# Letters of Sixtus III - Author: [Sixtus III, bishop of Rome](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/sixtus-iii/) - Latin title: *Epistolae et decreta* - Date: 432–440 (approximate) - Source: J.-P. Migne, ed., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina, vol. 50 (Paris), cols. 583-617 (Latin text: Migne, Patrologia Latina 50, digitized by Open Greek and Latin (patrologia_latina-dev, University of Leipzig), CC BY-SA 4.0) - Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator - Editions and translations: Pierre Coustant, ed., Epistolae Romanorum pontificum et quae ad eos scriptae sunt a S. Clemente I usque ad Innocentium III, vol. 1 (Paris, 1721) (cited only; Migne reprints his text and notes) - Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/ - Passages: 37 ## Letter 1, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-1 - Source: PL 50:583b–583 d - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus III announces his ordination (432) to Cyril of Alexandria through Cyril’s envoys Hermogenes and Lampetius, who were present at it. ### Latin text Gratiam habentes Dei nostri circa nos humanitati, quod eo tempore quo nos ad supremum sacerdotii apicem vocare dignatus est, concessit nobis, secundum pietatem suam, praesentiam sanctorum fratrum et cœpiscoporum nostrorum Hermogenis et Lampetii, necessario ad vestram fraternitatem per eos has litteras dedimus testes ordinationis nostræ. In his enim omnes vos a quibus illi missi fuerunt, astitisse credidimus, quandoquidem nullatenus intervallo separantur quos connectit gratia spiritalis. Quali autem omnium concordia, per divinae Providentiae dispensationem, haec nostra facta fuerit ordinatio, ubi sanctitas vestra didicerit tum ex nostris litteris, tum ex relatione fratrum, omnino gratiam præbenti Domino pro nobis habitura est, dilectissime frater, ut proprii doni custos, ecclesiasticam pacem conservare dignetur. Deus noster, qui cuncta quæ ad se pertinent ita dispensat, ut ne unum quidem deficere permittat, beneficium mihi in occasione fraternitatis dedit. Nam per sanctos consacerdotes nostros Hermogenem et Lampetium qui interfuerunt ordinationi nostræ has litteras mittere visum est ad pietatem tuam, quales utique ad sanctam synodum misimus, de seductoribus Nestorii. ### English translation (Claude) Giving thanks to our God for his kindness toward us, that at the time when he deigned to call us to the supreme summit of the priesthood he granted us, according to his goodness, the presence of our holy brothers and fellow bishops Hermogenes and Lampetius, we have of necessity given this letter to your brotherhood through them, as witnesses of our ordination. For in them we believed that all of you by whom they were sent stood by, since those whom spiritual grace joins are in no way separated by distance. With what concord of all, through the dispensation of divine providence, this ordination of ours was made, when your holiness has learned both from our letter and from the report of the brothers, you will surely give thanks for us to the Lord who granted it, most beloved brother, that he, the guardian of his own gift, may deign to preserve the peace of the church. Our God, who so disposes all that belongs to him that he does not allow even one thing to fail, has given me a benefit on the occasion of your brotherhood. For it seemed good to send this letter to your piety through our holy fellow priests Hermogenes and Lampetius, who were present at our ordination, such a letter as we have also sent to the holy synod about those led astray by Nestorius. ### Translation notes - The letter survives in Greek; the edition prints a Latin translation. Stray note letters of the edition were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 1.1 (PL 50:583b–583 d; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1). ## Letter 1, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-2 - Source: PL 50:585a–585 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus rejoices that the Eastern legates witnessed the unanimous election at Rome, a sign of the Roman church’s single mind in faith. ### Latin text Valde igitur, fateor, lætati sumus, quia contigit nobis una eademque opportunitate et quæ ad fidem, et quæ ad nos ipsos pertinent, communicare. Omnes quippe fratres præsentes habuit ordinatio nostra. Quis enim non interesse visus est, quando Oriens per suos legatos aderat, qui quidem spectarunt unum omnium cor, et unam in cunctis animam agnoverunt, consonamque divinæ multitudinis vocem ? Sic Romana Ecclesia unum suffragium custodivit in institutione praedicatoris fidei, ut in ipsa fidei prædicatione unam semper sententiam servavit. ### English translation (Claude) We were greatly gladdened, I confess, because it fell to us to share at one and the same opportunity both what concerns the faith and what concerns ourselves. For our ordination had all the brothers present. For who did not seem to be present, when the East was there through its legates, who indeed saw the one heart of all, and recognized one soul in all, and the harmonious voice of the divine multitude? So the Roman church kept one vote in appointing a preacher of the faith, as in the preaching of the faith itself it has always kept one judgment. ### Scripture references - Acts 4:32: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion: Acts 4:32. The last word of the passage is damaged (“..naiD”) and is read as “unam”. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 1.2 (PL 50:585a–585 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-2). ## Letter 1, chapter 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-3 - Source: PL 50:585a–585 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus reaffirms Celestine’s judgment against Nestorius and turns to the requests of Cyril. ### Latin text Quoniam ergo sufficit paucis verbis significasse ordinationem meam, nobis loquendum superest de iis quæ sanctus frater noster Cyrillus, immemor propriæ contumeliae et laborum, postulat. Etenim sufficiunt quae jam a beatæ memoriae decessore meo scripta fuerunt de fide, pro qua gaudemus triumphantes secundum auxilium Christi Dei nostri, in quem quæstio mota fuerat. Attamen quoniam pigere non debet, sæpe repetere quae salubriter definita sunt, necessarium duxi, scribens nunc ad fraternitatem tuam per sanctos fratres et coepiscopos nostros Hermogenem et Lampetium, hæc paucis declarare, quæ multo jam sermone olim apostolicæ sedis sententia definivit; et ne fatiscat audiens, sed et libenter audiat, quia vicit. Si enim Nestorius impiarum disputationum magister libros edidit prædicans subvertenda, quanto magis nos oportet apparere paternæ fidei custodes, quæ sunt subversa omnino auferentes? ### English translation (Claude) Since, then, it is enough to have indicated my ordination in a few words, it remains for us to speak of what our holy brother Cyril, unmindful of his own insults and labours, asks. For what was already written about the faith by my predecessor of blessed memory suffices, for which we rejoice, triumphing by the help of Christ our God, against whom the question had been raised. Yet since one ought not to be reluctant to repeat often what has been defined for salvation, I have thought it necessary, writing now to your brotherhood through our holy brothers and fellow bishops Hermogenes and Lampetius, to declare in a few words what the judgment of the apostolic see long ago defined in many words; and so that the hearer may not grow weary, but may hear gladly, because it has prevailed. For if Nestorius, the teacher of impious disputations, published books preaching things that should be overthrown, how much more ought we to appear as guardians of the fathers’ faith, removing entirely what has been overthrown? ### Translation notes - The predecessor is Celestine I. The sentence on the hearer is obscure in the translated Latin and is rendered by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 1.3 (PL 50:585a–585 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-3). ## Letter 1, chapter 4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-4 - Source: PL 50:585b–587 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus agrees with Cyril that, Nestorius being deposed, his followers who return to the right faith are to be received. ### Latin text Sanctus autem et coepiscopus noster frater antistes Alexandrinorum Ecclesiæ, ostendens quomodo et quantam fidei curam gerat, contemnensque contumelias quas gloriose secundum Apostolum passus est, magis ordinari Ecclesias, quam se vindicari desiderat. Confestim autem in naufragio laborantibus petit aperiri portum : ejus unius contentus morte, qui cum in imperitia doctor esse videretur, vindicavit sibi Dominici temonis gubernacula ; sed permanere in sede non potuit, qui docere nescivit. Solus igitur ille sit naufragus, quem in tanta caligine propriarum doctrinarum nihil cernentem, impietatis fluctus allisit scopulo depositionis. Habuit quidem omnes una tempestas; verum, eo qui ista excogitavit submerso, sanari vult caeteros. Est itaque et in nobis eadem sententia. Praestat enim pie circa illos agere, qui erga Deum impie se gerere cessaverint. Unde recipiantur qui voluerint ad rectam viam reverti. De quibus multa loqui opus non est, cum haec pauca sufficiant. Sciant enim ecclesiarum ab ipsis occupatarum curam fore, si non ipsi sibi consuluerint, et ea ipsa quae nos, sentire voluerint. ### English translation (Claude) Our holy fellow bishop and brother, the prelate of the church of Alexandria, showing how and how great a care for the faith he bears, and despising the insults which he suffered gloriously according to the Apostle, desires rather that the churches be set in order than that he be avenged. He asks at once that a harbour be opened to those labouring in shipwreck, content with the death of him alone who, though he seemed a teacher in his unskill, claimed for himself the steering of the Lord’s helm; but he could not remain in the see who did not know how to teach. Let him alone, then, be the shipwrecked one, whom, seeing nothing in such darkness of his own doctrines, the wave of impiety dashed against the rock of deposition. One storm indeed held all; but now that he who devised these things has been sunk, he wishes the others to be healed. And so the same judgment is in us too. For it is better to act piously toward those who have ceased to behave impiously toward God. Hence let those be received who wish to return to the right way. Of these there is no need to say much, since these few things suffice. For let them know that the care of the churches they have occupied will be [taken from them], if they do not take counsel for themselves and are not willing to think the very things we think. