Now, if they who hold such views have authority to meet, your wisdom approved in Christ must see that, inasmuch as we do not approve their views, any permission of assembly granted to them is nothing less than a declaration that their view is thought more true than ours. For if they are permitted to teach their view as godly men, and with all confidence to preach their doctrine, it is manifest that the doctrine of the Church has been condemned, as though the truth were on their side. For nature does not admit of two contrary doctrines on the same subject being both true. How[,] then, could your noble and lofty mind submit to suspend your usual courage in regard to the correction of so great an evil? But even though there is no precedent for such a course, let your inimitable perfection in virtue stand up at a crisis like the present, and teach our most pious emperor that no gain will come from his zeal for the Church on other points if he allows such an evil to gain strength from freedom of speech for the subversion of sound faith.
Apt and timely citation, Kendall. Thanks.
FWIW, in the East, Gregory is known as simply “The Theologian.” Such was his reputation for both wisdom and godliness. Although he wasn’t the Patriarch of Constantinople very long, he did hold that key post while the Second Ecumenical Council was held, the one that finalized the “Nicene” Creed” (first version in AD 325, second and final version in AD 381).
Perhaps my own favorite line of his: speaking of the reality of the Incarnation and the full humanity as well as full divinity of Jesus Christ, Gregory made this key point: “Whatever he didn’t assume (i.e., whatever aspect of our humanity he didn’t take on), was not healed.”
Right on, with profound implications.
David Handy+