To the Archdeacon of Rome

A terrible storm has struck our churches, but those who hold to the apostolic faith have in your holiness a safe and quiet harbor. Not only do you champion the cause of the doctrines of the gospel, but you utterly detest the wrong done to me. I was living far away, thirty-five days’ journey off, when I was condemned at the pleasure of those most righteous judges. They have abandoned the teaching that has held in the churches from the coming of God our Savior until this day. They have brought in a new and bastard doctrine, flatly contrary to the tradition of the apostles, and they are openly at war with those who hold to the ancient teaching. So, most godly sir, please kindle the zeal of the most sacred and holy archbishop, so that the churches of the East too may enjoy your kindly care. Above all, fight for the faith handed down from the beginning by the holy apostles. Keep the inheritance of our fathers whole, and scatter the mist that weighs on us. Give us clear sunshine in place of a moonless night, and condemn the wickedness of the massacre unrighteously carried out against us. It is fitting for your holiness to add this act of zeal to your other good deeds. [a]