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 12:9–10: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion: 2 Cor 12:9–10 (Migne’s reference, removed). “Mors” of Nestorius is figurative: his deposition. The last sentence is elliptical in the Latin; “[taken from them]” is supplied by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 1.4 (PL 50:585b–587 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-4). ## Letter 1, chapter 5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-5 - Source: PL 50:587a–587 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: John of Antioch will be received as catholic if he accepts the condemnations of the Council of Ephesus; Cyril, who forgives his injuries, will receive his crown. ### Latin text De Joanne autem Antiochiæ haec definimus debere servari, quae in litteris ante missis praescripta sunt, ut noverit futurum se unum catholicorum, si cuncta per synodum eversa subvertens, ostenderit se ipsum catholicum sacerdotem. Retine fortiter igitur, cum quæ a synodo, tum quae a nobis definita sunt, frater dilectissime. Remittit enim frater contumelias quae ei utiles sunt coram communi Domino. Hujusmodi enim contumelia victoria est. Unde æquo animo tulit omnium aculeorum plagas; neque illa eum contristarunt de quibus nunc laetatur, memor quod certaverit propter coronam. Novit enim qualia maneant praemia eos qui talia vicerunt. Exsultet de triumphi hujusmodi societate omnis qui reversus fuerit, et animo in eamdem sententiam conspirarit. ### English translation (Claude) Concerning John of Antioch, we have decided that what was prescribed in the letter sent earlier is to be kept: that he should know that he will be one of the catholics if, overturning everything that the synod overturned, he shows himself a catholic priest. Hold firmly, then, most beloved brother, both what was defined by the synod and what was defined by us. For the brother forgives insults which are useful to him before the common Lord. For an insult of this kind is a victory. Hence he bore with an even mind the blows of all the stings; nor did those things sadden him over which he now rejoices, remembering that he fought for a crown. For he knows what rewards await those who have overcome such things. Let everyone who has returned, and has agreed in mind with the same judgment, exult in the fellowship of such a triumph. ### Scripture references - 2 Tim 4:7–8: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - The synod is the Council of Ephesus (431). Stray note letters of the edition were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 1.5 (PL 50:587a–587 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-5). ## Letter 1, chapter 6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-1-6 - Source: PL 50:587b–587 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus asks Cyril to circulate the letter to neighbouring bishops as proof of the apostolic see’s continued care. ### Latin text Haec vero ad vicinorum fratrum notitiam volo mitti per pietatem tuam, ut discant in re tanta etsi olim cuncta plenissime definita fuerint, non cessare aut segnem esse tamen apostolicam sedem, neque enim permittit nos quietos esse ab ejusmodi curis omnium Ecclesiarum sollicitudo. ### English translation (Claude) I wish this to be sent through your piety to the knowledge of the neighbouring brothers, so that they may learn that in so great a matter, even though everything was defined most fully long ago, the apostolic see does not cease or grow slack; for the care of all the churches does not allow us to be at rest from such concerns. ### Scripture references - 2 Cor 11:28: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion: 2 Cor 11:28. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 1.6 (PL 50:587b–587 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-6). ## Letter 2, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-1 - Source: PL 50:587b–589 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus praises Cyril’s envoys, who attended his ordination, and Cyril himself, to whom the whole church is indebted. ### Latin text Laetatus sum in iis quae per epistolam a sanctitate tua indicata sunt mihi de sanctis et coepiscopis meis, quos brevis usus et congressio quales quantique essent ostendit. Et forsan minus litteris quas de eis scripsisti credidissemus, nisi earum testimonium vicisset sibi ipsi attestans hominum praesentia. Vidimus vere Domini sacerdotes; vidimus viros plenos gratia spiritali, quae in primis ab ipso conceditur Deo. Sed et ipsos gratiores nobis Dei circa nos judicium effecit. Illos enim praesentes habuit nostra ordinatio. Et in cunctis quae sacerdotem perficiunt ornati, ipsam nobis praesentiam exhibuerunt sanctitatis tuae, quam non sine multo merito, fraterno affectu complectimur. Tantum enim tibi debet orbis Ecclesia, quantum tibi omnes sunt obnoxii, qui utique omnes ubique vicisti. ### English translation (Claude) I have rejoiced in what was indicated to me by your holiness in a letter about my holy fellow bishops, whom a short acquaintance and meeting showed to be of what kind and how great. And perhaps we would have believed less the letter you wrote about them, had not the presence of the men, testifying for itself, surpassed its testimony. We truly saw priests of the Lord; we saw men full of spiritual grace, which is granted first of all by God himself. But God’s judgment toward us made them more welcome to us. For our ordination had them present. And adorned with all that makes a priest perfect, they showed us the very presence of your holiness, which, not without much merit, we embrace with brotherly affection. For the church of the world owes you as much as all are indebted to you, who have indeed conquered everyone everywhere. ### Translation notes - Stray note letters of the edition were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 2.1 (PL 50:587b–589 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/2-1). ## Letter 2, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-2 - Source: PL 50:589a–589 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: At the urging of the archdeacon Themison, Sixtus sends further letters to the bishops named by Cyril’s envoys. ### Latin text Insistente igitur, et salubriter cuncta suggerente filio nostro Themisone archidiacono, congruas dedimus litteras ad fratres et coepiscopos nostros, ad quos petierant praedicti consacerdotes nostri. Sufficiebant quidem illae, quas et antea per Ecclesiae Constantinopolitanæ clericos, et postea per diaconos tuæ sanctitatis plenas omnibus necessariis misi : at nunc obsequens tum exspectationi sanctitatis tuæ, tum nostræ consuetudini, quæ mihi salubriter suggesta sunt, agere non omisi: gratiam habens, et in beneficiis ducens hoc, quod persuasum habeo mihi coelitus donatum fuisse, ut de mea ordinatione ac fide eadem ad unanimitatem tuam conseramus verba. ### English translation (Claude) At the urging, then, and with the salutary suggestion of everything by our son the archdeacon Themison, we have given fitting letters to our brothers and fellow bishops to whom our fellow priests mentioned had asked. Those letters indeed sufficed which I sent, full of everything necessary, earlier through the clergy of the church of Constantinople and later through the deacons of your holiness: but now, complying both with the expectation of your holiness and with our custom, I have not omitted to do what was suggested to me for the good; giving thanks, and counting it among benefits, that I am persuaded it was granted me from heaven that we exchange the same words with your unanimity about my ordination and faith. ### Translation notes - The last clause is damaged in the printed text (“III de mea ordinatione”) and translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 2.2 (PL 50:589a–589 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/2-2). ## Letter 2, chapter 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-2-3 - Source: PL 50:589b–589 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: John of Antioch and the other supporters of Nestorius are to be received if they reject what Ephesus rejected; if not, they condemn themselves with Nestorius. ### Latin text De Antiocheno autem et reliquis qui cum eo sectatores Nestorii fieri voluerunt, et de cunctis qui præter ecclesiasticam disciplinam Ecclesias instituunt, jam antea hoc definivimus custodiendum : ut si resipuerint, et cum suo duce rejecerint omnia quæcumque sancta synodus nobis confirmantibus rejecit, redeant in sacerdotum consessum. Sicut enim persistentes prioribus non potuerunt in nostra esse communione, sic volumus eos, propter unitatem ac pacem Ecclesiarum, satisfacientes ut diximus suscipi. Ipsi vero in seipsos invenientur æquam sententiam protulisse, si extra manentes, cum eo qui dejectus et expulsus est, tantae impietatis sese ostenderint socios atque participes. ### English translation (Claude) Concerning the bishop of Antioch and the rest who wished to become followers of Nestorius with him, and concerning all who appoint churches outside church discipline, we have already defined that this is to be kept: that if they come to their senses and, with their leader, reject everything that the holy synod rejected with our confirmation, they may return to the assembly of priests. For as, persisting in their former views, they could not be in our communion, so, for the sake of the unity and peace of the churches, we wish them to be received when they give satisfaction, as we have said. But they will be found to have pronounced a just sentence against themselves if, remaining outside, they show themselves companions and sharers in so great an impiety with him who has been deposed and expelled. ### Translation notes - “Their leader” is Nestorius: they are to reject him along with what the synod rejected. