искусство. Посему видно: что горнило для золота, то ревнителям какой–либо добродетели скорбь за упование на Бога.

Если же будете помнить меня и писать ко мне всякий раз, когда можно, то поступите справедливо, воздавая мне равным за равное и вместе немало обрадуете присылая в письмах явственные символы вашего приятнейшего для меня голоса.

211 (219). To the Samosata clergy

(Having learned from Subdeacon Theodore of the disagreements that had taken place in the Samosata clergy, after the admonitions made by the Samosata bishop Eusebius, who was then living in exile, he advises him to cease disagreements on his own behalf and not to deprive himself of the glory which he had acquired during the time of his concord by his firmness in the faith. (Written in 375)

The Lord, Who determines everything for us by measure and weight, sends temptations that do not exceed our strength, but just as in misfortune He makes the ascetics of piety visible, so He does not leave them "to be tempted more than they can bear" (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13), and "gives tears to drink in measure" (cf. Psalm 79:6) those who must show whether they retain gratitude to God — this Lord has shown His love for mankind in the economy for you, not allowing your enemies to raise up such a persecution against you, which could seduce and shake others in the faith of Christ. For, having placed you in a struggle with weak and easily overcome opponents, in victory over them He prepared for you a reward for patience.

But the common enemy of our life, who by his intrigues opposes the goodness of God, when he learned that you, like a solid wall, despise external affection, as I hear, contrived to produce in yourselves some mutual displeasures and faint-hearted feelings, which at first are of little importance and can easily be healed, but in the course of time, intensified by strife, usually become completely incurable. Wherefore I have turned to this written exhortation, and if it were possible, I would come myself and ask you personally. And since circumstances do not permit this, instead of my request, I extend this letter to you, so that, respecting my exhortations, you may cease all mutual quarrels, and soon send me the good news that you have left your complaints against each other. For I wish to make it known to your prudence that he is great in the sight of God who humbly yields to his neighbor and unashamedly takes upon himself accusations, even unjust ones, in order thereby to grant the Church of God the great benefit of peace. And so, let this good contest take place among you — who will be the first to be worthy of the name of the son of God (cf. Matt. 5:9), arrogating to himself this dignity by peace.

The most God-loving bishop wrote to you what your duty requires, and he also writes what his duty requires. However, I, too, as having permission to be close to you, cannot but take care of your affairs. Why, when the most reverent brother, Subdeacon Theodore, came and said that the Church was in sorrow and confusion, in great contrition, stricken with a sickness deep in my heart, I could not remain silent, but exhorted you, abandoning all the claims from one another, to gain peace and not to give pleasure to your adversaries, not to betray that which the Church boasts of and for which it is now glorified in the whole universe, namely, that you all live as if in one body, governed by one soul and one heart.

I greet all the people of God, the officials and rulers of the city, and all the clergy through your reverence, and exhort all to remain like themselves. For I demand nothing more from them, because by preliminary examples of good deeds they have already concluded every possibility of ascending higher.