To Flavian, Bishop of Constantinople, in Praise of His Stand

The Creator and Guide of the universe has made you a light of the world, and has turned the deep, moonless night into clear noon. Just as a beacon light beside a harbor shows sailors the harbor mouth at night, so the bright ray of your holiness shines to give great comfort to all who are attacked for the sake of true religion, and shows them the safe port of the apostles’ faith. Those who know it already are filled with comfort, and those who did not know it are saved from being dashed on the rocks. I in particular am bound to praise the Giver of all good, because I have found a noble champion who drives away the fear of men by the power of the fear of God, fights wholeheartedly in the front rank for the teachings of the Gospel, and gladly bears the brunt of the apostolic war. So today every tongue is moved to praise your holiness. Not only do those raised in true religion admire the purity of your faith; even the enemies of the truth sing the praises of your courage. Falsehood vanishes at the lightning flash of truth. [a]

I write this knowing that the most reverend and devout Hypatius the reader readily obeys the bidding of your holiness, and constantly, my lord, speaks of your praiseworthy deeds. I greet you as holy and very dear to God. I urge you to support us with your prayers, so that we may live the rest of our lives according to God’s laws. [b]