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 2.3 (PL 50:589b–589 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/2-3). ## Letter 3, inscription - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-0 - Source: PL 50:601b–601 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus addresses Cyril of Alexandria. ### Latin text XYSTuS episcopus CYRILLO episcopo Alexandrino. ### English translation (Claude) Bishop Xystus to Cyril, bishop of Alexandria. ### Translation notes - This letter (433) welcomes the reunion between Cyril and John of Antioch. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.0 (PL 50:601b–601 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-0). ## Letter 3, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-1 - Source: PL 50:601b–601 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus rejoices that the church’s body is whole again after the reunion of Antioch with Alexandria, Nestorius alone being cut off. ### Latin text Magna sumus lætitia alacritatis impleti, postquam, sicut legimus, ex alto nos Oriens a visitavit (Luc. I, 78). Eccc enim sollicitis nobis, quia neminem perire volumus, sanctitas tua redintegratum corpus Ecclesiæ suis epistolis indicavit. Redeuntibus ejus in sua membra compagibus, neminem foris jam videmus errare, quia intus omnes positos fides una testatur. Lætamur e medio nostrum qui hoc opus fecit ablatum : soli sibi nunc non credenti quod sensit intelligit obfuisse, qui contra hunc nixus est, quem profitemur omnibus profuisse. ### English translation (Claude) We have been filled with great joy and eagerness since, as we read, the Dayspring from on high has visited us. For see, while we were anxious, because we wish no one to perish, your holiness has told us by your letter that the body of the church has been made whole again. Now that its joints are returning to their members, we see no one any longer straying outside, because one faith testifies that all are placed within. We rejoice that the one who did this work has been taken from our midst: he who strove against him whom we confess has benefited all now understands that what he thought has harmed only himself, who did not believe. ### Scripture references - Luke 1:78: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation: Luke 1:78. “The one who did this work” is Nestorius. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.1 (PL 50:601b–601 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-1). ## Letter 3, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-2 - Source: PL 50:601b–603 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus says that Christ has turned grief to joy and that the report of the reunion was fittingly heard by an assembly of bishops. ### Latin text Sed convenit a tristibus nos ad Iæta transire, quia ipse cui quæstio mota fuerat, de Ecclesia universali maerore sublato, tempus nobis præstitit gaudiorum. Christus denique Deus noster, quam vero sit sua causa, monstravit, quando ita res dignatus est gubernare, ut tantæ rei et talis indicium servaret suorum conventui sacerdotum. In unum congregati apostoli de fide saepe tractarunt: in unum nunc convenientes apostolici de ejus victoria gratulantur. O relatio digna mittente, digna conventu! Gaudii cœlestis indicium tales habere debuit cognitores. Et quia res et causa deposcit, locum quoque convenit non taceri. ### English translation (Claude) But it is fitting that we pass from sad things to joyful, because he himself, against whom the question had been raised, has removed grief from the universal church and given us a time of joys. Christ our God, in short, has shown how true his cause is, when he deigned so to govern events that he kept the knowledge of so great and such a matter for the assembly of his priests. Gathered together, the apostles often discussed the faith: gathered together now, the apostolic men rejoice over its victory. O report worthy of the sender, worthy of the assembly! The knowledge of heavenly joy ought to have had such hearers. And since the matter and the cause require it, it is fitting not to keep silent about the place either. ### Translation notes - Stray note letters of the edition were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.2 (PL 50:601b–603 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-2). ## Letter 3, chapter 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-3 - Source: PL 50:603a–603 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus reports that the news was heard at Saint Peter’s by a synod gathered for his anniversary, over which Peter himself presided in spirit. ### Latin text Ad beatum apostolum Petrum fraternitas universa convenit: ecce auditorium congruens auditoribus, conveniens audiendis. Habuerunt coepiscopi nostri illum congratulationis testem, quem habemus honoris exordium ; sanctæ namque et venerabili synodo, quam natalis mihi dies favente Domino congregarat, quia sic credendum est, ipse praesedit, quandoquidem probatur nec spiritu nec corpore defuisse. Affuit palmae, qui contentioni non defuit; juvit animorum vota nostrorum, qui videt symbolo primum inter Apostolos tradito derogari : non passus est nefandum caput gaudere solatiis, nec turbari diu sivit lutulento gurgite fontis illius perspicui puritatem. Ad nos reversi sunt fratres, ad nos, inquam, qui morbum communi studio persequentes, animarum curavimus sanitatem. ### English translation (Claude) The whole brotherhood gathered at the blessed apostle Peter’s: see, an auditorium fitting for the hearers, suited to what was to be heard. Our fellow bishops had him as witness of their rejoicing whom we have as the beginning of our honour; for he presided, as must be believed, over the holy and venerable synod which my birthday had assembled by the Lord’s favour, since he is shown to have been absent neither in spirit nor in body. He who did not fail in the contest was present at the palm; he helped the wishes of our minds, who sees that the creed first handed down among the apostles was being disparaged: he did not allow the wicked head to enjoy consolations, nor did he let the purity of that clear spring be troubled long by a muddy whirlpool. The brothers have returned to us, to us, I say, who, pursuing the disease with common zeal, have cared for the health of souls. ### Translation notes - “My birthday” (natalis) is the anniversary of his ordination. “The creed first handed down among the apostles”: the creed held to be apostolic. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.3 (PL 50:603a–603 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-3). ## Letter 3, chapter 4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-4 - Source: PL 50:603a–603 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus says that John of Antioch never really followed Nestorius but only suspended judgment, and has now returned. ### Latin text Non se exsuli vestro sanctus frater noster Joannes addiderat, non ejus est blasphema praedicatione deceptus; nam , quantum rerum exitus docet, suspendit suam sententiam , non negavit. Nam quid in inventorem malorum posset aliud judicare, nisi quod probatur ipse per sacerdotes suos cujus agebatur causa, sentire ? Statuerat hoc nimirum de nostrorum desertore castrorum , quod a ducibus fidei suaderet perfidia judicari. Numquam se a nostro numero separasset, in quem potuit et reverti. ### English translation (Claude) Our holy brother John had not joined himself to your exile, nor was he deceived by his blasphemous preaching; for, as the outcome of events shows, he suspended his judgment, he did not deny. For what else could he judge about the inventor of evils than what he himself, whose cause was at stake, is shown to think through his priests? He had surely decided about the deserter of our camp what perfidy urged should be judged by the leaders of the faith. He would never have separated himself from our number, to which he could also return. ### Translation notes - “Your exile” is Nestorius, exiled after Ephesus. The second sentence is obscure in the printed text and is translated literally. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.4 (PL 50:603a–603 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-4). ## Letter 3, chapter 5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-5 - Source: PL 50:603a–605 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus rejoices that the bishops of the East have returned like the lost sheep, while Nestorius, the barren branch, is condemned, and welcomes John of Antioch as a catholic. ### Latin text Exsulta, frater charissime, et ad nos recollectis fratribus victor exsulta. Quaerebat Ecclesia quos recepit. Nam si neminem perire volumus de pusillis, quanto magis gaudendum nobis est sanitate rectorum ? Legimus una ovis quantum gaudii reportata praestiterit (Luc. xv, 6) ; et idcirco intelligendum est quid laudis habeat tantos revocasse pastores. Greges aspiciuntur in singulis; nec unius hic causa tractatur, quoties agitur de sanitate multorum. Lætamur hic nihil egisse nos praecoquum, quando fructu nostræ sententiae gratulamur. Sustinuimus fratres, certi eos non spinas, sed uvas esse facturos (Matth. VII, 17). In evidenti est nostrorum vindemia gaudiorum, quæ sanctam synodum largitate gratulationis implevit. Vineam suam custos ille curavit, quem ad custodiendam domum Israel nec dormitare nec obdormire David propheta testatur (Psal. exi, 4). Infecundum illud Christo nostro, nec afferens fructum, suscepit flamma sarmentum (Joan. xv, 6). Sed ut hoc videmus convenire damnato, ita de reversis ad nos fratribus convenit dicere, quia non potuit a diabolo eradicari plantatio quam plantaverat Pater (Matth. XV, 13). Illum ergo sibi ignis aeternus, hos possessoris æterni vinea vindicavit in tantum ut Antiochenæ Ecclesiae sacerdotem vocari a sanctitate tua jam nunc venerabilem virum et domnum gaudeamus. Et merito vocatur domnus, qui communem Dominum recognovit, qui incarnationis ejus mysterium voce catholica nobiscum