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Correspondence (1716–1725)
Eastern Patriarchs and the Nonjurors, ed. Williams, 1868
14. No. 14: The Metropolitan of Thebais to the Nonjurors
To my most Reverend Brethern and Bishops beloved of God, Lord Jeremias, Lord Archibald, Lord Thomas, and Lord James, and to all the rest my beloved Sons in Christ, ARSENIUS, Metropolitan of Thebais wisheth much Health.
With what Joy the most August Emperor and Governing Council received, read, and praised your Letters, Answers, and truly Christian Propensity for the Union of both Churches, my dearest Brothers, you may perceive by many Particulars: For they think nothing is more to be desired, or more diligently to be taken care of, or more readily to be promoted than the Union of the Church of Christ. Therefore they both immediately sent your Answers written in Greek to the most Holy Patriarchs, and have also written again to you. How much his most Sacred Majesty’s Joy was augmented, after his Return from Persia, and how acceptable this Matter was to him, I suppose the Governing Council has told you in their Letters, and acquainted you that his Majesty has freely promised to promote the Affair, that it may have the wished for Conclusion. But if in anything there is yet required the Consent of either Party, in order to determine that Matter, it is his Majesty’s Will that you send one or two of yours into Russia (which my dearest Protosyncellus has acquainted me is also your Desire) in a friendly Manner to inquire out that Truth which is to be considered, determined, and embraced. But lest it may seem injurious to either Party to yield, if they should disagree (which God forbid), he desires they may be sent, not with full Powers, but limited only to debate on those two Propositions concerning which you are yet doubtfull. You must therefore be carefull, my dearest Brothers, that those who are to be sent may come speedily, and that their coming may put an End to yours and our Labours, that we may not seem to have beat the Air, or to have run in vain, or to have undertaken so much Pains to no Purpose. The most Holy Patriarch of Constantinople has acquainted the Governing Council by his Letters that he has received your Answers, and has written that as soon as may be, having conveened a Synod of the other Patriarchs and Bishops, he will examine them, and take care to send Answers to them. I again and again recommend to you our dearest Archimandrite Gennadius, and after him James our Protosyncellus, and our most beloved spiritual Son Bartholomew. I desire you to take Care of your Health, and beseech the most Great and Good God that it may be most firm and lasting. As soon as our Protosyncellus came to us, I wrote again to you. I pray let me know if you received my Letter. Again farewell.
ARSENIUS the humble Metropolitan of Thebais
and your Brother in Christ.
Dated Mosco, 1723.
Aug. 25.