Letter 150: Part of the papal correspondence surrounding the Acacian Schism (484-519), the major breach between Rome and...

Of the Emperor Justin to Pope Hormisdas. He makes known that he has been elected emperor. Justin Augustus to Pope Hormisdas. The benefits of God, although it is fitting that they be made known to many, are nonetheless most fittingly made known to the supreme pontiffs. Therefore we declare to your Holiness through these sacred letters that, first indeed by the favor of the inseparable Trinity, and then by the election of the most distinguished nobles of our sacred palace and of the most holy senate, as well as by the election of the most steadfast army, we have been elected and confirmed to the imperial office, although unwilling and refusing it. We pray accordingly that with your holy prayers you entreat the divine power, so that the beginnings of our reign may be strengthened. For this it befits both us to hope for and you to fulfill. Given on the Kalends of August at Constantinople, in the consulship of Magnus, a most illustrious man.

Justiui imperatoris ad Hormisdam papam. Se imperalorem electum esse significat, Justinus Augustus Hormisdae papae. Dei beneficia licet multis^ maxime tamen summis pontificibus couvenit indicari. Proinde sanctitati vestrae per has sacras dedara- mus epistolas^ quod primum quidem inseparabilis Trinitatis favore, deinde amplissimorum procerum sacri nostri palatii et sanctissiini senatus nec non electione firmissimi exercitus ad imperium nos, licet nolentes ac recusantes, electos*) fuisse atque firmatos. Preca- '•) Ita G' et consentit graecum. At a* gtd errores ... perfidime: qaod Bfr ronius retineus nonnulla supplere (scil. Anastasius imperator) compalsiiB td ab Hormisdao mente aliena. EPISTOLAE 40 — 42. 831 mur proinde, ut sanctis orationibus vestris divinae potentiae suppli- a. 618. cetis; quatenus initia nostri roborentur imperii. Hoc enim et nos sperare et vos decet implere. Data Calendis Augusti Constantino- poli, Magno viro clarissimo consule.