confitetur. ### English translation (Claude) Exult, dearest brother, and exult as victor, now that the brothers have been gathered back to us. The church was seeking those whom it has received back. For if we wish none of the little ones to perish, how much more must we rejoice in the health of rulers? We read how much joy one sheep brought when it was carried back; and therefore we must understand what praise there is in having called back such great shepherds. The flocks are seen in each one; nor is the cause of one man dealt with here, whenever the health of many is at stake. We rejoice that we did nothing premature here, since we rejoice in the fruit of our judgment. We waited for the brothers, sure that they would produce not thorns but grapes. The vintage of our joys is plain, which has filled the holy synod with the abundance of rejoicing. That keeper cared for his vineyard, who, as the prophet David testifies, neither slumbers nor sleeps in keeping the house of Israel. The flame took that branch, barren to our Christ and bearing no fruit. But as we see this suits the condemned man, so it is fitting to say of the brothers who have returned to us that the planting which the Father had planted could not be uprooted by the devil. The eternal fire, then, has claimed him for itself; the vineyard of the eternal owner has claimed these, so much so that we rejoice that the priest of the church of Antioch is now called by your holiness a venerable man and lord. And rightly is he called lord who has recognized the common Lord, who confesses with us with a catholic voice the mystery of his incarnation. ### Scripture references - Matt 18:14: allusion, high confidence - Luke 15:4–6: allusion, high confidence - Matt 7:16–17: allusion, high confidence - Ps 121:4 (120:4 Vulg.): allusion, high confidence - John 15:6: allusion, high confidence - Matt 15:13: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotations and allusions: Matt 18:14; Luke 15:4–6; Matt 7:16–17; Ps 121:4 (Vulgate 120:4; Migne prints “cxi”); John 15:6; Matt 15:13. The Scripture references printed in the edition are kept in the Latin. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.5 (PL 50:603a–605 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-5). ## Letter 3, chapter 6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-6 - Source: PL 50:605b–605 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus says that the deposition decreed against Cyril by his opponents was no surprise, since those persecuted for righteousness have a great reward. ### Latin text Bene nobis breviter tua fraternitas quae sunt super eodem negotio gesta narravit; sed mirati non sumus, quod a dissentientibus in te compositam legimus dejectionis injuriam ( Matth. v, 11). Novimus FREQUENTER PATERE calumniis veritatem, nec tamen umquam posse falsitate superari. Votivæ sunt semper molestiae fidem praedicanti. His namque cum beatitudine copiosa merces paratur in coelo (Ibid. 12), quibus propter justitiam maledictiones, persecutiones et omne malum præcipitur sustinere. Passus es falsitatem, ut victricem faceres veritatem ; et ideo nunc insultandum est falsitati, quia nullus perire potuit veritati. ### English translation (Claude) Your brotherhood has told us well and briefly what was done in this same business; but we were not surprised that we read of the injury of deposition devised against you by the dissenters. We know that truth is often exposed to calumnies, yet can never be overcome by falsehood. Troubles are always to be wished for by one who preaches the faith. For to those who are bidden to endure curses, persecutions and every evil for the sake of righteousness, an abundant reward with blessedness is prepared in heaven. You suffered falsehood so as to make truth victorious; and therefore falsehood must now be mocked, because no one has been able to perish for the truth. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:10–12: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The “deposition” is the sentence of the Eastern bishops against Cyril at Ephesus (431). Allusion: Matt 5:10–12. The words “FREQUENTER PATERE” are in capitals in the edition. A stray note letter was removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.6 (PL 50:605b–605 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-6). ## Letter 3, chapter 7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-3-7 - Source: PL 50:605a–605 d - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus awaits John of Antioch’s clergy, praises Cyril’s readiness to receive returning bishops, and dates the letter 17 September 433. ### Latin text Exspectamus igitur memorati fratris nostri Joannis clericos, et optamus venire : scimus et pro honore et labore tuo dare responsum. Non es, sicuti fratri et coepiscopo nostro Maximiano sæpe jam scripsimus, etiam ipse redeuntibus difficilis aperire januam : ut vere nisi perditionis filius nemo sit perditus (Joan. XVII , 12 ); sitque ei major causa lugendi, quod meruit solus excludi. Haec ad venerationem tuam fraternitas mecum sancta scribit, probans tuos in omnibus et confirmans labores : qui tamen graves aut amari esse non potuerunt, quia huic impensi sunt, cujus onus leve et jugum suave portamus (Matth. XI, 30). Datum 15 kal. Octobris, Theodosio xiv et Maximo consulibus. ### English translation (Claude) We are waiting, then, for the clergy of our brother John mentioned above, and we desire them to come: we know how to give an answer both for your honour and for your labour. You too are not, as we have often written already to our brother and fellow bishop Maximian, difficult in opening the door to those who return: so that truly no one may be lost except the son of perdition, and that he may have greater cause to mourn, because he alone deserved to be shut out. The holy brotherhood with me writes these things to your veneration, approving and confirming your labours in everything: which nevertheless could not be heavy or bitter, because they were spent for him whose light burden and easy yoke we carry. Dated the fifteenth day before the Kalends of October [17 September 433], in the consulship of Theodosius for the fourteenth time and Maximus. ### Scripture references - John 17:12: quotation, high confidence - Matt 11:30: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotations: John 17:12; Matt 11:30. Maximian was bishop of Constantinople. The consul numeral is misprinted (“xm”) and corrected to xiv as in 4.7. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 3.7 (PL 50:605a–605 d; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/3-7). ## Letter 4, inscription - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-0 - Source: PL 50:607a–607 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus addresses John of Antioch. ### Latin text XYSTUS episcopus JOANNI episcopo Antiocheno. ### English translation (Claude) Bishop Xystus to John, bishop of Antioch. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.0 (PL 50:607a–607 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-0). ## Letter 4, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-1 - Source: PL 50:607a–607 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus tells John of Antioch that Cyril’s news of the reunion has turned his grief to joy. ### Latin text Si ecclesiastici corporis gloriam, si ejus integritatem dilectio tua considerare dignetur, profecto lætitiæ nostræ non quæret interpretem. Ipsae namque res evidentissime loquuntur, moerorem nostrum repentino sancti fratris Cyrilli sermone in gaudium esse conversum. Tantam hanc ergo sollicitudinem nostram nos evasisse delectat, postquam reo fidei nostræ tua fuit sanitas pœnitudo. ### English translation (Claude) If your love deigns to consider the glory of the church’s body and its wholeness, you will surely not seek an interpreter of our joy. For the facts themselves speak most plainly: our grief has been turned into joy by the sudden word of our holy brother Cyril. It delights us, then, to have escaped so great an anxiety, since your repentance has been the healing of one accused before our faith. ### Translation notes - The last clause is obscure in the printed text (“postquam reo fidei nostrae tua fuit sanitas poenitudo”) and is translated literally. A stray note letter was removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.1 (PL 50:607a–607 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-1). ## Letter 4, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-2 - Source: PL 50:607b–607 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus says that Nestorius, now an exile, reaps thorns; he was warned and condemned late, and now all should rejoice. ### Latin text Nunc vere se exsulem, nunc se sentit ejectum. Abundant ei in deserto spinæ (Matth. VII, 16) : quia deest uva quam colligat. Hos habet fructus, qui erga vineam Domini nostri noluit exercere culturam. Credo ad dilectionem tuam rerum cursus et ordo pervenerit, qualiter ei voluimus nostra admonitione succurrere. Retinuimus in præceps euntem, qui erat blasphemiarum pondere in profundum mergendus. Si negotii qualitatem justa lance pensemus, nulli non videbitur Nestorius sero damnatus. Hic fuerit debitus sermo præteritus. Fruamur nunc præsentibus bonis, nec diu hæreamus in tristibus, quibus Dominus gaudere concessit. ### English translation (Claude) Now truly he feels himself an exile, now he feels himself cast out. Thorns abound for him in the desert: because the grape is lacking for him to gather. These are the fruits of one who would not practise cultivation in our Lord’s vineyard. I believe the course and order of events has reached your love, how we wished to help him by our admonition. We held back one who was going headlong, who was to be sunk into the depths by the weight of his blasphemies. If we weigh the nature of the business on a just scale, Nestorius will seem to everyone to have been condemned late. Let this be due as a word about the past. Let us now enjoy the present good things, and not linger long in the sad things, over which the Lord has granted us to rejoice. ### Scripture references - Matt 7:16: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion: Matt 7:16. