Opening
In the year 346: Consuls were Augustus Constantius (fourth consulship) and Constans (third consulship); Prefect was the same Nestorius; Indiction was 4; Easter fell on March 30, which was Pharmuthi 4; the moon was 21 days old; and it was year 62 of the Era of Diocletian.
(For 346.) Coss. Augustus Constantius IV, Constans III; Præf. the same Nestorius; Indict. iv; Easter-day iii Kal. Apr., iv Pharmuthi; Moon 21; Æra Dioclet. 62.
Athanasius, to the Presbyters and Deacons of Alexandria, beloved brothers in the Lord, greetings.
Athanasius, to the Presbyters and Deacons of Alexandria, brethren beloved in the Lord, greeting.
You have done well, dearly beloved brethren, to give the customary notice of the holy Easter in those regions, for I have seen and recognized your accuracy. In other letters I have also informed you, so that when this year is finished, you may know about the next one. But now I have thought it necessary to write the same things again, so that when you have it precisely, you too may write with care. Therefore, after the conclusion of this feast, which is now drawing to its close, on the twelfth of the month Pharmuthi, which is on the seventh day before the Ides of April, Easter Day will be on the third day before the Kalends of April—the fourth of Pharmuthi according to the Alexandrians. When the feast is finished, give notice again in these regions according to the early custom, in this way: Easter Sunday is on the third day before the Kalends of April, which is the fourth of Pharmuthi according to the Alexandrian reckoning. And let no one hesitate concerning the day, and let no one argue, saying, "Easter must be held on the twenty-seventh of the month Phamenoth," for this was discussed in the holy Synod, and everyone there settled it to be on the third day before the Kalends of April. I say, then, that it is on the fourth of the month Pharmuthi, for the week before this is much too early. Therefore let there be no dispute, but let us act as is proper for us. For I have written the same thing to the Romans as well. Give notice, then, as it has been notified to you, that it is on the third day before the Kalends of April—the fourth of Pharmuthi according to the Alexandrian reckoning.
You have done well, dearly beloved brethren, that you have given the customary notice of the holy Easter in those districts; for I have seen and acknowledged your exactness. By other letters I have also given you notice, that when this year is finished, you may know concerning the next. Yet now I have thought it necessary to write the same things that, when you have it exactly, you also may write with care. Therefore, after the conclusion of this feast, which is now drawing to its close, on the twelfth of the month Pharmuthi, which is on the vii Id. Apr., Easter-day will be on the iii Kal, April; the fourth of Pharmuthi, according to the Alexandrians. When therefore the feast is finished, give notice again in these districts, according to early custom, thus: Easter Sunday is on the iii Kal. April, which is the fourth of Pharmuthi, according to the Alexandrian reckoning. And let no man hesitate concerning the day, neither let any one contend, saying, It is requisite that Easter should be held on the twenty-seventh of the month Phamenoth; for it was discussed in the holy Synod, and all there settled it to be on the iii Kal. April. I say then that it is on the fourth of the month Pharmuthi; for the week before this is much too early. Therefore let there be no dispute, but let us act as becomes us. For I have thus written to the Romans also. Give notice then as it has been notified to you, that it is on the iii Kal. April; the fourth of Pharmuthi, according to the Alexandrian reckoning.
I pray that you may have health in the Lord, my dearly beloved brethren.
That you may have health in the Lord, I pray, my dearly beloved brethren.