To All the Bishops of Helladia

Gregory to all the bishops appointed in the province of Helladia. [a]

I give thanks with you, dearest brothers, to Almighty God. He has brought to the knowledge of all the hidden sore that the ancient enemy had introduced, and he has cut it away from the body of his church by a healing incision. In this we have cause both to rejoice and to mourn: to rejoice, that is, at the correction of a crime, but to mourn the fall of a brother. But since the fall of one is usually the safeguard of another, whoever is afraid of falling should take care to give the enemy no way in, and should not think that deeds done lie hidden. For the Truth proclaims: “There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.” This voice already announces our doings, and he himself, as witness, brings into public view in every way what is done in secret. And who can try to hide his deeds before him who is both their witness and their judge? But sometimes, while one thing is attended to, another is left unguarded. So everyone must watch against all the snares of the enemy, so that he is not beaten on one point while he conquers on another. An earthly enemy too uses this art of war when he wants to break into fortified places. He lays his ambushes in secret, but makes a show of being wholly bent on storming one place. Then, while everyone runs together to defend the place where the danger is close, other places that no one suspects may be taken. And so the man who was driven back by his opponent’s courage when he was seen gets by stealth what he could not get by fighting. But since in all these things we need the help of God’s protection, let each of us cry to the Lord with the voice of the heart, saying: “Lord, do not take your help far from me; look to my defense.” For it is plain that unless he himself helps and defends those who cry to him, our enemy cannot be overcome. [b]

Furthermore, you should know that, having received your love’s letter through Andrew, our brother and fellow bishop, we have sent the pallium to our brother John, the bishop of Corinth. It is entirely fitting that you obey him, especially since the order of ancient custom requires it, and his good qualities, to which you yourselves bear witness, invite it. For from the account certain persons have given me I have learned that in those parts no one attains any sacred order without paying a fee. If this is so, I say it with tears, I declare it with groans: when the priestly order has fallen inwardly, it will not be able to stand long outwardly either. For we know from the Gospel what our Redeemer did in person: how he went into the temple and overturned the seats of those who sold doves. For in truth, to sell doves is to take a payment in this world’s goods for the Holy Spirit, who is of one substance with Almighty God, and whom Almighty God gives to people through the laying on of hands. And, as I said before, what follows from this evil is hinted at, for the seats of those who presumed to sell doves in the temple of God fell by God’s judgment. And in truth this transgression spreads and grows among those below. For a man who is advanced to a sacred order already tainted at the very root of his promotion is all the more ready to sell to others what he has bought. And where is what is written: “Freely you have received; freely give”? And since the simoniac heresy was the first to arise against the holy church, why is it not considered, why is it not seen, that whoever ordains anyone for a price makes him a heretic by promoting him? So we urge that none of you allow this to be done any more, or dare to promote anyone to sacred orders for the favor or entreaty of any person, except one whom the character of his life and actions has shown to be worthy. For if we find the contrary in future, know that it will be put down with strict punishment under the canons. Given on the 15th of August, in the thirteenth indiction. [f]