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.2 (PL 50:607b–607 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-2). ## Letter 4, chapter 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-3 - Source: PL 50:607a–607 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus accepts John’s praise, read at the synod on his anniversary, and turns John’s phrase “light-bearing” into a call for all priests to shine. ### Latin text Audivit universa fraternitas, quæ ad natalis mei convenerat diem, qualiter bono humani generis, apostolicae sedis me prande g.... Excedant licet meritum meum et extra me hæc esse cognoscam, exordium tamen tui sermonis gratus accipio, quia non est tibi controversia perferenda, qui Christum Dominum nostrum bono humani generis ita ut natus est confiteris. Subsequenter Ecclesiae addis luciferum et ubique lucentem. Sed et nunc vos, immo omnes qui lucis illius signum fronte gestamus, luciferos confitemur. Sint ergo omnes fidem prædicantes Domini sacerdotes luciferi et ubique lucentes. ### English translation (Claude) The whole brotherhood, which had gathered for my birthday, heard how, for the good of the human race, [you described] me … of the apostolic see. Although these things exceed my merit, and I know them to be beyond me, I nevertheless gratefully accept the beginning of your discourse, because you need not endure controversy, who confess Christ our Lord to have been born for the good of the human race as he was born. Then you add to the church [the title] light-bearing and shining everywhere. But we too now confess you, and indeed all of us who bear the sign of that light on our foreheads, to be light-bearers. Let all the Lord’s priests who preach the faith, then, be light-bearers and shining everywhere. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:14–16: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Part of the first sentence is lost in the printed text (“apostolicae sedis me prande g....”) and is marked “…”; “[you described]” is supplied by sense. “Light-bearing” translates luciferum. A stray note letter was removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.3 (PL 50:607a–607 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-3). ## Letter 4, chapter 4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-4 - Source: PL 50:607a–607 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus compares Nestorius to the fallen Lucifer of Isaiah 14, since he made Christ a mere man and denied the incarnation, and calls for an end to controversy. ### Latin text Sit et Nestorius ille lucifer de quo scriptum est : Cecidit lucifer, qui mane oriebatur (Isa. xiv, 12). Cecidit, sed superbiens cecidit, sed elisus cum ascendere disponit in coelum, et ponere super coeli sidera sedem suam, et promittit Altissimo similem se futurum. Ille ad similitudinem se aptabat Altissimi ; iste in suam similitudinem vocabat Altissimum. Hominem namque natum eum tantummodo prædicabat, auferens incarnationis mysterium, et illud evacuans, immo illud impugnans, quo secundum symbolum et fides et salus nostra subsistit. Non est certandi jam tempus, hoste prostrato : transeundum nobis ab his est quæ bella moverunt, importunum victoriae tempore adhuc de præliis disputare. ### English translation (Claude) Let Nestorius too be that Lucifer of whom it is written: “Lucifer has fallen, who rose in the morning”. He fell, but he fell in pride, he was dashed down when he planned to ascend into heaven and set his seat above the stars of heaven, and promised that he would be like the Most High. That one fitted himself to the likeness of the Most High; this one called the Most High into his own likeness. For he preached him as only a man born, taking away the mystery of the incarnation, and emptying it, indeed attacking it, by which, according to the creed, both our faith and our salvation stand. It is no longer the time for fighting, now that the enemy is laid low: we must pass on from the things that stirred up wars; it is unseasonable, in the time of victory, still to argue about battles. ### Scripture references - Isa 14:12–14: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation and allusion: Isa 14:12–14. Sixtus’s summary of Nestorius’s teaching is translated as written. “Isto” and “cum” are read as “iste” and “eum”. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.4 (PL 50:607a–607 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-4). ## Letter 4, chapter 5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-5 - Source: PL 50:607b–609 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus urges John to proclaim the restored unity and to hold the simple faith that Peter received from Christ and hands on through his successors. ### Latin text Quæ hic evidentior rerum fides, quae ratio major potest esse, quam palma? Fruamur, auctore Domino, bono atque jucundo, quia in unum fratres rursus cœpimus habitare (Ps. CXXXII, 1). Hæc sanctitatem tuam volumus prædicare quæ scribis. Expertus es negotii præsentis eventu, quid sit sentire nobiscum. Beatus Petrus apostolus in successoribus suis, quod accepit, hoc tradidit. Quis ab ejus se velit separare doctrina, quem ipse inter apostolos primum magister edocuit? Non hunc auditus per alterum, non sermo lectus instruxit : doctus est cum aliis ore Doctoris. Non scripturæ, non scriptorum passus est quæstionem ; absolutam et simplicem fidem, et quæ controversiam non haberet, accepit, quam utique meditari semper, et in qua manere debemus, ut sensu puro sequentes Apostolos, inter apostolicos esse mereamur. Non parum nobis oneri, non parum laboris incumbit, ut Ecclesiae Domini macula desit et ruga (Ephes. v, 27). ### English translation (Claude) What clearer proof of things, what greater reason can there be here than the palm? Let us enjoy, the Lord being the author, what is good and pleasant, because we brothers have begun again to dwell in unity. We wish your holiness to proclaim these things that you write. You have learned by the outcome of the present business what it is to think with us. The blessed apostle Peter has handed on in his successors what he received. Who would wish to separate himself from the teaching of him whom the Master himself taught first among the apostles? No one heard through another instructed him, no word read: he was taught with the others by the mouth of the Teacher. He did not undergo questioning about scripture or writings; he received a complete and simple faith, one that would have no controversy, which we ought always to meditate on and in which we ought to remain, so that, following the apostles with a pure mind, we may deserve to be among the apostolic men. No small burden, no small labour rests on us, that the church of the Lord may lack spot and wrinkle. ### Scripture references - Ps 133:1 (132:1 Vulg.): quotation, high confidence - Eph 5:27: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotations and allusions: Ps 133:1 (Vulgate 132:1); Eph 5:27. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.5 (PL 50:607b–609 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-5). ## Letter 4, chapter 6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-6 - Source: PL 50:609b–609 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus praises the emperors’ zeal for the church’s unity as a sign that earthly kings serve the heavenly King. ### Latin text Quam semper super hoc esse solliciti nos debeamus, clementissimorum et christianissimorum regum cura testatur. Aspice, frater charissime, cœlesti negotio quam se vigilanter impenderint. Cogitationum ferias nesciverunt ; nec dignati sunt terrena curare, nisi coelestibus paruissent. Quoties apostolicam sedem, quoties diversos fratres eorum sermo commovit ? Impenderunt se ejus negotio qui se eorum numquam negavit imperio. Sciunt se illi fenerare sollicitudinem suam qui eam cum grandi reddat usura. De qua re nos convenit gloriari, quia cœlestem Regem videmus foederatos reges habere terrarum. Intelligunt, sicut ait David, et eruditi sunt qui judicant terram (Ps. II, 10), quando, sicut dicit alibi, ipsi et omnes populi laudant nomen Domini (Ps. CXLVIII, 12). ### English translation (Claude) How anxious we ought always to be about this, the care of the most clement and most Christian emperors testifies. See, dearest brother, how watchfully they have devoted themselves to the heavenly business. They knew no holiday from their thoughts; nor did they deign to care for earthly things unless they had first obeyed heavenly ones. How often did their word move the apostolic see, how often various brothers? They devoted themselves to the business of him who never refused himself to their rule. They know that they lend their care at interest to him who repays it with great usury. In this we ought to glory, because we see that the heavenly King has the kings of the earth as his allies. They understand, as David says, and are instructed, who judge the earth, when, as he says elsewhere, they themselves and all peoples praise the name of the Lord. ### Scripture references - Ps 2:10: quotation, high confidence - Ps 148:11–13: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The emperors are Theodosius II and Valentinian III. Quotations: Ps 2:10; Ps 148:11–13 (Migne prints 12). ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.6 (PL 50:609b–609 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-6). ## Letter 4, chapter 7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-4-7 - Source: PL 50:609b–609 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus urges John to hold the one ancient faith without novelty and commends Maximian of Constantinople, who learned that faith at Rome. ### Latin text Ergo quia, sicut ait Apostolus, fides una est (Ephes. IV, 6), qua et d vincenter obtinuit, dicenda credamus,et tenendi dicamus. Nihil ultra liceat novitati, quia nihil adjici convenit vetustati. Dilucida et perspicua majorum credulitas nulla cœni permixtione turbetur. Habet probatum nobis virum fratrem et coepiscopum nostrum Maximianum Constantinopolitanæ Ecclesiæ sacerdotem, divino illic judicio consecratum, ut ægritudinis morbum quem astutiæ venena solius infuderant, superet simplicitatis dulcedo succedens ; qui non illic aliud quam credimus poterit prædicare, nisi quod a decessoribus meis, nobiscum positus frequenter audivit. Data xv kalendas Octobris, Theodosio XIV et Maximo consulibus. