Gaudium et Spes draft implying universalism

It is sometimes stated that Vatican II taught universalism or at least implied it, which is not true, in fact, edits were made to remove this idea, and Fathers agreeing it is heresy, though there is some suspicion about some section being deliberately ambiguous on this matter. Regardless, this article intends to show how a section of Gaudium et Spes was edited to remove potentially universalist language!

An early draft of Gaudium et Spes here page 223:

Per « mundum » hic intelligimus sive coelum et terram seu universitatem rerum a Deo creatarum, sive universam familiam humanam, cuius membra, quamvis peccatores sint, a Deo tamen personaliter diliguntur, pro quibus Christus seipsum tradidit et postea resurrexit! et qui omnes una gaudent vocatione divina, licet « mundus », sub signo Maligni positus; Deo in hoc tempore adversetur, donec in fine et ipse per fidem salvetur? Illum uno verbo dicimus mundum, quem sic dilexit Deus ut Filium suum Unigenitum daret,) Christum nempe qui lux est mundi.

 AI translation:

By the term “world” we understand here either heaven and earth, that is, the totality of things created by God, or the entire human family, whose members, though sinners, are nevertheless personally loved by God, for whom Christ gave Himself and thereafter rose again, and who all share in one divine calling, although the “world,” placed under the sign of the Evil One, opposes God in this time, until in the end it too is saved through faith. In a single word, we mean that world which God so loved that He gave His only-begotten Son, namely Christ, who is the light of the world.

The later draft of Gaudium et Spes at Vatican II read in its preface:

 «Nomine “mundi” hic intelligimus ex un parte caelum et terram seu universitatem rerum a Deo creatarum, ex altera parte universam familiam humanam, cuius membra, quamvis peccatores sint, a Deo tamen personaliter diliguntur, pro quibus Christus seipsum tradidit et postea resurrexit et qui omnes una eademque gaudent vocatione divina; licet “mundus” quatenus sub signo Maligni positus est, Deo hoc tempore adversetur, donec in fine et ipse per fidem salvetur»: n. 2. AS IV/1, 436.

 AI Translated:

By the term “world,” we understand here, on the one hand, heaven and earth, that is, the totality of things created by God; on the other hand, the entire human family, whose members, though sinners, are personally loved by God, for whom Christ gave Himself and thereafter rose again, and who all share in one and the same divine calling; although the “world,” insofar as it lies under the sign of the Evil One, opposes God in this time, until in the end it too is saved through faith: n. 2. AS IV/1, 436.

 The last line quoted state, "until in the end it too is saved through faith" can easily be read as implying universalism, this was so obvious that bishops objected.

First was a bishop from Chile, Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez, S.D.B., Archbishop of Santiago de Chile (1961–1983):

Ad n. 2. Pag. 5, linn. 21-29: Proponitur alia ordinatio huius paragraphi: « (incipiendo a lin. 26) Licet “ mundus ” quatenus sub signo Maligni positus intel- ligatur (quod verbum ponitur pro “ est ”, quia hic potissimum agitur de modo intelligendi) Deo in tempore (dicitur “ in ”, quia affirmatio valet tantummodo usque ad Diem Domini) adversetur (cf. 1 Io. 5, 19; Io. 12, 31; 14, 30; 15, 18. 19; 16, 8-11; 17, 9, etc.), tamen nomine “ mundi ” hic intelligimus (reditur ad lin. 21) ex una parte caelum et terram seu universitatem rerum a Deo creatarum, ex altera parte universam familiam humanam, cuius membra, quamvis peccatores sint, a Deo tamen personaliter diliguntur, pro quibus Christus seipsum tradidit et postea resurrexit, et qui omnes una eademque gaudent vocatione divina. Illum uno verbo dicimus mundum, quem sic dilexit Deus ut Filium suum Unigenitum daret: Christum nempe, lucem mundi ». Et nota bene quod omittitur phrasis « donec in fine et ipse per fidem salvetur » (lin. 27) quia non videtur hanc affir- mationem fieri posse de “ mundo ” sensu peiorativo sumpto. Ratio huius muta- tionis ordinis est desiderium servandi homogeneitatem textus. Sic etenim iam ab initio proponitur, quasi in obliquo, sensus peiorativus “ mundi ”, et deinde, usque ad finem, agitur de sensu positivo. In textu officiali phrasis « licet ... adversetur ... salvetur » rumpit cursus idearum.--https://archive.org/details/ASIV.1/page/n561/mode/2up?q=%22donec+in+fine+et%22&view=theater p 566-567

AI translation: 

To n. 2. Page 5, lines 21–29: It is proposed to reorder this paragraph as follows: "Although the 'world,' insofar as it is understood as placed under the sign of the Evil One (the word 'understood' is used instead of 'is,' because here it is primarily a matter of the mode of understanding), opposes God in this time (the preposition 'in' is used, because the statement holds only until the Day of the Lord) (cf. 1 John 5:19; John 12:31; 14:30; 15:18–19; 16:8–11; 17:9, etc.), nevertheless, by the term 'world' we understand here (returning to line 21) on the one hand heaven and earth, that is, the totality of things created by God, and on the other hand the entire human family, whose members, though sinners, are nevertheless personally loved by God, for whom Christ gave Himself and thereafter rose again, and who all share in one and the same divine calling. In a single word, we mean that world which God so loved that He gave His only-begotten Son: namely Christ, the light of the world." And note well that the phrase "until in the end it too is saved through faith" (line 27) is omitted, because it does not seem possible to make this affirmation about the 'world' taken in a pejorative sense. The reason for this change in order is the desire to maintain the homogeneity of the text. For thus, from the beginning, the pejorative sense of the 'world' is presented, as it were, indirectly, and then, until the end, the positive sense is treated. In the official text, the phrase "although… opposes… is saved" disrupts the flow of ideas.

Bishop Giocondo Maria Grotti, O.S.M. (1928–1971), Prelate of Acre e Purus, Brazil, and Titular Bishop of Thunigaba said:

Lin. 27: « donec in fine et ipse (mundus) per fidem salvetur ». Ut patet ex notula 2, appellatio seu allusio fit ad Io. 3, 17-18, ubi inspirate dicitur Christum missum fuisse ut salvetur mundus per Ipsum, certe tamen quoad ea familiae humanae membra quae creditura erunt; quae vero credere renuent, condemnabuntur, ut ex notissimis aliis evangelicis locis patet. Econtra e constitutionis textu ansa interpretationi praebetur iuxta quam « totus » mundus in fine per fidem salvabitur: quod aequivaleret negationi inferni seu duarum mundi categoriarum, quas Dominus iudicabit (cf. Mt. 25, 31-46).--https://archive.org/details/ASIV.2/page/n739/mode/2up?view=theater page 744 AI Translation 

AI translation: 

Line 27: "donec in fine et ipse (mundus) per fidem salvetur" ("until in the end it [the world] is saved through faith") refers, as noted in footnote 2, to John 3:17–18, where it is divinely stated that Christ was sent so that the world might be saved through Him, certainly with respect to those members of the human family who will believe; but those who refuse to believe will be condemned, as is clear from other well-known Gospel passages. On the contrary, the text of the constitution provides an opportunity for an interpretation according to which the "entire" world will be saved through faith in the end: this would be equivalent to denying hell or the two categories of the world that the Lord will judge (cf. Matthew 25:31–46).

 Archbishop Federico Melendro y Gutiérrez, S.J., a Spanish Jesuit who served as Archbishop of Anqing, China's comments are seen below:

Ad prooemium, pag. 5, n. 2, lin. 27. Sermo est de « mundo » quatenus  significat « universam familiam humanam », de quo mundo dicitur: « donec  in fine et ipse (hic “ mundus ”) per fidem salvetur » (cf. Io. 3, 17-18). Tale  assertum est obscurum et ambiguum, ideoque corrigendum.    

a) Est obscurum, quia videtur significare « universam familiam humanam in fine tandem, per fidem, salutem obtenturam esse »; quod sapere  videtur doctrinam de sola fide causa salutis.    

b) Est ambiguum, quia posset intelligi, sensu Origenis, de salute tandem in fine ab universo genere humano obtinenda, exclusa aeternitate inferni. In textu autem citato ex Io. 3, 17-18, contrarium prorsus eruitur.  Nam in contextu 3, 19, sermo est de causa amissionis salutis: « erant enim  eorum mala opera ». Et in eodem contextu (3, 15-16) bis repetitur alios  obtenturos « vitam aeternam », alios vero « perituros », i. e., in aeternum.-- https://archive.org/details/ASIV.2/page/n787/mode/2up?view=theater page 793

English AI translation: 

To the Proemium, Page 5, Number 2, Line 27: The discussion concerns the "world" insofar as it signifies the "entire human family," about which it is said: "until in the end it (this 'world') is saved through faith" (cf. John 3:17–18). This statement is obscure and ambiguous and therefore must be corrected. 

a) It is obscure because it seems to imply that "the entire human family will ultimately, through faith, attain salvation," which appears to suggest the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. 

b) It is ambiguous because it could be understood, in the sense of Origen, as implying salvation ultimately attained by the entire human race in the end, excluding the eternity of hell. However, the cited text from John 3:17–18 yields the exact opposite. For in the context of John 3:19, the cause of the loss of salvation is mentioned: "for their works were evil." And in the same context (John 3:15–16), it is twice repeated that some will attain "eternal life," while others will "perish," that is, eternally.

Michael Cardinal Browne said: 

2. Bis in schemate ponuntur verba ex quibus intelligi posset totum genus humanum tandem aliquando ad aeternam salutem perventurum esse. Ita (par. 2, pag. 5, linn, 2-27) habetur: « ... licet “ mundus ” quatenus sub signo Maligni positus est, Deo hoc tempore adversetur, donec in fine et ipse per fidem salvetur». 

Item (par. 36, pag. 28, linn. 9-12) habetur: « Omnes enim ad imaginem  Dei creati sunt, et ex uno principio orti, ad unum eumdemque finem vocantur, iam nunc vitam SS. Trinitatis participantes ab Eaque vires ad communem salutem accipientes». --https://archive.org/details/ASIV.2/page/n665/mode/2up?view=theater page 670

 AI translation:

2. Twice in the Schema, words are used from which it could be understood that the entire human race will ultimately attain eternal salvation. Thus, in paragraph 2, page 5, lines 2–27, it is stated: "...although the 'world,' insofar as it lies under the sign of the Evil One, opposes God in this time, until in the end it too is saved through faith." 

Likewise, in paragraph 36, page 28, lines 9–12, it is stated: "For all are created in the image of God and, arising from one origin, are called to one and the same end, already now participating in the life of the Most Holy Trinity and receiving from It the strength for common salvation."

