To Natalis, Archbishop of Salona

Gregory to Natalis, archbishop of Salona. While every kind of business calls for careful inquiry into the truth, what concerns deposition from the rank of a priest must be weighed with special strictness. For here the matter in hand does not concern persons placed in a humble position; it is, as it were, the reversal of a divine blessing. This consideration has also moved us to urge your fraternity on behalf of Florentius, bishop of the city of Epidaurus. We have been told that he was accused on certain criminal charges, and that, without any proof according to the canons being sought, and without any prior sentence of a council of priests, he was deposed from his office and rank, not by law but by authority. No one can be removed from the rank of bishop except for just causes, by the agreed sentence of priests. We therefore urge your fraternity to have this man recalled from the banishment into which he has been driven, and his case examined in a consultation of bishops. If he is convicted on proof according to the canons of the charges brought against him, he must without doubt receive the punishment the canons lay down. But if the synod’s inquiry finds the facts to be other than was supposed, then his accusers must fear the rigor of justice, and the accused must have the vindication of his innocence kept unbroken. We have given Antoninus, our subdeacon, our order to carry out this business, so that decisions may be reached in accordance with the laws and canons and, with the Lord’s help, be put into effect. [a]