Constantine’s Letter to Eusebius on Building Churches

“Victor Constantine, Greatest Augustus, to Eusebius. [a]

“Since the unholy and willful rule of tyranny has persecuted the servants of our Savior until this present time, I believe, and am fully convinced, dearest brother, that the buildings of all the churches have either fallen into ruin through plain neglect, or have received too little care out of fear of the violence of the times. “But now that freedom has been restored, and that serpent has been driven from the conduct of public affairs by the providence of the Supreme God and by our agency, we trust that everyone can see the power of God at work. We trust too that those who through fear of persecution or through unbelief have fallen into any errors will now acknowledge the true God, and from now on take up the way of life that is in keeping with truth and uprightness. So then, as regards the churches over which you yourself preside, and the bishops, presbyters and deacons of other churches whom you know, urge them all to give their zealous attention to the church buildings: either to repair or enlarge those that now exist, or, where there is need, to build new ones. [b] “We also authorize you, and the others through you, to ask for whatever the work needs, both from the provincial governors and from the praetorian prefect. For they have been instructed to obey the orders of Your Holiness with all diligence. May God keep you, beloved brother.” A copy of this instruction was sent throughout all the provinces to the bishops of the various churches. The provincial governors received orders to match, and the imperial law was quickly carried out. [c]