Luigi Maria Carli (1914–1986) was Bishop of Segni (Signinus), Italy. He was one of the more conservative voices that made the most objections at Vatican II. He always sniff hints of universalism:

Pag. 5, lin. 27. Auferantur verba « donec in fine et ipse per fidem salvetur », quia nullibi in S. Scriptura legitur « mundus » malignus in fine saeculorum salvatum iri. Citatio Io. 3, 17-18 respicit salvationem mundi in actu primo (non in actu secundo), iam peractam per mortem Christi. --https://archive.org/details/ASIV.2/page/n683/mode/2up ASIV.2 p 689

AI translation:

Let the words "donec in fine et ipse per fidem salvetur" ("until in the end it too is saved through faith") be removed, because nowhere in Sacred Scripture is it stated that the "world," under the influence of the Evil One, will be saved at the end of the ages. The citation of John 3:17–18 refers to the salvation of the world in the first act (in actu primo), already accomplished through the death of Christ, not in the second act (in actu secundo).

then another from Augustine Cardinal Bea

Initio schematis (n. 2) optime exponuntur variae acceptiones  vocis « mundus » et additur: « Licet mundus, quatenus sub signo Maligni positus est, Deo hoc tempore adversetur, donec in fine et ipse per  fidem salvetur » ... 5 . Iamvero, ni fallor, hic agitur de conceptu ... 6 mundi,  qui Novo Testamento proprius est, quique denotat creaturas liberas proprie quatenus Deo adversantur. Sic v. g. in noto textu ad Galatas, cap. 6,  14: « Mihi mundus crucifixus est et ego mundo », ille mundus certe in  fine non se convertet ; 7 vel in 1 loannis, cap. 2, 15: « Si quis diligit  mundum, non est caritas Patris in eo »; et alia huiusmodi . 8 Agi in textu  de mundo hoc sensu innuunt etiam expressiones ipsae ... 9 adhibitae, quae  desumuntur ex 1 loannis , cap. 5, 19 ... 10 . Iamvero patet, hunc talem  « mundum » ex conceptu suo 11 nunquam salvari posse praecise quia Deo  adversatur. Nec valet hic provocare ad Ioannem, cap. 3, v. 17 s. ... 12 ;  nam ibi 13 non agitur de mundo quatenus sub signo maligni est, sed quatenus significat universitatem rerum a Deo creatarum ..."-- https://archive.org/details/ASIV.1/page/n571/mode/2up page 577

At the beginning of the schema (n. 2), the various meanings of the word "world" are excellently set forth, and it is added: "Although the world, insofar as it is placed under the sign of the Evil One, opposes God in this time, until in the end it too is saved through faith" ... Now, unless I am mistaken, here the discussion concerns the concept of the world proper to the New Testament, which denotes free creatures precisely insofar as they oppose God. For example, in the well-known text of Galatians, chapter 6, verse 14: "The world has been crucified to me, and I to the world," that world certainly will not be converted in the end; or in 1 John, chapter 2, verse 15: "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him"; and other similar passages. The expressions used in the text, which are drawn from 1 John, chapter 5, verse 19, also suggest that the discussion is about the world in this sense. Now, it is clear that such a "world," by its very concept, can never be saved precisely because it opposes God. Nor is it valid here to appeal to John, chapter 3, verses 17 and following; for there the discussion is not about the world insofar as it is under the sign of the Evil One, but insofar as it signifies the totality of things created by God ... 

During the actual editing it was stated:

« Populi Dei » scribatur « Regni Dei » vel « Corporis Christi » (5288). 

(C) Multis displicet incisum de « mundo ». Aliqui Patres integras novas formulas proponunt quibus conantur in uno textu comprehendere terminologiam biblicam (5288, 5489, 5583, 5551, 5414); nulla tamen plene satisfacit. Complures postulant ut omittantur verba « donec in fine ... salvetur » (5834, 5292, 5551, 5486, 5639, 5424, 5488); aliquibus dicta videntur esse incompleta (5606, 5747). 

Explicationem desiderant regni « Maligni » (5488); non placet formula « quamvis peccatores sint » (5292); nec « hoc tempore » (5488); nec defectus visionis historiae (5292); desideratur additio eschatologica (5292), allusio ad Mysterium Verbi incarnati, Christi crucifixi et resurgentis (5287). 

Hac de causa totum comma noviter redactum est, omittendo quaestionem terminologiae « de mundo » in Sacra Scriptura, quae, ut in notis addatur, suo loco in schemate respicienda est; adducendo dimensionem anthropologicam, cosmologicam, historicam « mundi » de quo sermo est; addendo interpretationem eam christianam quae schemati respondeat. 

[8] (D) Aspectus anthropologicus (simul socialis). 

(E) Aspectus cosmologicus. 

(F) Aspectus historicus. 

(G) Elementa proposita a variis Patribus (5606, 5478). 

(H) Phrasis sequens additur, ut appareat conceptio « christiana » mundi. 

(I) Ita iam dogma fundamentale creationis indicatur. 

(K) Ita visio hamartologica clare retinetur. 

(L) Additur « crucifixi et resurgentis », propter rationem oecumenicam et theologicam Orientalium. 

(M) Ulterior descriptio Maligni hic non conveniret. --

Acta Synodalia Sacrosancti Concilii Oecumenici Vaticani II: Periodus quarta, pars VI :  p423

AI translation:

 “Let ‘People of God’ be written as ‘Kingdom of God’ or ‘Body of Christ’ (5288).

(C) Many are displeased with the section on the ‘world.’ Some Fathers propose entirely new formulations, attempting to encompass biblical terminology in a single text (5288, 5489, 5583, 5551, 5414); however, none fully satisfy. Several request the omission of the words ‘until in the end ... it is saved’ (5834, 5292, 5551, 5486, 5639, 5424, 5488); to some, the statements seem incomplete (5606, 5747).

They desire an explanation of the kingdom of the ‘Evil One’ (5488); the phrase ‘though they are sinners’ is not pleasing (5292); nor is ‘in this time’ (5488); nor the lack of a historical vision (5292); an eschatological addition is desired (5292), as well as an allusion to the Mystery of the Incarnate Word, of Christ crucified and risen (5287).

For this reason, the entire section has been redrafted, omitting the question of the terminology of the ‘world’ in Sacred Scripture, which, as noted, should be addressed elsewhere in the schema; introducing the anthropological, cosmological, and historical dimensions of the ‘world’ in question; adding the Christian interpretation that corresponds to the schema.

[8] (D) Anthropological aspect (also social).

(E) Cosmological aspect.

(F) Historical aspect.

(G) Elements proposed by various Fathers (5606, 5478).

(H) The following phrase is added to highlight the ‘Christian’ conception of the world.

(I) Thus, the fundamental dogma of creation is indicated.

(K) Thus, the hamartiological vision is clearly retained.

(L) ‘Crucified and risen’ is added for ecumenical and theological reasons related to the Eastern Churches.

(M) A further description of the Evil One would not be suitable here.

Then we see the old repeated much later:

Per « mundum » hic intelligimus sive coelum et terram seu universitatem  rerum a Deo creatarum, sive universam familiam humanam, cuius membra, quam-  vis peccatores sint, a Deo tamen personaliter diliguntur, pro quibus Christus  seipsum tradidit et postea resurrexit! et qui omnes una gaudent vocatione divina,  licet « mundus », sub signo Maligni positus; Deo in hoc tempore adversetur,  donec in fine et ipse per fidem salvetur? Illum uno verbo dicimus mundum,  quem sic dilexit Deus ut Filium suum Unigenitum daret,) Christum nempe qui lux est mundi. --https://archive.org/details/ASV.3/page/222/mode/2up page 223

However, the final result omits it!:

Mundum igitur hominum prae oculis habet seu universam familiam humanam cum universitate rerum inter quas vivit; mundum, theatrum historiae generis humani, eiusque industria, cladibus ac victoriis signatum; mundum, quem christifideles credunt ex amore Creatoris conditum et conservatum, sub peccati quidem servitute positum, sed a Christo crucifixo et resurgente, fracta potestate Maligni, liberatum, ut secundum propositum Dei transformetur et ad consummationem perveniat.--Gaudium et Spes, Preface

Official translation: 

Therefore, the council focuses its attention on the world of men, the whole human family along with the sum of those realities in the midst of which it lives; that world which is the theater of man's history, and the heir of his energies, his tragedies and his triumphs; that world which the Christian sees as created and sustained by its Maker's love, fallen indeed into the bondage of sin, yet emancipated now by Christ, Who was crucified and rose again to break the strangle hold of personified evil, so that the world might be fashioned anew according to God's design and reach its fulfillment.

 

Answering "WherePeteris" on "Universalism and Hell"

The following article was produced to try to defend the late Pope Francis' misguided statement on his hope Hell is empty, which on its face contradicts the faith, which is unfortunate as it appears the Pope was ignorant of a matter of faith, which Pope John Paul II may have been as well (despite him rejecting hopeful universalism). The article by Adam Rasmussen can be found here:  https://wherepeteris.com/universalism-and-hell/

Many of the topics I already addressed. The article references Orthodox scholars, which is odd, considering their arguments and positions on Hell cannot work in the imaginary bounds of Catholic "aspirational universalists." Orthodox universalists, as many universalists, believe MANY will go to Hell, it's just that Hell will end and the souls will enter heaven after a while. This is even more directly heresy in Catholicism. The Orthodox Church tends to be open to the idea some might be saved after a short stay in Hell. 

The writer states:

"Dogmatic universalism is associated principally with Origen of Alexandria, a church father who lived in the third century, and aspirational universalism with the aforementioned Catholic theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar."

Origen is not a church father, he like Tertullian are not counted among them since he was declared a heretic and anathematized. Vatican II somewhat rehabilitated Origen but never lifted the anathema against him or his teachings. He was just commended as being an influential writer

Love him or hate him, canonize or anathematize him, Origen was the most influential theologian who lived between Paul and Augustine. Unfortunately, his exact views are lost to us because the vast majority of the thousands of works he wrote have not survived. This is partly due to their extraordinary size and partly because he was condemned as a heretic at the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople in the sixth century. 

Yes, he influenced many, not everything he said was heretical. The church never lifted his anathema, he was anathematized long before Constantinople II. Even his own day he was condemned and butted heads with his Patriarch.  

The emperor Justinian had a list of heresies of the sixth-century Origenists drawn up, which included the pre-existence of souls, universal salvation (even of the devil), and the belief that the stars are alive. There is contradictory evidence about how many of the condemned propositions Origen himself had held. Furthermore, modern historical studies have cast doubt on whether Justinian’s anathemas were ever formally adopted by the Council.[1] The 20th-century Catholic reappropriation of Origen is premised on the difference between the speculative, non-definitive nature of the historical Origen’s views and the later, dogmatic views of the condemned Origenists.

Commenting about whether the Council adopted it is misleading, Origen and universalism were condemned even by later councils. The writer sadly quotes the notorious Orthodox priest Fr Kimel, who other EO told me bishops refused to assign to a parish because of his writings. Again, universalism is more compatible in Eastern Orthodox than Catholicism! For instance, later ecumenical councils state:

Constantinople III:

the fifth holy synod, the latest of them, which was gathered here against Theodore of Mopsuestia, Origen, Didymus and Evagrius, and the writings of Theodoret against the twelve chapters of the renowned Cyril, and the letter said to have been written by Ibas to Mari the Persian.--Constantinople III (AD 680-681), Exposition of Faith

Nicea II, the fathers recognized the anathema against universal reconciliation: 

"Cosmas, the deacon and chamberlain, reads from the Life of our holy Father Sabbas:-- 

  "At the fifth holy General Council, held at Constantinople, Origen and Theodore of Mopsuestia, together with the speculations of Evagrius and Didymus, concerning the pre-existence and restitution of all things, were all subjected to one common and Catholic anathema, all the four Patriarchs being present and consentient thereto...--Nicea II, Session I, p36

We reject along with them Severus Peter and their interconnected band with their many blasphemies, in whose company we anathematize the mythical speculations of Origen, Evagrius and Didymus, as did the fifth synod, that assembled at Constantinople.--Nicea II, Definition

 Florence:

It also embraces, approves and accepts the fifth holy synod, the second of Constantinople, which was held in the time of our predecessor most blessed Vigilius and the emperor Justinian. In it the definition of the sacred council of Chalcedon about the two natures and the one person of Christ was renewed and many errors of Origen and his followers, especially about the penitence and liberation of demons and other condemned beings, were refuted and condemned.--Council of Florence, Session XI: Bull of union with the Copts, February 4, 1442

The claim is silly for a Catholic to make, the Church affirmed Origen and his doctrines were condemned at Constantinople II! Bring it up is a distraction and misleading. 