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore, since, as the Apostle says, faith is one, [the faith] which has prevailed, let us believe what is to be said and say what is to be held. Let nothing more be allowed to novelty, because nothing ought to be added to antiquity. Let the clear and transparent belief of our elders be troubled by no admixture of mud. We have as an approved man our brother and fellow bishop Maximian, priest of the church of Constantinople, consecrated there by divine judgment, so that the sweetness of simplicity, succeeding, may overcome the disease of sickness which the poisons of cunning alone had poured in; who will be able to preach there nothing other than what we believe, except what he often heard from my predecessors when he was with us. Dated the fifteenth day before the Kalends of October [17 September 433], in the consulship of Theodosius for the fourteenth time and Maximus. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:5: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation: Eph 4:5 (Migne prints 6). The first sentence is damaged (“qua et d vincenter obtinuit, dicenda credamus,et tenendi dicamus”) and is translated by sense. The last clause (“nisi quod”) is redundant in the printed text. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 4.7 (PL 50:609b–609 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/4-7). ## Letter 5, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-5-1 - Source: PL 50:609b–609 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus reminds Proclus of Constantinople that Rome supported his ordination and gently reproves his attempt, now settled by Roman legates, to extend his jurisdiction. ### Latin text Gratulari potius quam conqueri deberemus de tuæ fraternitatis actibus, cum tibi apostolicæ sedis auctoritas in ipsis tuæ ordinationis initiis, quod te semper meminisse oportet, affuerit. Sed ut nostrum est non ista retexere, ita tuæ convenit fidei retinere. Nunc aliqua incitare voluisse cognovimus : sed haec, cum res per nostrorum præsentiam, quos vice nostra ad eas partes propter has causas direximus, sopitæ sint, præterimus. Nam et sanctos fratres nostros Martinianum presbyterum idem et diaconum Lollianum egisse credas, quod et utilitatibus tuis et sedis apostolicæ auctoritati congrueret: et idcirco nunc ad fraternitatem tuam nihil tale scripsimus, quo tibi tristitiam generemus, quia malumus correctione pacifica id quod tentatum fuerat aboleri. ### English translation (Claude) We ought rather to congratulate than to complain about your brotherhood’s actions, since the authority of the apostolic see was with you at the very beginning of your ordination, which you ought always to remember. But as it is ours not to go over these things again, so it befits your faith to keep them. We have learned that you wished to stir up some things now: but we pass them over, since the matters have been settled through the presence of our people, whom we sent in our stead to those parts for these causes. For you may believe that our holy brothers the presbyter Martinianus and the deacon Lollianus also did what suited both your interests and the authority of the apostolic see: and therefore we have now written to your brotherhood nothing such as might cause you sorrow, because we prefer that what had been attempted be undone by a peaceful correction. ### Translation notes - The addressee is Proclus, bishop of Constantinople (434–446), and the issue Constantinople’s claims over Illyricum. “Nihil … tale” is read for the printed “n l tale”. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 5.1 (PL 50:609b–609 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/5-1). ## Letter 5, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-5-2 - Source: PL 50:609c–611 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus tells Proclus to respect the traditional authority of Anastasius of Thessalonica over Illyricum, as Rome supported Proclus himself. ### Latin text Nunc ergo, frater charissime, admonitus nostris epistolis per fratrem et coepiscopum nostrum Lucam, qui ad vos sola charitatis gratia provocatus advenit, sancto fratri et coepiscopo nostro Anastasio Thessalonicensis urbis antistiti eam servato reverentiam quam caeteri quoque pontifices per Illyricum constituti erga praedicti dignitatem reservare non abnuunt ; cum sciamus nihil novum illi a nobis fuisse concessum, sed id quod ejus decessoribus nostri decessores detulerant, habita consideratione disciplinae ecclesiasticæ constitutum. Tua enim magis interest ut huic plurimum deferatur Ecclesiæ, quæ tibi tantum honoris contulit, ut pro te contra eos qui tibi tunc æmuli fuerant repugnaret. ### English translation (Claude) Now, then, dearest brother, admonished by our letter through our brother and fellow bishop Luke, who has come to you moved only by the grace of charity, keep toward our holy brother and fellow bishop Anastasius, prelate of the city of Thessalonica, that reverence which the other bishops established throughout Illyricum also do not refuse to keep toward his dignity; since we know that nothing new has been granted him by us, but what our predecessors conferred on his predecessors, established with regard to church discipline. For it is more in your interest that very much be deferred to this church, which conferred so much honour on you that it fought for you against those who were then your rivals. ### Translation notes - A stray note letter was removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 5.2 (PL 50:609c–611 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/5-2). ## Letter 6, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-6-1 - Source: PL 50:611a–611 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus confirms the authority of Anastasius of Thessalonica over Illyricum: metropolitans ordain in their provinces only with his knowledge, and greater cases go to him. ### Latin text Si quantum inservitur legibus et principum constitutis, quae sunt temporalia et mutantur, et saepe saepius abolentur, tantum divinis legibus aeternisque mandatis obedientiae præstaremus, essemus profecto summae beatitudinis compotes, et mundanae vexationis molestias vitaremus, illo rectore vel praesule qui subinde subvenire cupiens quotidianis vocibus clamat : Convertimini ad me, et convertar ad vos (Zach. I, 5)... Nos fratri et coepiscopo nostro Anastasio tantum tribuimus, quantum decessoribus ipsius a nostris decessoribus attributum. Priorum judicium sequimur, hæc constituendo quae ab his novimus constituta : quia et ipsum hujus probamus meriti, cujus fuerunt illi qui talia meruerunt. Nullus obviet salubribus constitutis, nullus præceptionibus his resultet. Habeant honorem suum metropolitani singularum, salvo hujus privilegio quem honorare debeant amplius honorati. In provincia sua jus habeant ordinandi; sed hoc, inscio vel invito quem de omnibus volumus ordinationibus consuli, nullus audeat ordinare. Ad Thessalonicensem majores causæ referantur antistitem. Ipsum major cura respiciet, eos qui ad episcopatum vocantur discutiendi sollicitius et probandi. Ipse optimos solertissimosque de vestro numero eligat, quos negotiis secum asciscat arbitros ; aut sine se tribuat, qui in disceptationem missa componat. ### English translation (Claude) If we gave as much obedience to the divine laws and eternal commandments as is given to the laws and constitutions of princes, which are temporal and change and are very often abolished, we would surely possess the highest blessedness and avoid the troubles of worldly vexation, under that ruler or president who, wishing to come to our help again and again, cries out with daily words: “Turn to me, and I will turn to you” … We grant to our brother and fellow bishop Anastasius as much as was granted to his predecessors by ours. We follow the judgment of those before us, decreeing what we know was decreed by them: for we judge him to be of the same merit as those who deserved such things. Let no one oppose these salutary decrees, let no one resist these instructions. Let the metropolitans of the individual [provinces] have their honour, saving the privilege of him whom, being honoured, they ought to honour the more. Let them have the right of ordaining in their own province; but let no one dare to ordain without the knowledge or against the will of him whom we wish to be consulted about all ordinations. Let the greater cases be referred to the prelate of Thessalonica. On him let the greater care rest of examining and approving more carefully those called to the episcopate. Let him choose the best and most skilful of your number, to take with him as arbiters in business; or let him appoint, without himself, those who may settle what is sent for discussion. ### Scripture references - Zech 1:3: quotation, high confidence - Mal 3:7: quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation: Zech 1:3 (Migne prints 1:5; compare Mal 3:7). The edition omits part of the letter, marked by its note “(Inter cætera et ad locum)”, which is replaced by “…”. