To Uranius, Governor of Cyprus

True friendship is made stronger by being together, but separation cannot break it, for its bonds are strong. This truth could easily be shown by many other examples, but it is enough for us to prove what I say from our own case. Between you and me lie many things, mountains, cities and the sea, and yet nothing has wiped out my memory of your excellency. As soon as we see anyone arriving from the towns on the coast, the conversation turns to Cyprus and to its most worthy governor, and we are delighted to hear news of your high reputation. And lately we have been pleased beyond the ordinary to learn the most delightful news of all. For what, most excellent sir, could please us more than to see your noble soul lit up by the light of knowledge? We think it right that a man adorned with many kinds of virtue should add to them their crowning touch as well, and we believe we shall see what we long for. For your nobility will surely seize the gift God gives with eagerness. You are moved to it by true friends who understand its value clearly, and guided to the bountiful God, “who wills all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” [a]

He catches men by means of men for their salvation, and he brings those he catches into the life that never grows old. A fisherman takes the life of his catch, but our Fisher sets free from the painful bonds of death all whom he takes alive. That is why “he showed himself on earth and lived among men,” bringing men his life, giving his teaching through the humanity that could be seen, and giving to beings endowed with reason the law of a fitting way of life. This law he confirmed by miracles, and by the death of the flesh he destroyed death. By raising the flesh he has given all of us the promise of resurrection, having first given the resurrection of his own precious body as a worthy pledge of ours. So greatly did he love men, even when they hated him, that some will not believe the mystery of the plan of salvation because his sufferings were so very bitter. And it is enough to show the depth of his loving-kindness that even now, day after day, he keeps calling to people who do not believe. He does this not as if he needed the service of men, for what does the Creator of the universe lack? He does it because he thirsts for the salvation of every person. So take hold of his gift, my excellent friend. Sing praises to the Giver, and give us a very great and splendid feast.