The most absurd part of all of this is Constantinople II essentially damned dead theologians, yet this point is conveniently stepped over by advocates of hopeful universalism:

If anyone does not anathematize Arius, Eunomius, Macedonius, Apollinarius Nestorius, Eutyches and Origen, as well as their heretical books, and also all other heretics who have already been condemned and anathematized by the holy, catholic and apostolic church and by the four holy synods which have already been mentioned, and also all those who have thought or now think in the same way as the aforesaid heretics and who persist in their error even to death: let him be anathema.--Constantinople II (AD 553), Anathemas against the "Three Chapters", Canon XI

Many like to comment that an anathema is not a damnation of the person to Hell, yet the council explaining why they anathematized the dead stated the anathema means they are "separated from God":

Since the Lord declares that the person is judged already, and the Apostle curses even the angels if they instruct in anything different from what we have preached, how is it possible even for the most presumptuous to assert that these condemnations apply only to those who are still alive? Are they unaware, or rather pretending to be unaware, that to be judged anathematized is just the same as to be separated from God? The heretic, even though he has not been condemned formally by any individual, in reality brings anathema on himself, having cut himself off from the way of truth by his heresy. What reply can such people make to the Apostle when he writes: As for someone who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.-- Constantinople II, Sentence against the "Three Chapters"

Continuing on he states concerning Pope John Paul II's slip up:

This statement encapsulates the core thesis of Balthasar’s book. That it is from Balthasar has been confirmed (after a fashion) by the fact that the Vatican’s official journal, Acta Apostolica Sedis (and thus also the Vatican website), censored this part of the pope’s address. I assume with the pope’s consent, the words “whether or” were removed (“we are not granted the knowledge of which human beings”). As a result, the official, censored version merely says that we do not know who specifically is in hell. The uncensored version has been preserved by EWTN and other sources.

However, there is uncertainty about John Paul II’s view. In the long, written interview he had with journalist Vittorio Messori in 1994, he seems to reject Balthasar’s view (Crossing the Threshold of Hope, 185-86). The Wednesday catechesis on hell was given five years later, so the pope may have changed his opinion later. Regardless, the controversial nature of both Balthasar’s book and John Paul II’s catechesis on hell indicate why, after saying bluntly that God will save everyone, Pope Francis added with a laugh, “Do not say this aloud!”

I appreciate he is more honest than many hopeful universalists with Pope John Paul's words--they were revised and almost certainly at the Pope's request or consent. And unlike many others he acknowledges Crossing the Threshold of Hope reject von Balthasar (among others) hypothesis concerning Hell as wrong. 

Rasmussen states:

The only time eternal punishment is mentioned explicitly in the Pauline corpus is in 2 Thessalonians 1:9: “eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord” (RSV). Catholic biblical scholars are divided over whether that letter was written by Paul himself or posthumously in his name by one of his companions.[3]

The note states: 

[3] “Increasingly in recent times, however, the opinion has been advanced that 2 Thessalonians is a pseudepigraph, that is, a letter written authoritatively in Paul’s name, to maintain apostolic traditions in a later period, perhaps during the last two decades of the first century.” (Introduction to 2 Thessalonians, New American Bible: Revised Edition)

Another reason why not all American bishops are on board with the NAB. The NAB doubts the Bible many times. It repeats the debunked claim of camels in Genesis 12 being anachronistic. It says "call no man father" in Matthew 23:9 means Matthew's community was evidently doing this and needed to be corrected. Many more examples exist including 1 Corinthians 3:15 where Catholic dogma is downplayed again. 

Another one of his notes I find absurd:

[6] Some patristic scholars, such as David Bentley Hart and Ilaria Ramelli, argue that the word eternal only indicates that the punishment will continue through the succession of all ages of the cosmos, but not for infinite time. The apokatastasis takes place after all the ages are complete. I have chosen not to address this avenue in this essay in part because it seems to be outside the bounds of Catholic doctrine.

He omits that Hart is an outright universalist. And "seems to be outside" is absurd, it certainly is outside! The CCC, ecumenical council and other says Hell does not end. Why add "seems"?

Like many defenders of this positions, they are ignorant or ignore several magisterial texts that either say Hell is populated, or assume it to be the case! Furthermore, they have a paper thin stack of Church Fathers supporting their position, so they supplement it without ones that embraced the overt form of universalism outright, which even people like Rasmussen admit is heresy.

Previously I made this article showing magisterial and liturgical texts on Hell.

Vatican II against aspirational universalism.

Bishop Barron's poor attempt as salvaging Balthasar.

You can read the debate between Lyra Pitstick and Fr Edward Oaks. 

Pitstick's article is here.

 To be continued

Council of Constantinople 920: Tetragamy Controversy

Council of Constantinople 920

Byzantine Council concerning the scandal of multiple marriages in particular the Emperor Leo VI's Tetragamy, 4th marriage, after his previous three wives died without producing an heir that survived childhood. This council was held after Leo's death. Source: Jus graeco-romanum. Pars III. pages 228-232 https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/STskqjJ0MxsC?hl=en&gbpv=0 https://archive.org/details/jusgraecoromanu00linggoog/page/228/mode/2up?view=theater

This in turn used Collatio Tertia Novellae Constitutiones Annorum 911-1057

COLLATIO TERTIA. Novellae constitutiones annorum 911-1057. NOV. I. Tomus unionis de nuptiis, quartis praesertim et tertiis'. (Α. 920.) Ὑπόθεσις τῆς ἀκολουθούσης διατάξεως, καὶ εἴδησις, πῶς ἡ τετραγαμία τῷ βασιλεῖ κυρίῳ λέοντι τετόλμηται, καὶ ὅπως κατηργήθης διὰ τοῦ τόμου τῆς ἑνώσεως. Λέων ὁ σοφώτατος εἶχε μὲν πρώτην γαμετὴν τὴν ἁγίαν θεοφανώ, μεθ ̓ ἧς καὶ θυγατέρα ἔτεκεν· ἀλλὰ τάχιον ἐτεθνήκει. καὶ αὐτῆς δὲ πρὸς κύριον ἀπελθούσης τῆς ἁγίας, ζεύγνυται ζωῇ τῇ θυγατρὶ τοῦ τζαουτζά στυλιανοῦ, ἑνὸς τῶν ἀρχόντων καὶ φίλων τοῦ βασιλέως. κἀκείνης συν τόμως ἔπαιδος τελευτησάσης, καὶ τρίτην ἠγάγετο γυναῖκα, εὐδοκίαν, τὴν ἀπὸ τοῦ θέματος ὀψικίου, ἐπιλεγεῖσαν διὰ τὸ κάλλος, ἥτις ἐν αὐταῖς ταῖς ὠδῖσι θνήσκει σὺν τῷ βρέφει. ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἀφάτῳ συσχεθεὶς λύπῃ ἐπὶ τῷ καταλειφθῆναι ἔπαις, ἐφέσει τεκνογονίας καὶ τετάρτην λαμβάνει γυναῖκα, τὴν τῆς καρβωνοψίνης ζωὴν, καὶ τίκτει μετ ̓ αὐτῆς τὸν κωνσταντίνον. ο πατριάρχης δὲ νικόλαος καὶ οἱ μητροπολῖται ἀφορίζουσι τὸν βασιλέα τῆς ἐκκλησίας· καὶ τὸν ἀφορισμὸν οἱ μέν τινες τῶν ἀρχιερέων συντεμεῖν ἔλεγον δεῖν, καὶ μὴ ἐπὶ πλείονα παρατείνειν καιρόν· οἱ δὲ οὐκ ἐπείθοντο. καὶ σχίσματα ἦν ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ στάσις πολλή· καὶ πολλὰ δεόμενον τὸν βασιλέα καὶ παρακαλοῦντα οἱ μὲν προσεδέχοντο, οἱ δὲ ἀπειθεῖς ἦσαν καὶ ἄτεγκτοι. ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς συνετὸς ὤν, καὶ ὅθεν ἀνεφύη τὸ ἀσύμφωνον τῶν ἀρχιερέων οὐκ ἀγνοῶν, μεθίστησι τὸν πατριάρχην νικόλαον, καὶ ἐξορίζει τῆς ἐκκλησίας ὡς ψεύστην, καὶ πολλάκις μὲν ὅρκοις διαβεβαιοῦντα καὶ ὑποσχόμενον δοῦναι τῷ βασιλεῖ τὴν τοῦ ἐπιτιμίου συμπάθειαν, τοσαυτάκις δὲ μεταμελόμενον καὶ ἀναβαλλόμενον ἐπίτηδες. προβάλλεται δὲ πατριάρχην τὸν ἑαυτοῦ πνευματικὸν πατέρα εὐθύμιον, ἄνδρα πολλοῖς ἔτεσι τῇ μοναχικῇ διαπρέψαντα ἀσκήσει, καὶ προφητικοῦ χαρίσματος ἠξιωμένον. οὗτος ἐλεύθερον τοῦ ἐπιτιμίου δείκνυσι τὸν βασιλέα, καὶ τοῦ χρονίου δεσμοῦ ἀπολύει καὶ εἰς κοινωνίαν δέχεται. ἀλλ ̓ ἦσαν ἔτι πολλοὶ τῶν ἀρχιερέων οἱ μὴ συν ελθόντες τῇ τοῦ πατριάρχου οἰκονομίᾳ, καὶ μᾶλλον οἱ τοῦ μέρους τοῦ ἐκβληθέντος νικολάου. ἐπεὶ δὲ ὁ μὲν βασιλεὺς λέων μετέστη πρὸς κύριον, καὶ ὁ ἀδελφὸς ἐκείνου ἀλέξανδρος τῆς βασιλείας ἐγκρατὴς ἦν, τὸν μὲν πατριάρχην εὐθύμιον ἐξωθεῖ τῆς ἐκκλησίας μεθ ̓ ὕβρεων, ἀντεισάγει δὲ πάλιν τὸν προεκβεβλημένον νικόλαον· καὶ ἔτι μᾶλλον τὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐστασίαζε πράγματα, διαιρεθέντων τῶν μητροπολιτῶν, καὶ τῶν μὲν τῷ ἐκβληθέντι πατριάρχῃ, τῶν δὲ τῷ ἀντεισαχθέντι προσκειμένων. οὐ πολὺ τὸ ἐν μέσῳ, καὶ ὁ μὲν ἀλέξανδρος ἐτεθνήκει· ὁ δὲ κωνσταντῖνος τῆς βασιλείας κληρονόμος ἐγεγόνει. ὃς συγκαλέσας τόν τε πατριάρχην νικόλαον καὶ σύμπαντας τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς (ὁ γὰρ εὐθύμιος ἤδη πρὸς κύριον ἐξεδήμησε), πείθει τούτους πρὸς μίαν γνώμην συνελθεῖν καὶ ὁμόνοιαν, καὶ δοῦναι τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ μετὰ θάνατον κοινῇ ψήφῳ τὴν ἄφεσιν· κανονικὴν δὲ ψῆφον ἐκθεῖναι, τοῦ μηκέτι τολμῶν τοιοῦτον ἢ πραχθῆναι ἁμάρτημα. ἐφ ̓ οἷς ὁ λεγόμενος οὑτοσὶ τῆς ἑνώσεως τόμος προέβη.