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 6.1 (PL 50:611a–611 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/6-1). ## Letter 6, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-6-2 - Source: PL 50:611b–611 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus warns the bishop of Corinth not to resist the authority of Thessalonica. ### Latin text Noverit Corinthius episcopus sibi licentiam potestatis liberæ minime tribuendam, si huic voluerit Ecclesiae resultare, quam sibi noverit profuisse. Cui necesse est nos quoque, si quid tentare voluerit, obviare; qui praeteritorum quæ illi per nos praestita sunt memores sumus et illicitis semper usurpationibus obviamus. ### English translation (Claude) Let the bishop of Corinth know that the licence of free power will by no means be granted him if he wishes to resist this church, which he knows has benefited him. If he attempts anything, we too must oppose him; we who remember the past things that were granted him through us, and always oppose unlawful usurpations. ### Translation notes - A stray note letter was removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 6.2 (PL 50:611b–611 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/6-2). ## Letter 6, chapter 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-6-3 - Source: PL 50:611a–611 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus entrusts other matters to his legates and dates the letter 8 July 435. ### Latin text De caeteris vero, quaecumque illae sunt, nostris praesentibus volumus finiantur : quoniam tota illorum apud nos fides est, ut quae illi probaverint, nos credamus judicasse pariter et probasse. Data VIII idus Julias, Theodosio xv et Valentiniano IV augustis consulibus. ### English translation (Claude) As for the other matters, whatever they are, we wish them to be settled by our people who are present: since our whole trust is in them, so that what they have approved we believe we have both judged and approved alike. Dated the eighth day before the Ides of July, in the consulship of Theodosius for the fifteenth time and Valentinian for the fourth time, Augusti. ### Translation notes - Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 6.3 (PL 50:611a–611 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/6-3). ## Letter 7, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-7-1 - Source: PL 50:611b–611 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus urges Proclus of Constantinople to give no opening to those who try to unsettle the churches of Illyricum by appealing to him. ### Latin text Licet fraternitatem tuam, disciplinis ecclesiasticis eruditam, ea omnia quae ad regularum et canonum observantiam pertinent custodire summa sollicitudine noverimus, nec quidquam aut ipsam facere, aut facere alios sacerdotes se connivente permittere, quod vetusta Patrum constituta pervertat, documentis evidentibus probaverimus (id enim optimo convenit et Deo dignissimo sacerdoti, ut et ad se pertinentia qua potest cura custodiat, et alios fratribus suis debita minime inquietare vel temerare ex aliqua parte, MODERATIOREM HONORIFICENTIAM suam majore gloria servaturus, si nihil licere contra morem veterum attentantibus sinat), nostra tamen adhortatione per gratiam charitatis hoc fraternitati tuae specialiter debet accedere, ut contra subreptiones aliquorum circumspecta sanctitas tua facultatem non praebeat horum incongruæ voluntati, qui Ecclesiis per se scandalum cupiunt et discordiam generare, volentes per Ecclesiarum perturbationem crescere, et locum sibi per dispensationem facere sacerdotum, ### English translation (Claude) Although we know that your brotherhood, trained in church discipline, guards with the greatest care everything that belongs to the observance of the rules and canons, and we have proved by evident documents that you neither do anything yourself nor, with your connivance, allow other priests to do anything that overturns the ancient constitutions of the fathers (for this befits an excellent priest most worthy of God: both to guard with what care he can what belongs to him, and in no way to disturb or violate what is owed to others, his brothers, keeping his moderate honour with greater glory if he allows nothing to those who attempt things against the custom of the ancients), nevertheless, through the grace of charity, this ought to come specially to your brotherhood by our exhortation: that your circumspect holiness give no opportunity, against the stealthy attempts of some, to the unfitting will of those who desire to create scandal and discord in the churches by their own means, wishing to grow through the disturbance of the churches and to make a place for themselves by the management of priests. ### Translation notes - The words “MODERATIOREM HONORIFICENTIAM” are in capitals in the edition. “Et alios fratribus suis debita” is read as “et aliis fratribus suis debita”. A stray note letter was removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 7.1 (PL 50:611b–611 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/7-1). ## Letter 7, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-7-2 - Source: PL 50:611b–613 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus asks Proclus to refuse any Illyrian cleric who comes to him without letters of credence from the bishop of Thessalonica. ### Latin text Id ergo, quod nos quoque servamus, fraternitatem tuam, quam scimus hoc suo more facturam, volumus custodire ; id est, ut si quis ad fratrem et coepiscopum nostrum Thessalonicensis urbis antistitem harum provinciarum, quae ad eum pertinent, sacerdos adveniat praeter ejus conscientiam, si sine ejus epistolis atque formata venire tentaverit, tamquam disciplinæ ecclesiasticæ despector et contemptor canonum, quos nos temerari ex aliqua parte non patimur, habeatur. Reverentiae vestræ in commune præstatur, si alter alterius honori debita, prævenientes invicem per charitatis gratiam, reservetis; quæ fieri nolumus ut legimus. Discant omnes illius provinciae sacerdotes tantæ fraternitatem tuam esse censurae, ut non permittas fieri quod non licet a sacerdote tentari. ### English translation (Claude) We wish your brotherhood, then, which we know will do this in its own way, to keep what we too keep: that is, that if any priest of the provinces belonging to our brother and fellow bishop, the prelate of the city of Thessalonica, comes [to you] without his knowledge, if he attempts to come without his letters and letter of credence, he is to be held a despiser of church discipline and a scorner of the canons, which we do not allow to be violated in any part. It is shown to your reverence in common if you keep for one another what is owed to the other’s honour, anticipating one another through the grace of charity; which we do not wish to be done otherwise than we read. Let all the priests of that province learn that your brotherhood is of such strictness that you do not allow what may not be attempted by a priest. ### Scripture references - Rom 12:10: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The sentence is loose in the printed text: it reads “ad … antistitem” where the sense requires a cleric of Thessalonica’s provinces coming to Proclus; translated by sense, with “[to you]” supplied. Allusion: Rom 12:10. The clause “quæ fieri a nolumus ut legimus” is obscure and translated literally. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 7.2 (PL 50:611b–613 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/7-2). ## Letter 7, chapter 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-7-3 - Source: PL 50:613a–613 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus cites the case of Idduas, in which he upheld Proclus’s judgment, and closes trusting their agreement on the canons; the letter is dated 18 December 437. ### Latin text Diceremus plura, si non de tuæ fraternitatis mente nossemus majora et ex hac parte sentire, quam nos in nostras epistolas hasce quas ad te dirigimus, possumus sermone conferre. Habes recentissimum nuper habitæ actionis exemplum fratris nostri Idduae, circa quem tuæ fraternitatis decrevimus judicium custodiri ; cognitioni tuæ facere nolentes injuriam, cum ejus intentionem justissimam innocentia tuereris. Monendi sunt ignorantes; at scientem atque servantem talia si diutius velis instruere, non tam admonere quam exprobrare ignorantiam videaris. Sufficiant ergo quae scripsimus, frater charissime, quoniam ad hæc corrigenda atque servanda animum tuum atque censuram nobiscum sentire confidimus : quoniam unum cor et animum, ut dicit Scriptura (Act. iv, 32), circa religionis observantiam, canonum custodiam et disciplinam ecclesiasticam retinendam nos habere, ut debemus et credimus. Data 15 kalendas Januarias, Aetio iterum et Segisvulto consulibus ### English translation (Claude) We would say more, if we did not know that your brotherhood’s mind thinks greater things in this respect than we can put into words in this letter which we are sending you. You have a very recent example in the proceedings lately held concerning our brother Idduas, in whose case we decided that your brotherhood’s judgment should be kept, not wishing to do injury to your hearing, since you protected his most just claim with innocence. The ignorant are to be admonished; but if you wish to instruct at length one who knows and keeps such things, you would seem not so much to admonish as to reproach ignorance. Let what we have written suffice, then, dearest brother, since we trust that your mind and judgment agree with us in correcting and keeping these things: since we have, as we ought and believe, one heart and soul, as Scripture says, in the observance of religion, the keeping of the canons and the maintaining of church discipline. Dated the fifteenth day before the Kalends of January, in the consulship of Aetius for the second time and Sigisvultus. ### Scripture references - Acts 4:32: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation: Acts 4:32 (the edition’s reference is kept in the Latin). The printed consul “Aelio” is Aetius (437), as in 8.4. