Opening
For the year 345. Consuls: Amantius and Albinus. Prefect: Nestorius of Gaza. Indiction: 3. Easter Day: April 7, Pharmuthi 12. Moon: 19. Era of Diocletian: 61.
(For 345.) Coss. Amantius, Albinus; Præf. Nestorius of Gaza; Indict. iii; Easter-day, vii Id. Apr., xii Pharmuthi; Moon 19; Æra Dioclet. 61.
Athanasius to the Presbyters and Deacons of Alexandria, and to the beloved brethren, greeting in Christ.
Athanasius to the Presbyters and Deacons of Alexandria, and to the beloved brethren, greeting in Christ.
Following our custom, dear friends, I am writing to inform you about the date of Easter so that you may pass this information along to those in distant areas, as we always do. After the current festival—the one falling on the twentieth of the month Pharmuthi—the following Easter will fall on the seventh day before the Ides of April, or according to the Alexandrian calendar, on the twelfth of Pharmuthi. Therefore, announce in all those regions that Easter will be on the seventh day before the Ides of April, or by Alexandrian reckoning, on the twelfth of Pharmuthi. I pray that you may be well in Christ, my beloved brothers.
According to custom, I give you notice respecting Easter, my beloved, that you also may notify the same to the districts of those who are at a distance, as is usual. Therefore, after this present festival, I mean this which is on the twentieth of the month Pharmuthi, the Easter-day following will be on the vii Id. April, or according to the Alexandrians on the twelfth of Pharmuthi. Give notice therefore in all those districts, that Easter-day will be on the vii Id. April, or according to the Alexandrian reckoning on the twelfth of Pharmuthi. That you may be in health in Christ, I pray, my beloved brethren.