COLLATION III. New Constitutions of the Years 911–1057. NOVEL I. Tome of Union Concerning Marriages, Especially Fourth and Third Marriages (920 CE). Subject of the Following Ordinance and Account of How Tetragamy Was Dared by the Emperor Lord Leo and How It Was Abolished Through the Tome of Union. Leo the Most Wise had as his first wife the holy Theophano, with whom he had a daughter; but she died soon after. After the holy Theophano departed to the Lord, he married Zoe, the daughter of Stylianos Tzaoutzes, one of the nobles and friends of the emperor. When she too died shortly afterward without bearing a child, he took a third wife, Eudokia, from the Opsikion theme, chosen for her beauty, who died in childbirth along with the infant. Overwhelmed by unbearable grief at being left childless, and driven by a desire for offspring, the emperor took a fourth wife, Zoe Karbonopsina, and with her he fathered Constantine. However, Patriarch Nicholas and the metropolitans excommunicated the emperor from the Church. Some of the bishops argued that the excommunication should be shortened and not prolonged, but others were unpersuaded. This led to schisms and much strife among them. While some accepted the emperor’s pleas and entreaties, others remained defiant and unyielding. The emperor, being prudent and not unaware of the source of the bishops’ discord, deposed Patriarch Nicholas and exiled him from the Church as a liar, for he had repeatedly sworn and promised to grant the emperor leniency from the penalty but just as often changed his mind and deliberately delayed. In his place, Leo appointed his spiritual father, Euthymius, as patriarch—a man distinguished for many years by monastic discipline and deemed worthy of prophetic gifts. Euthymius declared the emperor free from the penalty, released him from the prolonged restriction, and received him into communion. However, many bishops still did not agree with the patriarch’s dispensation, especially those aligned with the deposed Nicholas. When Emperor Leo passed to the Lord and his brother Alexander became ruler, Alexander expelled Patriarch Euthymius from the Church with insults and reinstated the previously deposed Nicholas. This caused even greater turmoil in Church affairs, with the metropolitans divided—some siding with the deposed patriarch, others with the reinstated one. Not long after, Alexander died, and Constantine became the heir to the empire. Constantine summoned Patriarch Nicholas and all the bishops (as Euthymius had already departed to the Lord) and persuaded them to come to a unified opinion and harmony, granting his father forgiveness by a common vote even after his death. They also issued a canonical decree that such a sin should never again be dared or committed. On these grounds, the so-called Tome of Union was issued.

Tome of Union

Greek

English

Ὁ τόμος τῆς ἑνώσεως, ἤτοι ἔκθεσις τῆς γενομένης τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἑνώσεως, ἐπὶ κωνσταντίνου καὶ ῥωμανοῦ· τοῦ μὲν βασιλεύοντος, τοῦ δὲ τὸ τηνικαῦτα τῷ τοῦ βασιλεωπάτορος ἀξιώματι - διαπρέποντος. Ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς χριστὸς καὶ θεὸς τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ μαθηταῖς καὶ ἀποστόλοις καὶ τοῖς ὅσοι μετ ̓ ἐκείνων ἄξιοι γεγόνασι τῆς κληρονομίας αὐτοῦ, ἐξαίρετόν τινα κλῆρον τὴν εἰ ρήνην κατέλιπε, τοῦτο γνώρισμα παρεχόμενος τοῖς οἰκείοις τῆς πρὸς αὐτὸν οἰκείοτητος, εἰ τῷ συνδέσμῳ τῆς εἰρήνης σφιγ γόμενοι μὴ τὴν τοῦ πνεύματος διασπῶσιν ἑνότητα· πρότερον αὐτὸς οἰκείῳ ὑποδείγματι δείξας ἡμῖν, ἣν ἔχει περὶ τῆς εἰρήνης προαίρεσιν, δι' ὧν ὑπεράνω παντὸς ὕψους τελῶν ἐπὶ τὴν ἐσχατιὰν κατῆλθε τὴν ἡμετέραν, καὶ παραπλησίως ἡμῖν σαρκὸς καὶ αἵματος ἐκοινώνησεν, ἵνα τοὺς ἐξ ἀλλήλων διῃρημένους εἰς ἑνότητα καταστήσῃ. ἔπειτα καὶ τοῖς τὰ ἐκείνου μαθήματα πεπαιδευμένοις ταύτην κατέλιπε τὴν κληρονομίαν, τὸ εἰρηνεύειν ἐν ἀλλήλοις, καὶ οὐ τοῦτο μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ πρὸς εἰρήνην ἄγειν ἑτέρους πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς στασιάζοντας. ἀλλὰ γὰρ τοιούτου ὄντος τοῦ πράγματος, ἐξαρχῆς καὶ μέχρι τοῦ νῦν οὐ διέλιπεν ἡ τοῦ πονηροῦ στασιώδης κακία τὸ ἱερὸν τῆς ἐκκλησίας διαταράττουσα πλήρωμα, νῦν μὲν ταύτην νῦν δὲ ἐκείνην ἀνακινοῦσα τὴν πρόφασιν. ἀλλ ̓ ὁ μὲν τοιοῦτος· ὁ δὲ τῆς εἰρήνης αἴτιος καὶ διδάσκαλος χριστὸς ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ πύλας εἰπὼν ᾅδου μὴ κατισχύσειν τῆς ἐκκλησίας αὐτοῦ, ἀεὶ τὰ σκάνδαλα εἰς τὴν τοῦ πονηροῦ κεφαλὴν περιτρέπων, τὴν εἰρήνην τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ διαφυλάττει ἀλύμαντον. οὗτος ἐκεῖνος, ἡ εἰρήνη ἡμῶν χριστὸς, ὁ θεὸς, ὁ πατὴρ, ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς, ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ ἀληθινὸς, τῶν ἱερῶν τέκνων τῆς πανάγνου νύμφης αὐτοῦ, τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ἐξ ἀλλήλων διασπασθέντων, τῇ αὐτοῦ προνοίᾳ καὶ χάριτι τὴν ἕνωσιν αὐτοῖς κατεπράξατο, καὶ τοῖς ἀχράντοις κόλποις πάλιν συνήγαγε τῆς μητρός· διδοὺς ἐκείνῃ μὲν χαίρειν ἐπὶ τῇ συναγωγῇ τῶν τέκνων, ἑαυτῷ δὲ τὴν ἐξ ἑνὸς στόματος καὶ μιᾶς καρδίας προσάγεσθαι τῆς δόξης ἀναφορὰν, πᾶσι δὲ τοῖς, ὅσοι μὴ πρὸς τὴν ταραχώδη τοῦ δαίμονος προαίρεσιν ἀποκλίνουσιν ἀλλὰ τοῦ τῆς εἰρήνης αἰτίου τὸ παράγγελμα τιμῶσι, τὴν εὐχαριστίαν προσάγειν. ἀλλ ̓ ἐπὶ μὲν τῶν ἄνω χρόνων ἐγένοντο σκανδάλων ἀφορμαὶ, ὁποῖαι δὴ καὶ γεγόνασι, καὶ πρὸς τὴν ἑκάστοτε κίνησιν τοῦ κακοῦ τοῖς σοφοῖς τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν οἰκονόμοις ἡ πρόσφορος ἐξεύρηται θεραπεία· νῦν δὲ ὅτε συμβέβηκε τεταράχθαι τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ἐξ ἀφορμῆς γαμικῆς ἐν τῷ μὴ τυγχάνειν τὸν γάμον ἐλεύθερον μέμψεως, πρὸς τὴν ἐκείνου κώλυσιν ἡ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἱερὰ κρίσις φέρει τὴν γνώμην, καὶ τοῦ μὴ προέρχεσθαι τοῦτον ἔτι χώραν εὑρίσκειν. οὕτω γὰρ καὶ νῦν καὶ μετέπειτα τῶν κατεχόντων σκανδάλων ἀπηλλάχθαι περιγενήσεται τοῖς, ὅσοι μὴ τὸ φιλόνεικον καὶ τὴν ἔριν ἀντὶ τῆς εἰρήνης ἠγάπησαν τοῦ χριστοῦ. τῆς γὰρ προφάσεως ἐκποδὼν γεγενημένης, ἀφ ̓ ἧς ἐξέφυ τὰ σκάνδαλα, τοῦ εἰρηνεύειν τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν εἰρήνην οὐδεμία ἐστὶν ἡ κωλύουσα πρόφασις. καὶ γὰρ ἐν παντὶ πράγματι οὕτως ἔχει· τῆς σφαλερᾶς αἰτίας τῆς τῶν ἀτόπων γενέσεως ἐκποδὼν καθισταμένης, πρὸς τὴν ἐξ ἀρχῆς εὐταξίαν ἀποκαθίσταται τὰ τέως ἐκεῖθεν λαβόντα τὸ πονηρῶς διακεῖσθαι· οὕτω καὶ σώματι νόσου προσγενομένης, τοῦ αἰτίου ταύτης ἀναχωρήσαντος, τὸ ὑγιαίνειν ἐπανέρχεται, καὶ θαλάσσῃ ἐξ ἀνέμων βιαιότητος ταραττομένῃ, τῆς καταιγίδος πεπαυμένης, ἡ γαληνιῶσα κατάστασις ἐπανήκει. διὰ τοῦτο κοινῇ συναθροισθέντες ἀρχιερεῖς τε καὶ ἱερεῖς, ὅσοι μὴ ἑαυτοῖς (ἐῶ γὰρ εἰπεῖν ἄλλοις) ἀρέσκειν ἠγάπησαν, ἀλλὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τὴν εἰρήνην τοῦ στασιάζειν προετίμησαν, συνείδομεν, ἐπείπερ ἐκ τῶν γαμικῶν ἀφορμῶν τὰ σκάνδαλα τὴν γένεσιν ἔλαβε, ταῦτα διανακαθάραι, καὶ διασφαλίσασθαι τοῦ μηδαμῶς ἔτι διὰ τῆς αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν βίον προόδου μήτε τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ταράττειν, μήτε τὴν ζωὴν τῶν οὕτω ζῆν ἑλομένων κατάκριτον καὶ κατεγνωσμένην ποιεῖν. α ́. Καὶ λοιπὸν ἀποφαινόμεθα κοινῇ γνώμῃ καὶ κρίσει, ἀπόγε τοῦ παρόντος ἔτους, ὅ ἐστιν ἑξακισχιλιοστὸν τετρακοσιοστὸν εἰκοστὸν ὄγδοον ἐπινεμήσεως ὀγδόης, τέταρτον γάμον μηδενὶ τολμᾶσθαι, ἀλλ ̓ εἶναι ἀπόβλητον παντελῶς· καὶ τὸν, εἴ τις ἐπὶ τοιοῦτο ἐλθεῖν συνοικέσιον προθυμηθείη, πάσης ἀπεστερημένον εἶναι συνάξεως ἐκκλησιαστικῆς καὶ αὐτῆς τῆς πρὸς τὸν ἅγιον ναὸν εἰσόδου ἀλλότριον, μέχρις ἂν ἐπιμένοι" τῷ συνοικεσίῳ. τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ τοῖς πρὸ ἡμῶν ἁγίοις ἔδοξε πατράσι, καὶ ἡμεῖς δὲ τὴν γνώμην ἐκδηλοτέραν" ποιοῦντες, ὡς ἀλλότριον αὐτὸν τῆς χριστιανικῆς πολιτείας ἀποκηρύττομεν ἀλλ ̓ οὕτω μὲν περὶ τοῦ τετάρτου γάμου. β ́. Ἵνα δὲ καὶ τὰ τῶν ἄλλων γάμων εὐσχημονέστερον τυπωθῇ καὶ τοῦ τῶν χριστιανῶν βίου μὴ ἀνάξιον ἔχῃ τὴν προσαγωγὴν, καὶ περὶ τοῦ τρίτου ὁρίζομεν γάμου, ὥστε μὴ ἁπλῶς μηδὲ ὡς ἔτυχεν ἐπιτελεῖσθαι αὐτόν. καὶ γὰρ συγκεχώρηται μὲν ὡς φύ πασμα τοῖς πατράσιν, οὔπω τότε καθὼς νῦν γινομένου τοῦ πράγματος ἀπηρυθριασμένως οὐδ ̓ εἰς πλάτος ἐξηπλωμένου, ἀλλ ̓ ὥσπερ εἴ τις ἐν οἴκῳ παραπεπτωκὸς ἐν γωνίᾳ παρίδῃ πολλάκις κείμενον ῥύπασμα· νῦν δὲ ὅτε χώραν ἔλαβε παῤῥησίας καὶ ὡς οὐδὲν ἔχων εἰς ἀσχημοσύνην οὐδὲ ῥυπαίνων λογίζεται ἐκ τοῦ προβῆναι εἰς πληθυσμὸν, καλῶς ἔδοξεν ἀνακαθαίρειν αὐτὸν, ὥσπερ καὶ αἶσχος οὐκ ἐν γωνίᾳ παρεῤῥιμμένον ἀλλ ̓ ἐξηπλωμένον ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκίας οὐδαμῶς ἐῶμεν, ἀλλὰ καθαί ρομεν καὶ τὸ ἐκ τούτου ἀηδὲς ἀποβάλλομεν. καὶ τῇ ἀνθρω πίνῃ τοίνυν συνυπείκοντες ἀσθενείᾳ, καὶ τῆς πρεπούσης εὐσχημοσύνης φροντίδα ποιούμενοι τῇ χριστιανῶν ζωῇ, τοῦτο ἐπὶ τῶν τριγάμων παραφυλάττεσθαι διορίζομεν, ὥστε εἴ τις πρὸς τεσσαρακοστὴν ἔτος ἀναβεβηκὼς, καὶ μήτε τὴν φύσιν αἰ δούμενος μήτε τῆς ὀφειλομένης χριστιανοῖς εὐκόσμου ζωῆς φροντίδα ποιούμενος, ἀλλὰ μόνης τῆς ἐμπαθοῦς ἐπιθυμίας γινόμενος, πρὸς τρίτον ἑαυτὸν ἐπιῤῥίπτοι γάμον, τοῦτον μετὰ πάσης ἀκριβείας καὶ παρατηρήσεως μέχρι πενταετίας ἀμέτοχον εἶναι τῆς τοῦ ἁγιασμοῦ μεταλήψεως, καὶ μηδαμῶς ἐπ ̓ αὐτῷ συντέμνεσθαι τὸν χρόνον. ὃς γὰρ μετὰ τὸ τεσσαρακοστὸν ἔτος τὸ ῥύπασμα ἐν τῇ τοῦ χριστοῦ ἐκκλησίᾳ εἶναι καὶ λέγεσθαι ἠγάπησε, τίνα παρέξει πληροφορίαν τῆς περὶ τὸν βίον αὐτοῦ σπουδῆς, δι ̓ ἣν ὁ χρόνος τῆς μεταλήψεως τῶν ἁγιασμάτων αὐτῷ συντμηθήσεται; ἀλλὰ γὰρ καὶ μετὰ τὸ ἀξιωθῆναι τῆς ἀχράντου μεταλήψεως οὐκ ἔσται συγκεχωρημένον αὐτῷ ἐν ἄλλῳ καιρῷ τῇ μεταλήψει προσιέναι, ἢ ἐν μόνῃ τῇ” σωτηρίῳ τοῦ χριστοῦ καὶ θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἀναστάσει, διὰ τὴν ἐκ τῆς προηγουμένης ἐγκρατείας τῶν νηστειῶν ὅσον δυνατὸν ἀνακάθαρσιν. ταῦτα δὲ φαμὲν, ὅταν μὴ τέκνα παρῇ ἐκ τῶν προτέρων γάμων τοῖς ἤδη μετὰ τὸ τεσσαρακοστὸν ἔτος τρίτην ἄγεσθαι προῄρημένοις γυναῖκα. ἐπεὶ ἐὰν τέκνα παρῇ, ἀσυγχώρητος αὐτοῖς ἡ τριγαμία. λίαν γάρ ἐστιν ἄδικον, τὸν μὲν χαρίζεσθαι τῇ ἐξώρῳ ἐπιθυμίᾳ, τοῖς δὲ παισὶ τῶν προτέρων γάμων μὴ προνοεῖσθαι τὸ ἀσφαλὲς καὶ τὸ ἄλυπον καὶ ἀτάραχον καὶ ὅσα οἶδε τὸ ἀνθρώπινον καταλαμβάνειν ἐκ τῆς πολυσπόρου τεκνώσεως. καὶ εἴ τις δὲ τριακοντούτης ὢν καὶ τέκνα ἔχων ἐκ τῶν προλαβόντων γάμων τρίτη συνάπτοιτο γυναικὶ, καὶ οὗτος δὲ ἀσυγχώρη τος μέχρι τετάρτου ἔτους καὶ τῆς κοινωνίας τῶν ἁγιασμάτων ἀμέτοχος ἔστω”· διότι δῆλός ἐστιν ἐξ οὐδενὸς ἑτέρου, ἀλλ ̓ ἢ ὑπὸ ἀκρασίας κινούμενος καὶ τοῦ δοῦλος εἶναι σαρκικῆς ἐπιθυμίας ἐπὶ τὸν τοιοῦτον γάμον ἐλθεῖν. καὶ μετὰ τὸ τυχεῖν δὲ τῆς μεταλήψεως τῶν μυστηρίων, τρὶς τοῦ ἐνιαυτοῦ μόνον ἀξιωθήσεται τῆς ἀπολαύσεως· ἅπαξ μὲν ἐν τῇ σωτηρίᾳ τοῦ χρι στοῦ καὶ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἀναστάσει, δεύτερον δὲ ἐν τῇ κοιμήσει τῆς ἀχράντου δεσποίνης ἡμῶν Θεοτόκου, καὶ τρίτον ἐν τῇ γενεθλίῳ ἡμέρᾳ χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν, διὰ τὸ καὶ ἐν ταύταις προηγεῖσθαι νηστείαν καὶ τὸ ἐκ ταύτης ὄφελος. εἰ δὲ παῖδες μὴ περίεισιν, ἐπειδὴ τὸ τεκνογονίας ἐπιθυμεῖν οὐκ ἀσύγγνωστον, τὸ τηνικαῦτα συγγνώμης ἀξιωθήσεται ὁ τοιοῦτος γάμος, καὶ μόνῳ τῷ ἐξ ἀρχῆς καὶ μέχρι τοῦ νῦν κρατήσαντι ἐπιτιμίῳ θεραπευ θήσεται. ταῦτα μὲν καὶ περὶ τοῦ τρίτου γάμου. γ. Οὐ μὴν οὐδὲ τὸν δεύτερον, οὐδὲ τὸν πρῶτον ἐκτὸς ἀσφα λείας ἐῶμεν, ἀλλὰ κἀκείνους ορίζομεν οὕτω συνίστασθαι, ὥστε μηδεμίαν ἔχειν πονηρὰν αἰτίαν, ἢ ἐξ ἁρπαγῆς ἢ ἐκ προηγησαμένης λαθραίας φθορᾶς, ἀλλὰ νομίμως καὶ καθαρεύοντας τῶν τοιούτων μολυσμάτων καὶ πορνικῆς ἀκαθαρσίας. εἴ τις οὖν τῶν εἰρημένων καταφρονήσας τύπων πρὸς γαμικὴν ὁμιλίαν πρώτην ἢ καὶ δευτέραν συνέλθοι, τοῦτον ἡ τοῦ χριστοῦ ἐκκλησία, ἡ καθαρὰ καὶ μηδένα σπῖλον ἔχουσα ἢ ῥυτίδα, τοῖς σωτηρίοις ὑποβάλλουσα ἐτασμοῖς οὐ πρὶν εἰς μετάληψιν τῶν θείων παραδέξεται μυστηρίων, ἢ τὸν ὡρισμένον ἐπὶ τῇ πορνείᾳ χρόνον ἀκριβῶς αὐτὸν ἐκπληρῶσαι (εἰ μὴ ἄρα ἡ τοῦ βίου ἀναγκαία κατεπείγοι ἀναχώρησις), τουτέστι μέχρις ἂν τὸ ἑβδομον ἐκπλη ρωθῇ ἔτος. ὁ δὲ τολμῶν ἱερεὺς παρὰ τὸν διατετυπωμένον ὅρον μεταλήψεως θείας τινὰ τούτων ἀξιῶσαι, περὶ τὸν ἴδιον κινδυνεύσει βαθμόν· δηλονότι τοῦ ἀξιωθέντος παρὰ τὸν ὡρι σμένον τύπον τῆς θείας κοινωνίας πάλιν εἰς τὸ ἀκοινώνητον περιισταμένου μέχρι τῆς συμπληρώσεως τοῦ ἑβδόμου ἔτους. Ταῦτα μὲν, ὡς δεδήλωται, ὑπὸ τῶν πάλαι βασιλευσάντων ἐπράχθησαν. νῦν δὲ τῇ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος εὐδοκίᾳ καὶ χάριτι καὶ ταῖς τῆς πανάγνου καὶ θεομήτορος καὶ τοῦ μεγάλου αρχιστρατήγου πρεσβείαις δι τοὺς ἤδη πρὸ ἐνενήκοντα χρόνων ἕνεκεν τῆς προδηλωθείσης αἰτίας καὶ ἀφορμῆς ἀποῤῥαγέντας ἱερεῖς καὶ μονάζοντας ἡ παγγάληνος βασιλεία τῶν θεοστεφῶν βασιλέων ἡμῶν, βασιλείου καὶ κωνσταν τίνου, συνῆψέ τε καὶ συνήνωσε, καὶ μίαν καθολικὴν καὶ ἀποστολικὴν ἐκκλησίαν εἰργάσατο. ὅθεν χρεὼν ἀνακηρύττεσθαί τε καὶ μεγαλύνεσθαι τοὺς τὸ τοιοῦτον θεοφιλὲς καὶ ἀξιόλογον ἔργον πεπληρωκότας.