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 7.3 (PL 50:613a–613 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/7-3). ## Letter 8, chapter 1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-8-1 - Source: PL 50:615d–617 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus addresses the synod of Illyrian bishops, following Paul’s example of writing to churches, and sends them instructions by the presbyter Artemius. ### Latin text Doctor gentium, vas electionis, religionis nostræ firmissimum fundamentum, epistolis omnibus quas ad singularum civitatum scribit Ecclesias, de sua in Domino gratulatione testatur, quos legis præceptis parere videat, et in Dei nostri timore versari. Si tanta igitur Apostolo tam docto quam sancto est mentis hilaritas, quod tantos pariter, quod novit et his ad quos scribit et religioni proficere, unis appellet epistolis, quanto nobis gaudio existimatis esse, quoniam in commune sanctitatis vestrae datur nobis appellare concilium, et sermonem nostrum affectionis piæ circa vos testimonia continentem, cum vestra sanctitate conjungere? Ille enim singulas, ut diximus, epistolis suis visitat Ecclesias : nos tot pariter credimus Ecclesias nostris appellare nos litteris, quot estis qui ad sanctam synodum convenitis. Illi est sermo cum rudibus atque discipulis ; nobis sermo cum collegis et doctis. Et ut a beatissimi Pauli, cujus maxime praeceptis obedire vos convenit, non recedamus exemplo, non vobis grave sit de his quæ ad nostram notitiam perveniunt, ut servetur disciplina ecclesiastica, commoneri ac si præsentes. Ergo vobiscum quod ad regularum canonumque custodiam proficere novimus, pro sollicitudine nostra conferimus, sequestro filio nostro Artemio presbytero cujus nobis efficacia in agendo pariter et moderatio placuit et amor, ut traditus trames a patribus, firmis vestræ dilectionis vestigiis teneatur, et ea quae a nobis propter quietem Ecclesiarum sunt custodita, serventur. ### English translation (Claude) The teacher of the Gentiles, the vessel of election, the firmest foundation of our religion, testifies in all the letters he writes to the churches of the various cities to his rejoicing in the Lord over those whom he sees obeying the precepts of the law and living in the fear of our God. If, then, the Apostle, as learned as he is holy, has such gladness of mind because he addresses so many at once in single letters, knowing that it profits both those to whom he writes and religion, how great a joy do you think it is to us, since it is given us to address in common the council of your holiness, and to join to your holiness our discourse containing testimonies of pious affection toward you? For he visits single churches by his letters, as we said: we believe that by our letter we address as many churches at once as there are of you who are assembling at the holy synod. His discourse is with the unlearned and disciples; our discourse is with colleagues and the learned. And so that we may not depart from the example of the most blessed Paul, whose precepts above all it befits you to obey, let it not be burdensome to you to be admonished, as if present, about the things that reach our knowledge, so that church discipline may be kept. Therefore we share with you, out of our concern, what we know profits the keeping of the rules and canons, by the hand of our son the presbyter Artemius, whose effectiveness in action, moderation and love have pleased us alike, so that the path handed down by the fathers may be held with the firm footsteps of your love, and what we have kept for the quiet of the churches may be preserved. ### Scripture references - Acts 9:15: allusion, high confidence - 1 Tim 2:7: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Allusion: Acts 9:15 (“vessel of election”); 1 Tim 2:7. “Quod a tantos pariter … unis appellet epistolis” is translated by sense. Stray note letters were removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 8.1 (PL 50:615d–617 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/8-1). ## Letter 8, chapter 2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-8-2 - Source: PL 50:617b–617 a - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus places all Illyrian churches under the bishop of Thessalonica, who is to hold councils and report to Rome for confirmation. ### Latin text Illyricanae omnes Ecclesiae, ut a decessoribus nostris accepimus, et nos quoque fecimus, ad curam nunc pertinent Thessalonicensis antistitis; ut sua sollicitudine, si quae inter fratres nascantur, ut assolent, actiones distinguat atque definiat, et ad eum quidquid a singulis sacerdotibus agitur, referatur. Sit concilium quoties causae fuerint, quoties ille pro necessitatum emergentium ratione decreverit : ut merito sedes apostolica, relatione ejus instructa, quæ fuerint acta confirmet. Evocatus vestrum venire nemo contemnat, nec congregationi sanctae ad quam debet festinare, se deneget. Excusatio per contumaciam non requiratur : ut vobis pariter convenientibus possit in commune consului, quod Ecclesiarum servet quietem, et populos teneat ad salutem. ### English translation (Claude) All the churches of Illyricum, as we received from our predecessors and as we too have done, now belong to the care of the prelate of Thessalonica; so that by his concern he may decide and settle any disputes that arise among the brothers, as they usually do, and whatever is done by the individual priests may be referred to him. Let there be a council whenever there are cases, whenever he decides according to the needs that arise: so that the apostolic see, instructed by his report, may rightly confirm what has been done. Let none of you, when summoned, scorn to come, nor refuse himself to the holy assembly to which he ought to hasten. Let no excuse be sought through contumacy: so that, when you all meet together, what keeps the quiet of the churches and holds the peoples to salvation can be decided in common. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 8.2 (PL 50:617b–617 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/8-2). ## Letter 8, chapter 3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-8-3 - Source: PL 50:617a–617 b - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus tells the Illyrian bishops that only the doctrinal decisions of the Eastern synod bind them and that disputes go to Anastasius as papal vicar, or else to Rome. ### Latin text Nec his vos, fratres charissimi, constitutis, quae præter nostra praecepta Orientalis synodus decernere voluit, credatis teneri, praeter id quidem quod de fide consentientibus judicavit. A canonum præceptis vestrum nemo discedat, nec ab his deviet, quae juxta regularum ordinem frequens ad vos directa sedis apostolicae decrevit auctoritas. Si quid forsitan aut inter fratres natum fuerit, aut fratri cuipiam aliqua actio qua pulsetur, illata; aut illic fratre et coepiscopo nostro Anastasio judice eveniens negotium terminetur, qui vices apostolicae sedis agere, ut beatae memoriae Rufus decessor ipsius, ex nostra voluntate cognoscitur; aut ad nos, si illic finiri non potuerit, eodem tamen suis litteris causam omnem quæ vertitur prosequente, veniat examen. ### English translation (Claude) Nor should you believe, dearest brothers, that you are bound by those decrees which the Eastern synod wished to make apart from our precepts, except indeed what it judged about the faith with our agreement. Let none of you depart from the precepts of the canons, nor stray from those things which the authority of the apostolic see, often sent to you, has decreed according to the order of the rules. If anything arises perhaps among the brothers, or any action is brought against some brother by which he is attacked, either let the business that arises be ended there with our brother and fellow bishop Anastasius as judge, who is known to act in place of the apostolic see by our will, as did his predecessor Rufus of blessed memory; or, if it cannot be settled there, let the examination come to us, with him nevertheless pursuing by his letter the whole case at issue. ### Translation notes - The “Eastern synod” is probably the Council of Ephesus (431), or decisions at Constantinople touching Illyricum; uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 8.3 (PL 50:617a–617 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/8-3). ## Letter 8, chapter 4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/sixtus-iii-epistulae/1-1/#p-8-4 - Source: PL 50:617b–617 c - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sixtus urges the Illyrian bishops to honour their head at Thessalonica and to keep peace, and dates the letter 18 December 437. ### Latin text Nullum corpus est, quod capite non regatur. Estis quidem membra, ut novimus sancta; sed vestrum caput respicere et honorare vos condecet : quoniam honor capitis ad spem totius proficit sanctitatis; et suum corpus sollicitis tuetur oculis, quod sibi aptum et dignis videatur ad unamquamque rem officiis convenire. Sed ut omne corpus capite regitur, ita ipsum caput, nisi suo corpore sustentetur, firmitatem et vigorem suum perdit, et non tenet quam habuerat dignitatem. Estote igitur, ut esse convenit Domini sacerdotes, Ecclesiarum praesules, religionis nostræ doctores. Reservate fratri et coepiscopo nostro reverentiam quam debetis, et inter vos pacem et concordiam custodite. Sit in vobis, ut esse credimus, cor unum et anima una (Act. IV, 52). Nec credatis vobis minui quidquid reverentiae illius, ad quem et majores nostri et nos Illyricanas Ecclesias juxta morem traditum voluimus pertinere, a vestra dilectione et servari volumus et deferri. Data 15 kalendas Januarias, Aetio iterum et Segisvulto consulibus. ### English translation (Claude) There is no body that is not ruled by a head. You are indeed members, holy ones, as we know; but it befits you to look to your head and honour it: since the honour of the head profits the hope of the whole holiness; and it guards with anxious eyes its body, which seems fitted to it and suited to each task by worthy services. But as the whole body is ruled by the head, so the head itself, unless it is supported by its body, loses its firmness and vigour, and does not keep the dignity it had. Be, then, as it befits the Lord’s priests to be, presidents of churches, teachers of our religion. Keep toward our brother and fellow bishop the reverence you owe, and guard peace and concord among yourselves. Let there be in you, as we believe there is, one heart and one soul. Nor believe that anything is taken from you of the reverence which we wish to be kept and paid by your love to him to whom both our predecessors and we have willed the churches of Illyricum to belong, according to the custom handed down. Dated the fifteenth day before the Kalends of January, in the consulship of Aetius for the second time and Sigisvultus. ### Scripture references - Acts 4:32: quotation, high confidence - 1 Cor 12:12–27: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation: Acts 4:32 (Migne prints iv, 52; kept in the Latin). Allusion: 1 Cor 12:12–27. A stray note letter was removed. ### Citation (SBL) Sixtus III, Ep. 8.4 (PL 50:617b–617 c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/sixtus-iii-epistulae/8-4).