The Council’s Letter to the Emperor Theodosius

To the most religious emperor Theodosius, from the holy synod of bishops assembled in Constantinople out of various provinces. [a]

We begin our letter to Your piety with thanks to God, who has established the empire of Your piety for the common peace of the churches and for the support of the true faith. And after giving God the thanks that are due to him, we lay before Your piety, as is our duty, what has been done in the holy synod. When we had assembled in Constantinople, as Your piety’s letter directed, we first of all renewed our unity of heart with one another. Then we pronounced some brief definitions, confirming the faith of the Nicene fathers and anathematizing the heresies that have sprung up against it. Besides this, we also drew up certain canons for the better ordering of the churches, and we have attached them all to this letter of ours. So we ask Your piety that the synod’s decree may be confirmed, so that, as you have honored the church by your letter summoning us, you may also set your seal on the conclusion of what has been decreed. May the Lord establish your empire in peace and righteousness, and prolong it from generation to generation; and may he add to your earthly power the enjoyment of the heavenly kingdom as well. May God, through the prayers of the saints, show favor to the world, so that you may be strong and outstanding in every good thing, as an emperor most truly devout and beloved of God. [b]