The Tome of Union, or Exposition of the Union of the Church Accomplished under Constantine and Romanus; the Former Reigning as Emperor, the Latter then Distinguished by the Dignity of Emperor-Father. Our Lord Jesus Christ and God left to His disciples and apostles, and to all those who have become worthy of His inheritance, a special legacy: peace. He bestowed this as a mark of kinship with Him, so that, bound by the bond of peace, they might not disrupt the unity of the Spirit. He Himself first demonstrated to us by His own example His commitment to peace, descending from the heights above all to our lowly state, taking on flesh and blood like ours, in order to unite those divided from one another. Subsequently, He bequeathed this inheritance to those trained in His teachings: to live in peace with one another and, beyond that, to lead others who are in conflict toward peace with each other. However, despite the nature of this matter, from the beginning until now, the rebellious malice of the evil one has not ceased to disturb the sacred fullness of the Church, stirring up one pretext after another. Yet Christ, our God, the source and teacher of peace, who declared that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His Church, continually turns the scandals back upon the head of the evil one, preserving the Church’s peace unblemished. It is He, our peace, Christ, God, Father, High Priest, and true Shepherd, who, through His providence and grace, has brought about the union of the sacred children of His immaculate bride, the Church, who had been torn apart from one another. He has reunited them in the pure embrace of their mother, granting her joy in the gathering of her children, offering to Himself the glory rendered from one mouth and one heart, and enabling all those who do not incline toward the tumultuous will of the devil but honor the command of the Author of peace to offer thanksgiving. In earlier times, various occasions for scandal arose, as they did, and for each disturbance caused by evil, the wise stewards of the churches found appropriate remedies. But now, when the Church has been troubled due to a marital issue—namely, a marriage not free from reproach—the sacred judgment of the Church issues its decision to prevent it, ensuring that such a marriage finds no further place. Thus, both now and in the future, those who do not love contention and strife over Christ’s peace will be freed from the scandals that persist. For when the pretext from which scandals arose has been removed, there is no obstacle preventing those who love peace from living in it. Indeed, in every matter, when the harmful cause of wrongdoing is eliminated, things previously disturbed by it are restored to their original order. Just as when a body is afflicted by disease, the removal of its cause restores health, or when a sea is troubled by violent winds, the calming of the storm brings back tranquility—so too here. Therefore, the bishops and priests gathered together, those who have not loved pleasing themselves (let alone others) but have preferred the peace of the Church over strife, have recognized that since scandals arose from marital issues, these must be thoroughly addressed and safeguarded. This ensures that such matters no longer disturb the Church through their progression in life, nor render the lives of those who choose to live thus condemned and reprehensible. 1. Hence, we declare with common judgment and decision that, from the present year, which is the 6428th year, eighth indiction, a fourth marriage shall not be dared by anyone but shall be entirely rejected. Anyone who ventures to enter such a union shall be deprived of all ecclesiastical communion and even barred from entering the holy church until they desist from that union. This was also the judgment of the holy fathers before us, and we, making their decision clearer, declare such a person alien to Christian fellowship. Thus, regarding the fourth marriage. 2. To ensure that other marriages are conducted with greater decorum and are not unworthy of Christian life, we also decree concerning the third marriage that it should not be performed casually or haphazardly. For, although it was permitted by the fathers as a concession, it was not then practiced as shamelessly as it is now, nor had it spread widely. It was as if someone in a household overlooked a small piece of filth lying in a corner. But now, when it has gained boldness and is no longer considered shameful or defiling due to its prevalence, it has seemed good to purify it, just as we do not allow a disgrace spread across a house to remain but clean it and cast out its offense. Thus, accommodating human weakness and ensuring the fitting decorum of Christian life, we decree that for those entering a third marriage, if someone over forty years of age, neither respecting nature nor caring for the orderly life owed to Christians but driven solely by passionate desire, enters a third marriage, they shall, with all precision and observance, be excluded from partaking in the holy sacraments for five years, and this period shall not be shortened. For one who, after the age of forty, chooses to bring such defilement into Christ’s Church—what assurance can they provide of their commitment to a virtuous life that would justify shortening the time of exclusion from the sacraments? Even after being deemed worthy of receiving the immaculate communion, they shall not be permitted to partake at other times except during the saving Resurrection of Christ our God, due to the purification gained through the preceding fasts. This applies when there are no children from previous marriages for those entering a third marriage after forty. If there are children, a third marriage is unforgivable. For it is utterly unjust to indulge in reckless desire while failing to provide security, peace, and care for the children of previous marriages, as human nature understands the burdens of excessive procreation. If someone, being thirty years old and having children from previous marriages, enters a third marriage, they too shall be unforgivable and excluded from communion in the sacraments for four years, as it is clear they are driven not by any other motive but by lack of self-control and enslavement to carnal desire. After receiving the mysteries, they shall be permitted to partake only three times a year: at the saving Resurrection of Christ our God, at the Dormition of our immaculate Lady Theotokos, and at the Nativity of Christ our God, due to the benefit of the preceding fasts. However, if there are no children, since the desire for procreation is not unforgivable, such a marriage shall be deemed worthy of leniency and treated only with the penance established from the beginning until now. Thus, regarding the third marriage. 3. Nor do we leave the second or first marriage without safeguards, but we decree that they too must be conducted in a manner free from any evil cause, such as abduction or prior illicit corruption, but lawfully and free from such defilements and fornication. If anyone, disregarding these principles, enters a first or second marriage, the Church of Christ, which is pure and without spot or wrinkle, subjects them to its saving scrutiny and will not admit them to partake in the divine mysteries until they have precisely fulfilled the time prescribed for fornication (unless urgent necessity of life’s departure compels otherwise), that is, until the seventh year is completed. Any priest who dares to grant communion to such a person contrary to the established rule risks their own rank, as the one who received communion contrary to the prescribed rule will be returned to a state of non-communion until the seventh year is fulfilled. These things, as described, were accomplished under the emperors of old. But now, by the good pleasure and grace of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and through the intercessions of the all-pure Theotokos and the great Archangel, the most splendid reign of our God-crowned emperors, Basil and Constantine, has united and reconciled the priests and monastics who, for ninety years, were separated due to the aforementioned cause and occasion, and has established one Catholic and Apostolic Church. Therefore, it is fitting to proclaim and magnify those who have accomplished such a God-pleasing and noteworthy work.

