Incipit: ἐπειδὴ τοιοῦτοι χάρται
Date: Oct. 2, 313
Ancient source: Eusebius, Church History, 10.5.18-20
Modern edition used: G. Bardy, Eusebe de Casarae: Histoire ecclesiastique, vol. 3, Sources chretiennes 55. (Paris: Editions du Cerf, 1958)
Notes: On this Council, see Optatus, Against the Donatists 1.22-24 and Augustine’s letters 43.5 and 88.2. Optatus records the date.

(18) Constantine Augustus to Miltiades, bishop of Rome, and to Mark.

Many communications have been sent to me by Anulinus, the most illustrious proconsul of Africa, in which it is said that Caecilian, bishop of the city of Carthage, has been accused by some of his colleagues in Africa in many matters. It seems to me a very serious thing that in those provinces which Divine Providence has freely entrusted to my devotion, and in which there is a great population, the multitude are found following an ignoble course, and dividing, as it were, into two parties, and the bishops are at variance. (19.) And so it has seemed good to me that Caecilian himself should sail to Rome, with ten bishops who accuse him, and with ten others whom he may consider necessary for his defense. At Rome, in the presence of yourselves and of Retecius and Maternus and Marinus, your colleagues, whom I have commanded to hasten to Rome for this purpose, he may be heard, as you may understand to be in accordance with the most holy law.

(20) I have attached to my letter copies of the documents sent to me by Anulinus, and have sent them to your above-mentioned colleagues, so that you can gain a full understanding of what has occurred. When your firmness has read these, you will consider in what way the above-mentioned case may be most accurately investigated and justly decided. For it does not escape your diligence that my reverence for the legitimate catholic church will not permit me to allow schism or division in any place. May the divinity of the great God preserve you, most honored sirs, for many years.

Translation adapted from NPNF2, vol. 1, p. 381 by AJW

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