(The bishops of the province had informed the elder Gregory about their synod, but they did not mention when it would take place, what its purpose was, or invite him to participate—probably because they knew he would strongly support Basil's election, which they opposed. Saint Gregory therefore wrote the following letter in his father's name.)
(The comprovincial Bishops had notified the elder Gregory of their Synod, but without mentioning its date or purpose or inviting him to take part in it — probably because they knew how strongly he would support the election of Basil, to which they were unfavourable. S. Gregory therefore wrote the following letter in his father's name.)
How sweet and kind you are, and how full of love. You have invited me to the Metropolis because, I imagine, you are going to make some decision about a Bishop. I have learned this much from you, though you have not told me either that I am to be present, or why, or when. You have merely announced to me suddenly that you were setting out, as if you were determined not to respect me and did not want me to share in your deliberations. Instead, you are putting an obstacle in the way of my coming so that you will not meet me even against my will. This is how you act, and I will endure the insult. But I will set before you my view and how I feel. Various people will put forward various candidates, each according to his own preferences and interests, as usually happens at such times. But I cannot prefer anyone—for my conscience would not allow it—to my dear son and fellow priest Basil. For whom among all my acquaintances do I find more approved in his life, or more powerful in his word, or more completely furnished with the beauty of virtue? But if you raise his weak health as an objection against him, I reply that we are choosing not an athlete but a teacher. And at the same time, the power of Him who strengthens and supports the weak, if such they are, is demonstrated in this case. If you accept this vote, I will come and take part, either in spirit or in body. But if you are marching toward a predetermined outcome and faction is going to overrule justice, I shall be glad to have been overlooked. The work must be yours, but pray for me.
How sweet and kind you are, and how full of love. You have invited me to the Metropolis, because, as I imagine, you are going to take some counsel about a Bishop. So much I learn from you, though you have not told me either that I am to be present, or why, or when, but have merely announced to me suddenly that you were setting out, as though resolved not to respect me, and as not desirous that I should share your counsels, but rather putting a hindrance in the way of my coming, that you may not meet me even against my will. This is your way of action, and I will put up with the insult, but I will set before you my view and how I feel. Various people will put forward various candidates, each according to his own inclinations and interests, as is usually the case at such times. But I cannot prefer anyone, for my conscience would not allow it, to my dear son and fellow priest Basil. For whom of all my acquaintance do I find more approved in his life, or more powerful in his word, or more furnished altogether with the beauty of virtue? But if you allege weak health against him, I reply that we are choosing not an athlete but a teacher. And at the same time is seen in this case the power of Him that strengthens and supports the weak, if such they be. If you accept this vote I will come and take part, either in spirit or in body. But if you are marching to a foregone conclusion, and faction is to overrule justice, I shall rejoice to have been overlooked. The work must be yours; but pray for me.