Acclamations and Anathemas

Ἐπιφωνήσεις συνοδικαί. Πολλὰ τὰ ἔτη τῶν βασιλέων. βασιλείου καὶ κωνσταντίνου τῶν ὀρθοδόξων ἡμῶν βασιλέων πολλὰ τὰ ἔτη. τῆς εὐσεβεστάτης αὐγούστης Θεοφανοῦς πολλὰ τὰ ἔτη. νικολάου τοῦ ἁγιωτάτου καὶ οἰκουμενικοῦ πατριάρχου πολλὰ τὰ ἔτη. βασιλείου καὶ κωνσταντίνου, λέοντος καὶ ἀλεξάνδρου, κωνσταντίνου καὶ ῥωμανού, χριστοφόρου, ῥωμανοῦ, νικηφόρου καὶ ἰωάννου, τῶν τὴν οὐράνιον βασιλείαν τῆς ἐπιγείου αλλαξαμένων, αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη. εὐδοκίας καὶ θεοφανους, Θεοδώρας καὶ ἑλένης, τῶν εὐσεβεστάτων αὐγούστων, αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη. γερμανοῦ, ταρασίου, νικηφόρου καὶ μεθοδίου, τῶν ἀοιδίμων καὶ μακαρίων πατριαρχῶν, αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη. ἰγνατίου, φωτίου, στεφάνου καὶ ἀντωνίου, νικολάου καὶ εὐθυμίου, στεφάνου, τρύφωνος, Θεοφυλάκτου, πολυεύκτου καὶ ἀντωνίου, τῶν ὀρθοδόξων πατριαρχῶν, αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη. ἅπαντα τὰ κατὰ τῶν ἁγίων πατριαρχῶν, γερμανοῦ, ταρασίου, νικηφόρου καὶ μεθοδίου, γραφέντα ἢ λαληθέντα, ἀνάθεμα. ἅπαντα τὰ παρὰ τὴν ἐκκλησιαστικὴν παράδοσιν καὶ τὴν διδασκαλίαν καὶ ὑποτύπωσιν τῶν ἁγίων καὶ ἀοιδίμων πατέρων καινοτομηθέντα καὶ πραχθέντα ἢ μετὰ τοῦτο πραχθησόμενα, ἀνάθεμα. τοῖς συκοφαντοῦσι τὴν ἁγίαν ἐκκλησίαν, ὅτι τετραγαμίαν ἐδέξατο χάριν τῆς εὐδοκία Θεοῦ γεγενημένης οἰκονομίας καὶ τῆς προσλήψεως καὶ ἑνώσεως τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν, οὓς ἡ τῶν προλαβόντων σκανδάλων αἰτία ἐχωρίζετο, ἀνάθεμα. τοῖς τολμῶσι λέγειν, ὅτι ἡ ἐκκλησία τὸ καθαρὸν καὶ ἄχραντον οὐ σώζει τῆς ἁγι στείας αὐτῆς, ἀλλὰ μολυσμόν τινα προσετρίψατο διὰ τὴν χάριτι θεοῦ γενομένην σύναψιν τῶν τέκνων, οὓς διεμέρισε μὲν τὸ ἤδη προγεγονὸς σκάνδαλον, συνῆψε δὲ ἡ τούτου παρὰ πάντων ὁμοῦ ἀθέτησις καὶ ἀποκήρυξις, ἀνάθεμα, τοῖς ἐν καταφρονήσει τιθεμένοις τοὺς ἱεροὺς καὶ θείους κανόνας τῶν ἱερῶναι πατέρων ἡμῶν, οἳ καὶ τὴν ἁγίαν ἐκκλησίαν ὑπερείδουσι καὶ ὅλην τὴν χρι στιανικὴν πολιτείαν κοσμοῦντες πρὸς θείαν ὁδηγοῦσιν εὐλάβειαν, ἀνάθεμα. Τούτων οὕτω διωρισμένων πρὸς ἀσφάλειαν τῆς ἁγίας ἐκκλησίας τοῦ ἀμέτοχον εἶναι τὸ εὐσεβὲς τῶν χριστιανῶν πλήρωμα τῶν ἐξ ἀθεμίτων γάμων ῥύπων, δεόμεθα τῆς σῆς ἀγαθότητος, χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ἔτι καὶ διὰ παντὸς πᾶν σκάνδαλον, πᾶσαν διαμερισμοῦ αἰτίαν τῆς σῆς ἐξελαύνειν ἐκκλη σίας καὶ συντηρεῖν αὐτῇ τὴν εἰρηναίαν κατάστασιν, πρεσβείαις τῆς δεσποίνης ἡμῶν καὶ ἀχράντου σου μητρὸς, τῶν πανιέρων σου μαθητῶν καὶ ἀποστόλων, δὲ ὧν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ τὴν σὴν κατεφύτευσας εἰρήνην, καὶ πάντων οἷς ἐξ αἰῶνος εὐαρεστούμενος ὤφθης ἁγίοις. αμήν.

Synodical Acclamations. Many years to the emperors. Many years to Basil and Constantine, our orthodox emperors. Many years to the most pious Augusta Theophano. Many years to Nicholas, the most holy and ecumenical patriarch. Eternal memory to Basil and Constantine, Leo and Alexander, Constantine and Romanos, Christopher, Romanos, Nikephoros, and John, who exchanged the earthly kingdom for the heavenly one. Eternal memory to Eudokia and Theophano, Theodora and Helena, the most pious Augustae. Eternal memory to Germanos, Tarasios, Nikephoros, and Methodios, the renowned and blessed patriarchs. Eternal memory to Ignatios, Photios, Stephen, Anthony, Nicholas, Euthymios, Stephen, Tryphon, Theophylaktos, Polyeuktos, and Anthony, the orthodox patriarchs. Anathema to all that was written or spoken against the holy patriarchs Germanos, Tarasios, Nikephoros, and Methodios. Anathema to all that was innovated or done, or will be done hereafter, contrary to ecclesiastical tradition and the teaching and example of the holy and renowned fathers. Anathema to those who slander the holy church, claiming it accepted tetragamy for the sake of the divine economy and the reconciliation and union of our brethren, whom the scandal of earlier events had separated. Anathema to those who dare to say that the church does not preserve its pure and immaculate sanctity, but has contracted some defilement through the union of the children, accomplished by the grace of God, whom the prior scandal had divided, but the universal rejection and condemnation of this scandal has united. Anathema to those who despise the sacred and divine canons of our holy fathers, which uphold the holy church, adorn the entire Christian polity, and guide it to divine reverence. With these things thus determined for the security of the holy church, so that the pious multitude of Christians may be free from the defilements of unlawful marriages, we beseech your goodness, O Christ our God, now and always to remove every scandal and cause of division from your church, and to preserve its peaceful state, through the intercessions of our Lady, your immaculate Mother, your most holy disciples and apostles, through whom you established your peace throughout the world, and all the saints who from the beginning have been pleasing to you. Amen.

AI translation of all letters to and from Pope Hormidas

 I made an AI translation of Pope Hormisdas' letters he made or received found in PL 63! However, there are so many letters, it would be a burden to post here. I will look for options on how to post.

The Papal letters are overwhelming about concerned with the Acacian schism where Constantinople fell into heresy, denying Chalcedon. Many of the correspondences are with the Emperor Justin, and the future emperor Justinian who was still on good terms with the papacy!

Update: I will post the first 21 or so here, maybe more. The file is parallel text with Latin and English but it is too time consuming to do this. If you email me, I can give you the link to my drive. I miss having my free website that I could easily upload this to!

PL 63:367 and on:

ANASTASIUS TO POPE HORMISDAS

The emperor entreats the pontiff to convene a council to resolve the disputes that have arisen in the regions of Scythia.

Victor Anastasius, pious, fortunate, illustrious, triumphant, ever Augustus, to Hormisdas, the most holy and most reverend archbishop and patriarch.

