To Abundius, Bishop of Como

To my dear lord and most holy brother Abundius, Theodoret sends greetings in the Lord. I have learned that your piety faithfully keeps the true and apostolic faith, and I have thanked Almighty God that the truth, which was in peril, has been renewed and brought to light by your holiness. [a] Long ago, after the flood, Noah and his sons were left as seed for the human race. In just the same way, in our own day, the fathers of the West have been kept in reserve, so that through them the holy churches of the East may be able to preserve the true religion that a new and impious heresy has threatened with devastation and destruction. Well may we quote the prophet’s words: “Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a very small remnant, we would have been like Sodom, and we would have been like Gomorrah.” So the wrath of God has fallen on us from this impious heresy like a flood and an invasion. [b]

Now we acknowledge the presence of our Savior in a human body, and one Son of God, his perfect Godhead and his perfect manhood. We do not divide our one Lord Jesus Christ into two sons, for he is one; but we recognize the distinction between God and man. We know that the one is from the Father, and the other from the seed of David and Abraham, according to the divine Scriptures. We know that the divine nature is free from suffering, and that the body, which was once subject to suffering, is now itself free from suffering too; for after the resurrection it is plainly delivered from all suffering. We have learned this from the letter of the most holy and religious archbishop, our lord Leo. For we have read what he wrote to Flavian, of holy and blessed memory, and we have thanked the Lord for his loving-kindness, because we have found an advocate and defender of the truth. I have given my agreement to this letter, and I have attached a copy of it to this letter of mine, which I have also signed. By this I have proved that I obey the apostolic rules, that is, true doctrines; that I abide in them to this day; and that I am suffering for their sake. [c] My lord Ibas and my lord Aquilinus have also given their assent, men against whom the inventors of the new heresy have armed the imperial power. [d]

It remains for you, with your most holy colleagues, to bring help to the holy church and to drive away the war that threatens it. Banish the impious party that has been roused against the truth; give the churches back their ancient peace. So you will receive from the Lord, who has promised to grant this gift, the fruits of your apostolic labors. I greet all the most religious and godly presbyters, the reverend deacons, and the brothers who are with your holiness; and I and all who are with me greet your reverence.