Reference numbers Urk. 31
Doc. 36
CPG 2048
Incipit Ἤδη μὲν οὖν καταψηφισθέντες
Date late 327
Ancient source used Socrates, Church History 1.14.2 (TLG)
Modern edition used W. Bright, Socrates’ ecclesiastical history, 2nd edition (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1893)
Other ancient sources Sozomen, Church History 2.16.3
Anonymous Church History 3.13

(1.) O pious ones, you condemned us quite some time ago without a formal trial, and we ought to have borne in silence the decisions of your sacred judgment. But since it is unreasonable that we should tolerate false witnesses against ourselves by remaining silent, we declare that we entirely concur with you in the faith; and also that, after having closely considered the significance of the term “of the same being as” (homoousios), we have diligently worked for peace, and have never followed heresy. (2.) After we suggested what we thought was for the safekeeping of the churches, and fully assuring those under our influence, we subscribed to the declaration of faith. We did not however subscribe to the condemnations; not because we objected to the creed, but because we did not think the party accused was fairly represented. But now we have been satisfied on this point, both from his letters to us, and from personal conversations. (3.) But if your holy council was persuaded, we will not oppose it, but will agree with your decisions, and by this statement we give them our full assent and confirmation. We do not write this because we are tired of being in exile, but to shake off the suspicion of heresy. (4.) If you should now think fit to restore us to your presence, you will find that we agree with you on all points, and will agree fully with your decrees, especially since it has seemed good to you, o pious ones, to treat with tenderness and recall even him who was primarily accused [Arius]. It would be absurd for us to remain silent, and have everyone take it as evidence against ourselves, when the one who seemed responsible has been permitted to clear himself from the charges brought against him. Grant then, as is consistent with your Christ-loving piety, to bring this to the attention of our most pious emperor, to present our petitions to him, and to decide quickly what to do with us in a way your reason finds fitting.
Translation from Socrates (NPNF2 vol. 2, p. 20), adapted by AJW

Other translations in New Eusebius, no. 296, and Sozomen (NPNF2 vol. 2, p. 68)

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