Against Anastasius, the emperor who expelled the orthodox bishops, God raised up Vitalian, the Scythian master of horse (magister equitum). After seizing several provinces and advancing to Constantinople while plundering, Vitalian declared—as Marcellinus records in his Chronicle—that he acted solely for the faith of the orthodox and to restore Macedonius, the bishop of Constantinople whom the emperor had exiled.

Seeing his affairs in dire straits, Anastasius sought peace, swearing before the senate that he would recall the exiled bishops, restore Macedonius and Flavian to their sees, hold a council at Heraclea, and invite the Roman pontiff to attend.

Accordingly, a council was summoned at Heraclea on the 25th of December in the year of the Lord 514.

ADMONITIONS TO TIMOTHY, THE HERETICAL BISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE, THROUGH THE AFOREMENTIONED LEGATES. EFFORTS MUST BE MADE FOR THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH.

Hormisdas to Timothy, Bishop of Constantinople.

Your beloved will not be surprised at the reason for my previous silence if you consider all that has preceded; nor will you be surprised at my present address if you weigh the force of charity. For we have learned, through the teaching of the Apostle to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 13), that charity endures all things; and if, as that same doctrine holds, it seeks not its own, am I acting improperly by exercising my privilege in a way that may benefit you? For it was fitting that I should wait for you to be free from association with those in error, and thus to see you, corrected by love, separated from what is to be condemned, and so to embrace you in written discourse. But why should I delay in calling back one whom I desire to see returned, though he lingers? Why should moderation not be given a place when nothing is detracted from justice? Those things that benefit the struggling must be offered, provided they do not defile us with the contagion of association. This is the reason for my present letter: to exhort and admonish you not to allow our land to lie fallow, neglected and barren. A diligent farmer does not long permit a fruitless tree to occupy the soil: he waits patiently, but does he endure its barrenness indefinitely? Called to salvation, you will not perish. He who returns to innocence without delay does not stray far from it. Moved by the admonitions of the Fathers and steadfastly following their faithful footsteps without stumble or error, wash away past faults through future actions. It is now within your power, by inciting the people to righteousness and by humbly following the principal footsteps of the faith, to guide what is astray and strengthen what is uncertain. It befits you to take great pains to ensure that the diligence of your actions rightly covers the causes of past times. Indeed, he who contributes something to the universal Church benefits his own soul. And so it stands that if you persist with zeal and tirelessness, the common cause will become beneficial to you. Given as above (in the year of the Lord 517).

TO ALL THE HERETICAL BISHOPS OF THE EAST, SENT THROUGH THE SECOND LEGATION.

THE UNITY OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH MUST BE PRESERVED.

Hormisdas to all the bishops established in the regions of the East.

Although my admonition earnestly desires your attention, it would be fitting for you, mindful of your own duty, not to neglect carelessly what all ought zealously to observe for the salvation of their souls, so that the discipline of heavenly commandments may shine forth not through another’s effort but through your own resolve. For while it is not without praise to obey good counsels, he who anticipates what is right is far more distinguished in the honor of wisdom than he who follows established precepts, as teaching is more illustrious than learning. Let each one recall the calling by which he was summoned by the Lord and consider what is expected of him. It is wretched to fall short of the merit of one’s purpose when what is proclaimed in name is not shown in action. We have earned great things if we fulfill what the granted (or decreed) commandments demand. He who rejoices in being chosen to feed the sheep of the Lord’s flock should reflect on the judgment concerning the governance entrusted to him. Constant vigilance must be applied, unceasing watchfulness maintained, no opportunity given to ravenous wolves, and no one left abandoned to any perils: for the neglected error of the sheep is the fault of the shepherds. He will come who will examine the accounts of the stewardship entrusted. It is clear that justice applies to all, and no one is permitted impunity in sinning. But who does not know that there are degrees of merit, and just as rewards are not equal, so too are punishments diverse? Those who know multiply their wounds: few lashes are recorded for ignorance. If this is so, as it undoubtedly is, consider what resolve befits him to whom the errors of others must also be imputed. The Holy Spirit cries out through the prophet: “O shepherds of Israel, do shepherds feed themselves?” (Ezekiel 34). It is certain that more is demanded from him to whom more is entrusted; and we become all the more accountable the more abundantly we have been honored by grace. The good teacher, who illuminates through obscurities and reveals truth through the enigmas of parables, does not accuse the servant entrusted with a talent as unfaithful for merely preserving it without increase, but condemns him as useless (Matthew 25). Hence, it is clear what fear should seize him who loses the Lord’s coin, if even he who preserved what he received without diminution was blamed (Luke 19). Let no one be content with his own innocence, for to our God, who sees all things, we owe an account not only of our own resolve but also of others’ through the assiduity of preaching. Broad knowledge befits teachers. The Christian faith does not love secrecy; whoever whispers it only in the ear hides it. The preaching of the word is commanded to the apostles through all nations, and how inexcusably can anyone remain silent about this commission? What does it profit anyone to preserve reverence for the paternal rules if he allows them to be shaken by others or patiently accepts their dishonor? He shows weak affection who does not defend what he loves. The sacred institutions are everywhere assailed by the faithless, and wickedness, repeatedly suppressed, continually revives from its excesses. How, I ask, does one prove piety toward God by concealing nefarious deeds? Let us recall with what great assemblies of Catholic priests those councils we rely upon were celebrated: neither weakness hindered them, nor burdensome old age delayed them. The intervals of vast regions seemed small, and the labors themselves were joyful as a kind of consolation, while under the guidance of the spirit of holy assemblies, late in life they received wisdom to preserve. And yet, while the impious attack these things after their root perfidy has been condemned, he who knows his commission remains silent: “Lift up your voice, you who bring good news to Jerusalem; lift it up, do not fear” (Isaiah 40). Did not the teacher of the Gentiles, with this before his eyes, instruct his disciple to preach the Gospel unceasingly, admonishing: “Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching; persist in them, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4)? Therefore, whether stirred by prophetic spurs or instructed by the norms of apostolic teaching, take up the care of salvific preaching. Cherish and defend the judgments approved by the pious, hostile to the faithless. And returning to the rock upon which the Church is founded, absolve yourselves even before the spirit of those Fathers whose venerable institutions are wickedly undermined, considering that when the Lord comes for the examination that is awaited, what kind of judgment was entrusted to the apostles, what was proven by the doubts of some who tested it, what was promised by the angel’s announcement: whether it is better to be reproved by them or to be joined with their company? Whether to confess the Lord as He will appear or as the impious deny Him? Let nothing hold you back from salvation: return swiftly to the path. A fall does not burden the one who rises again. The Lord’s doctrine is rich in clemency: the chains of error are harmful while they bind. Justice hates the obstinate, but clemency cherishes those who correct themselves. Given on the third day before the Nones of April, in the consulship of Agapitus, vir clarissimus (April 3, in the year of the Lord 517).

TO BISHOP POSSESSOR. PERSEVERANCE IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH IS NECESSARY.

Hormisdas to Bishop Possessor.

Hearing of the excellent zeal of your charity and recognizing the upright path of life you defend without clamor, we unceasingly give thanks to our God, that you may persist in this disposition and be able to provide an example for others to follow. These are heavenly gifts; these are signs of divine recompense; these are God’s judgments, which have refused to separate you from the fellowship of Catholic priests. Therefore, dearest brother, we exhort you with these present words to persevere in the constancy with which you were chosen and to add growth to your commendable beginnings, for a good work, especially one pertaining to the doctrine of the faith, seems to diminish unless it continually increases. And if worldly tribulation should arise, we counsel you with apostolic admonition, placing future rewards before your eyes, saying: “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us” (2 Corinthians 4:17, not 10 as cited). Yet we hope for better things, for God, who through the blessed Apostle said, “He has not allowed you to be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13, not Romans 8 as cited), in His mercy will, as always, deliver those He has chosen to be His own from the snares of adversaries. We have received through our returning legates your beloved’s libellus concerning the confession of the true faith, and we have recognized the sincerity of your brotherhood in it, for you did not hesitate to proclaim publicly under attestation what you rightly believe. Given on the day before the Nones of April, in the consulship of Agapitus, vir clarissimus (April 4, in the year of the Lord 517). 

 TO THE PEOPLE AND MONKS OF CONSTANTINOPLE, SENT THROUGH THE SAME LEGATES.

[Exhortation] to abstain from communion with heretics and to persevere in the Catholic faith.

Hormisdas to the clergy, people, and orthodox monks residing in Constantinople.

Possessor, the African bishop, was exiled in Constantinople for the Catholic faith and there made his profession of the Catholic faith before the first legation. During this time, he greatly benefited and aided all the Catholics dwelling in Constantinople. (Baronius, year 517, no. 26; SEV. BINIUS).

If one who, following the Lord’s command, offers a cup of cold water shall receive the reward of his good deed from the very Lord who taught this (Matt. 10:42), shall not he who neglects to proclaim the truth to so great a multitude of the faithful justly incur the penalty of damnation?

Fearing, therefore, the threat of the heavenly command (for in matters pertaining to God, what must be said should not be silenced), and moved by concern for your salvation, I have taken up this admonition as the present necessity demands. I solemnly charge all who desire to preserve the Christian religion with an undefiled faith to shun and flee with all their strength those who reject the holy Council of Chalcedon and the letters of the blessed Leo on the Catholic faith. For these are the very men, tainted by the heresy of Eutyches and Dioscorus of Alexandria—or rather, by the abominable contagion of the Manichaeans—who, though they seem to oppose the decrees of the Fathers in word, in reality rise up against the very incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember, beloved, the schemes attempted under Basiliscus’s rule in the imperial palace. Recall the deeds, sights, and reports of those times—how wicked was the audacity of Timothy, surnamed Aelurus, how brazen and monstrous his presumption! Yet how fervently your faith then shone forth throughout the world! The people of Constantinople proved then how pure it is for believers to uphold the Christian mysteries. Would that those struggles had passed for good, and that times like these did not now return! But once more, these same heretics lift their wicked heads from the depths in which they were submerged.

Therefore, I beg, exhort, and admonish your love: separate yourselves from their assemblies and communion. Remember your former zeal, and let the light of spiritual fire shine once more in you! Do not let the cunning of the wicked rejoice in having extinguished in you the simple love of truth.

For now, let this suffice as a warning against the present danger and a call to vigilance against the impious. Yet I trust that if this admonition bears fruit, it will profit both you and me—for God will be glorified in your salvation, and the fruit of our care will be made manifest.

Given on the 5th of April, in the consulship of the most illustrious Agapitus (A.D. 517).

TO BISHOPS ENNODIUS AND PEREGRINUS.

(Hormisdas writes that he has become aware of the attempts made against John of Nicopolis by the Bishop of Thessalonica, and he has entrusted a new matter concerning the Apostolic See to them for examination through this letter.)

Hormisdas to Bishops Ennodius and Peregrinus. After your charity had departed, the Nicopolitan deacon—who also met you on the way—arrived in Rome. We saw him beyond the expected delay, considering whether there might be something we ought to add for the instruction of the legation entrusted to you—a concern which the matter itself has now reasonably made evident.

For he presented to us a letter from his bishop, John, and another from the synod of the suffragan churches of Nicopolis, in which they complain that the Bishop of Thessalonica has roused both civil and judicial authorities against them. They are severely afflicted by extortions and losses because the Nicopolitan bishop did not send a report concerning his ordination to the Bishop of Thessalonica, according to ancient custom. On this account, they hoped that we would consider a remedy, even requesting that we grant them permission to send the customary report to the designated bishop.

Therefore, after deliberation, we admonished the Bishop of Nicopolis not to dare attempt such a thing if he wishes to remain in communion with us—lest, by seeking confirmation from one who is alienated from our communion, our own communion might suffer contamination. We have informed you of these things so that you may be fully aware. As for what must be done in this matter with God’s favor, the enclosed documents will make clear.

Given on the day before the Ides of April, in the consulship of Agapitus.

