To the Prefect Antiochus

You have laid aside the cares of your very high office, but your fame flourishes among everyone. Those who have reaped the fruit of your kindness, and they are many and everywhere, praise it constantly. They spread your good name in every direction and stir their hearers’ tongues to join the chorus of praise. When I see the worthy fruit that adorns its famous stem with its beauty, I am delighted. For this reason I call your excellency to greater and higher deeds, and I beg you to care for the peace of the churches. The inventors of slanders against me have overwhelmed them with a great storm. In these circumstances the very religious bishops, making light of a long journey, of illness and of old age, have left their own flocks without a shepherd and set out to travel this great distance, eager to refute the lies told against us all. I beg your greatness to give them your protection, to show your care for the slandered East, and your forethought for the welfare of the apostolic faith. It is only fitting that you should add this further glory to the rest of your good deeds. [a]