To the Presbyter Palladius

To our beloved son Palladius, presbyter, Athanasius the bishop sends greeting in the Lord. [a]

I was glad to receive the letter you wrote on your own as well, all the more because in it you breathe right belief, as you always do. I learned the reason you are staying for the present with our beloved Innocent not just now but long ago, and I am pleased with your piety. Since you are doing as you are, write and let me know how the brothers there are, and what the enemies of the truth think about us. You have also told me about the monks at Caesarea, and I have learned from our beloved Dianius that they are upset and are opposing our beloved bishop Basil. I am glad you told me, and I have shown them what is fitting: that as children they should obey their father, and not oppose what he approves. If he were under suspicion with regard to the truth, they would do well to fight him. But if they are confident, as we all are, that he is a glory to the church, contending rather for the truth and teaching those who need it, it is not right to fight such a man. They should rather accept his good conscience with thanks. For from what our beloved Dianius has told me, they seem to be upset without cause. He, I am confident, becomes weak to the weak in order to win the weak. But let our beloved friends look at the aim of his truth and at his special purpose, and glorify the Lord who has given Cappadocia such a bishop as any region must pray to have. And you, beloved, please show them their duty to obey, as I am writing. This will at once make them well disposed toward their father, and will keep the churches at peace. I pray that you are well in the Lord, beloved son. [b]