 TO THE SAME [EN NODIUS AND PEREGRINUS]. HE PRESCRIBES WHAT IS TO BE DONE IN THE CASE OF THE NICOPOLITAN CHURCH WITH THE BISHOP OF THESSALONICA.

Hormisdas to Bishops Ennodius and Peregrinus.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with the intercession and assistance of the saints, regarding what is to be done in the matter of the Nicopolitan Church. First, when, with God’s help, you arrive in Thessalonica, deliver our letters, which we have sent concerning this matter, to the bishop of Thessalonica, observing the protocol in greeting him that you know we have mandated for those who do not communicate with the apostolic see, that is, the Catholic Church. Once the letters are delivered, you must urgently insist that he refrain from disturbing that Church, providing the reason that one who has not returned to communion and to the body of the Church cannot have anything in common with those who have not yet returned, and that we do not revoke the privileges granted by our predecessors unless he himself abandons ecclesiastical norms. Certainly, let him return to unity, and we will work with him to ensure that all privileges, whatsoever, that his Church has received from the apostolic see are preserved inviolate. Also, state openly that he shows himself to be an enemy of the faith if he persecutes those he sees returning to Catholic communion. If, with God’s favor, you are able to resolve the matter there, inform the bishop of Nicopolis in writing of what your efforts have accomplished. However, if he remains obstinate and refuses to cease his persecution, act in accordance with the letters we sent to the most clement emperor, presenting the case of the Nicopolitan Church before the emperor as follows: Bishop Alcyson of Nicopolis satisfied the Catholic Church, was received, and restored to communion; his successor, Bishop John, keeping God before his eyes, mindful of his own salvation, and following the good example of his predecessor, sent representatives to the see of Blessed Peter the Apostle, condemning heretics or transgressors, and was received. Now, the bishop of Thessalonica plots against him and disturbs him, demanding things contrary to what he has done. Hence, your father and all the orthodox beseech that, by your commands, this harassment be removed from him, lest it appear to people that he suffers persecution for returning to communion with the apostolic see, and lest those who expect unity to be achieved through you begin to believe otherwise if they see your piety overlook this or treat it negligently. It seemed expedient to us that the letters we sent to the bishop of Thessalonica concerning the Nicopolitan case be published by your prudence in various places, in any order, but especially in the city of Thessalonica, because by doing so, the persecution of our people can be halted, and we believe it will contribute to his salvation if he corrects himself.

 TO EMPEROR ANASTASIUS

 

[Pope Hormisdas] commends John of Nicopolis to him.

 

Hormisdas to Emperor Anastasius, through Bishops Ennodius and Peregrinus.

 

When I reflect upon the profound wisdom of Your Clemency, most merciful Emperor, I do not believe that those who act with foresight for their own salvation could displease you. For neither divine commandments nor human laws decree that one who fosters good hope should be blamed under any reproach—especially since Your Piety itself declares its fervent desire for unity and peace.

This very matter has compelled me, both out of trust in your conscience and the duty of the stewardship entrusted to me, not to remain silent in this pressing affair. John, my brother and fellow bishop, the prelate of the city of Nicopolis, following the example of his predecessor, the sainted Alypius of holy memory, has sought communion with the blessed Apostle Peter and his synod, condemning those whom the Church detests. Yet now he is wearied by grave intrigues.

 

I beseech Your Gentleness: oppose those who plot unjustly, remove these harassments, and support the one who has been corrected—though insistence should have been laid upon him sooner to amend his ways. For those who delay will know themselves guilty when they see those now returned favored by you.

I confess, most merciful Emperor, I marvel at the obstinacy of those who scheme, unmoved either by fear of God or regard for you. For those who hate in others the zeal for good—judging them by their own standards—persecute even those returning to righteousness. They are rightly to be condemned if they do not convert the erring.

Give clear proof of your faith, if you truly intend to support with all duty and encouragement all who are brought back to unity.

TO BISHOP JOHN OF NICOPOLIS

[Exhortation] to endure trials for the faith with courage and to strengthen the provincial bishops in the unity of the faith.

Hormisdas to John, Bishop of Nicopolis.

Upon the return of our subdeacon Pullio, we received your letter of fraternal love, rejoicing in the steadfastness of your faith and your devotion to communion with the Apostolic See. Yet we were saddened to hear that you are suffering certain hardships.

But such trials cannot last forever, for where God is purely worshiped, even adversities are turned to blessings, as the Apostle says: "Hope does not disappoint" (Rom. 5:5). When the Prince of the Apostles doubted while walking on the sea, he struggled (Matt. 14:30), but as soon as he called upon the Lord, help was at hand—One who, with outstretched arm, would not let him perish.

Therefore, following the example of our forefathers and remaining firm in their faith, let us implore the aid of Him of whom it is written: "God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (1 Cor. 10:13).

Thus, greeting you with affection, we urge you—as we have said before—to persevere in the good you have begun, "for the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt. 10:22). Do not cease to relieve our concern with frequent updates. Strengthen also the priests of your diocese with fitting encouragement, for in doing so, you will multiply the talent entrusted to you day by day (Matt. 25:14-30).

As for the matter you requested—that our petitions reach the most merciful Emperor for the peace of all—we are considering it. Only continue unceasingly to support our desire and efforts with fitting prayers, for without God’s help, we can accomplish nothing in this task.

Given on the 3rd of March, in the consulship of the most illustrious Agapitus (A.D. 517).

 TO THE SAME BISHOP JOHN

Hormisdas to John, Bishop of Nicopolis, with his synod.

We would wish, dearest brothers, that you were free from all waves of trouble—that you might pass your days in the calm of peace, serving our God without the turmoil of worldly storms stirring your hearts... For what we do not wish to happen, we must grieve when it does.

But this world abounds in hardships and trials. The age in which we sojourn is like a vast ship exposed on every side to the raging winds. Thus, the minds of the faithful are assailed by the devil’s snares, and as it is written: "All who desire to live godly in Christ will suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). Yet hope consoles us—the hope promised by the Just Judge, for "blessed is he who is not scandalized in the Lord" (Matt. 11:6).

Let not the soldiers of God be cast down by fleeting assaults. He who stands with the valiant takes no pleasure in the cowardly. These passing trials are easily despised if we fix our minds on what endures. Embrace this time of testing, for though the burdens of labor are heavy, the rewards of virtue are greater. What recompense will be given to one who proves unequal to the trial?

Let us not grow sluggish in courage if we desire to attain the promises. Who needs the voice of man when the sentence of Truth rings daily in our ears: "Blessed are those who suffer for righteousness’ sake" (Matt. 5:10)?

But do not think, dearest brothers—though spiritual consolations are great for the faithful—that I offer these alone for your strengthening. For I have not ceased, as far as human effort allows, to seek remedies for your tribulation. Through envoys sent to the Emperor of the East and through the Bishop of Thessalonica, I have urged that your persecution cease. I have even appended petitions pleading with the Emperor.

These are the measures taken for the present. But what pertains to future hope must be held more firmly in your hearts.

Yet I confess my astonishment that amid your trials, this concern crept into your devout minds—that you sought my permission, under the guise of consolation, to send formal letters to the Bishop of Thessalonica. Should I authorize what, if done without my knowledge, I would condemn? Far be such perversity! Hear the apostolic voice—adapted fittingly to my office: "If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor" (Gal. 2:18).

Do not, I beg you, return to the contagions you once fled. Do not let your feet, pulled from the mire, be plunged back into it. Let the past be blotted out. "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Those who turn their eyes backward are hindered in their course. Ecclesiastical discipline has no love for those who cling to the memory of their former treachery. They must be wholly cut off from error, for those who return to what they once scorned are so detestable that the blessed Apostle Peter declared it "better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back" (2 Pet. 2:21).

It is clear with what tenacity the faith once delivered must be guarded—if it is more tolerable to persist in error than to be entangled again in the defilements one has escaped.

Given on the 12th of April, in the consulship of the most illustrious Agapitus.

Letter 22 PL 63:408-40: 

 To Dorotheus, Bishop of Thessalonica.

Hormisdas, Bishop, to Dorotheus, Bishop of Thessalonica.

My brother and fellow bishop, John, the overseer of the city of Nicopolis, together with his synod, grievously complains that he is afflicted by various disturbances and losses. This is because, having separated himself from the wickedness of transgressors and having earned communion with the Apostolic See, he did not direct the beginnings of his ordination to the Church of Thessalonica. He could have been deemed culpable of neglect if there were a single mystery of charity uniting all. But since many have separated themselves from the solidity of that rock, which is Christ, who would not wish to be sundered from the company of the erring, so as to be worthy to be joined with those who stand in the truth? Therefore, it is not that custom has been neglected, but that contagion has been avoided. How, then, can anyone accuse him of error when they recognize that his caution was wisely considered?

But you, who should have been the first to take up this cause, we believed could at least have followed after the examples of others. Is it not enough to linger in error, unless, to the heap of reproaches, you also show envy toward those around you who return to the path? What else can it be, but that those who pursue those who seek refuge at the altars of the blessed Peter’s See—something that cannot be said without impiety—hate the very gift given by the Lord? With what shame, I ask, do you desire the privileges of those around you to remain, whose commands you do not keep? And do you seek to have ecclesiastical authority granted to you with the reverence you do not show to the faith?

If you walked in the same footsteps as the Catholics strive to follow, you should still avoid persecuting your neighbor, knowing, according to the teachings of our Lord and Savior, whom we worship, that he who causes one of the least to stumble is guilty of great sins (Mark 9). Where is the humility, O Lord, that you taught under the occasion of your disciples contending over the quality of their position? You showed that he is the greatest who strives to present himself as the least. Look down from heaven, see: visit this vineyard planted by your cultivation (Psalm 79). Consider the least who keep your commandments and those exalted in the pursuit of honor.

Why do you desire new things and abandon the old, neglecting the highest matters while caring for the small? Is this not to tithe the worthless things while despising the precepts of the law? Keep those things that are in harmony with God, and those things that come from men will easily follow. Rather, take up the care of salvation and sigh that another has preceded you in the truth. Lest, if you persist in persecuting those who return to the members of the Church, you too be joined with those whom the apostolic judgment explicitly condemns.

Given on the day before the Ides of April, in the consulship of the most distinguished Agapitus.

 ANASTASIUS TO HORMISDAS. 

Anastasius rebukes Hormisdas for excessive harshness. Emperor Anastasius to Pope Hormisdas.

Though silence is often considered significant, we who marvel at God's mercy must nevertheless speak continually. For it is known to all that the foundation of faith which our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ taught us excels in the forgiveness of sins. He Himself, through His own suffering, cleansed all of Adam's sins - this was the purpose of His humility, that He might deliver both Adam and all our brethren from the bondage of sin, having willingly taken the form of a servant. As the blessed Apostle Paul taught us in writing to the Romans: "Death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned" (Rom 5:14). From this it has been clearly shown to all creation through God's general dispensation and miracles that particular examples must (a) once (b) follow so great a law (c) of commandments, and (d) be confirmed by such pious goodness, so that all the doctrine He delivered to His disciples stands firm upon this foundation. He drove away diseases and various kinds of sufferings; He loosed the bonds of sin through His own passion, as was said; and in His actions He instructed His disciples both by deeds and words to fulfill similar works. But if, as some strive to show, certain of His apostles neglected to practice this holy doctrine through disobedience, we know not where the teaching of our merciful Lord and great God may reach us. Yet we do not believe it reasonable that we who have learned mercy should be considered unmerciful. But from this time forward we restrain our petition with silence, judging it unreasonable to extend the kindness of our prayers to those who refuse to be entreated and obstinately reject them. For we can endure insult and rejection, but we cannot endure being commanded. Given on the fifth day before the Ides of July at Constantinople, in the fourth consulship of Anastasius Augustus and the consulship of the most illustrious Agapitus (July 11, 517 A.D.)

To be continued.