The Decree Against the Messalians

When the most pious and religious bishops Valerian and Amphilochius came to us, they proposed that we consider together the case of the Messalians, that is, the Euchites or Enthusiasts, who were flourishing in Pamphylia, or by whatever other name this most defiling heresy is called. While we were considering the question, the most pious and religious bishop Valerian presented to us a synodical document which had been drawn up about them in the great city of Constantinople under Sisinnius of blessed memory. What we read in it was approved by all as well composed and as setting out the case properly. And it seemed good to all of us, and to the most pious bishops Valerian and Amphilochius, and to all the most pious bishops of the provinces of Pamphylia and Lycaonia, that everything contained in that synodical document should be confirmed and in no way set aside. It seemed good also that the action taken at Alexandria should be made firm, so that all those throughout the whole province who belong to the Messalian or Enthusiast heresy, or are suspected of being tainted with it, whether clergy or lay people, may come together. If they anathematize their errors in writing, according to the decrees pronounced in that synod, then if they are clergy they may remain so, and if they are lay people they may be admitted to communion. But if they refuse to anathematize them, then if they were presbyters or deacons or of any other grade in the church, let them be cast out of the clergy and from their grade, and also from communion; and if they are lay people, let them be anathematized. [a]

Furthermore, those convicted of this heresy are no longer to be allowed to have charge of our monasteries, so that weeds may not be sown and spread. And we command that the most pious bishops Valerian and Amphilochius, and the rest of the most reverend bishops of the whole province, see to it that this decree is carried out. In addition, it seemed good that the filthy book of this heresy which is called the Asceticon, a copy of which the most religious and pious Valerian brought with him, should be anathematized as the work of heretics. Likewise, anything that smacks of their impiety which may be found among the people, let it be anathema. [d]

Moreover, when they come together, let them commend in writing whatever is useful and necessary for harmony, for communion and for good order. But should any question arise in connection with the present business that proves difficult and uncertain, and it is not approved by the most pious bishops Valerian and Amphilochius and the other bishops throughout the province, they ought to discuss everything by reference to what is written. And even if the most pious bishops of the Lycians or of the Lycaonians have been passed over, nevertheless let no metropolitan be left out, of whatever province he may be. And let these things be entered in the Acts, so that any who need them may find in them how to explain these matters more carefully to others. [e]