Constantine’s Letter to Macarius on Building the Holy Church

“Constantine, the victorious and great, to Macarius. “The grace of our Savior is so wonderful that no words can do justice to the present marvel. The memorial of his most holy suffering lay hidden under the earth for so many years, until the time when, after the death of the common enemy of all, it was to shine out for his servants now set free. That surpasses every other cause for wonder. If all the wise men in the world were gathered in one place and tried to speak of it worthily, they could not come within an infinite distance of it. For this miracle is as far beyond all human power of belief as heavenly things are by nature mightier than human ones. “So my first and only aim is this: that just as faith in the truth is confirmed daily by new miracles, so the minds of all of us may be devoted more earnestly to the holy law, wisely, zealously, and with one accord. Since my purpose is, I think, now generally known, I want you above all to be sure that my most intense concern is to adorn with beautiful buildings that consecrated spot, which by God’s command I have freed from the burden of the foul idol that weighed it down. For he declared it holy from the beginning, and he has made it holier still since he brought to light the proof and memorial of our Lord’s sufferings.

“I trust, then, to your wisdom to take every needed care, not only that the basilica itself should surpass all others, but that all its arrangements should be such that this building may be beyond comparison with the most beautiful buildings in every city of the world. We have entrusted our friend Dracilianus, who serves in place of the most illustrious prefect of the province, with overseeing the work of raising and decorating the walls. He has our orders to hire workmen and craftsmen and to provide everything you consider necessary for the building. “When you have inspected the work, let us know by letter which columns or marbles you think would be most ornamental, so that whatever you tell us is needed for the work may be brought there from every part of the world. For the most wonderful of all places ought to be adorned in keeping with its dignity. I want to learn from you whether you think the vaulted roof of the basilica should be coffered, or adorned in some other way; for if it is to be coffered, it may also be gilded. “Your Holiness must tell the officials named above, as soon as possible, what workmen and craftsmen and what sums of money are needed. And let me know promptly not only about the marbles and columns, but also about the coffered ceiling, if you decide that this will be the most beautiful way to build it. May God keep you, beloved brother.” [a]