To the Clergy of Salona, on the Election of Honoratus

Gregory to the clergy, and so on. [a]

Having read your letter, beloved, we learn that you have chosen Honoratus, your archdeacon. Know that it pleases us entirely that you have chosen for the order of bishop a man long tested and of serious life. We too join you in approving his character, since it is already known to us, and it has been our own wish too that he should be ordained your priest, as you desire. For this reason we urge you to hold firmly to his election without any wavering. Nor should any circumstances turn you against him. For as this praiseworthy choice is now approved, so it will lay a burden on your souls and a stain of unfaithfulness on your good name if anyone should lead you astray (God forbid) and turn your love away from him. As for those who do not agree with you in this desired election, we have had them warned by Antoninus our subdeacon, so that they may come to agree with you. We have already given him our instructions too about what is to be done concerning our brother and fellow bishop Malchus. But since we have also written to Malchus ourselves, we believe he will without delay keep quiet and stop troubling you. If by chance he neglects to obey in any way whatever, his defiance will be punished in every way with the utmost strictness of canonical penalty. [b]