Obey the Decrees of the Council

“Receive, then, with all willingness this truly divine command, and regard it as in truth the gift of God. For whatever is decided in the holy assemblies of the bishops is to be regarded as a sign of the divine will. So as soon as you have made these proceedings known to all our beloved brothers, you are bound from that time on to adopt for yourselves, and to require of others, the arrangement described above and the proper observance of this most sacred day. Then, whenever I come into the presence of your love, which I have long desired, I will be able to celebrate the holy feast with you on the same day, and rejoice with you in every respect, when I see the cruel power of Satan removed by God’s help through our efforts, while your faith and peace and harmony flourish everywhere. God keep you, beloved brothers!”

The emperor sent a faithful copy of this letter to every province, so that those who read it could see in it, as in a mirror, the pure sincerity of his thoughts and of his devotion to God. [a]