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"THE holy Synod assembled at Jerusalem, to the presbyters,
deacons, and people of Egypt, Libya, and Alexandria, our beloved
and most cherished brethren, greeting in the Lord.
We can never, O beloved, return adequate thanks to God, the
Creator of all things, for the wonderful works he has now
accomplished, particularly for the blessings He has conferred on your
churches by the restoration of Athanasius, your shepherd and lord,
and our fellow-minister. Who could have hoped to have ever seen this
with his eyes, which now you are realizing in deed? But truly your
prayers have been heard by the God of the universe who is concerned for
His Church, and who has regarded your tears and complaint, and on
this account has heard your requests. For you were scattered abroad
and rent like sheep without a pastor. Therefore, the true Shepherd,
who from heaven watched over you, and who is concerned for His own
sheep, has restored to you him whom you desired. Behold, we do all
things for the peace of the Church, and are influenced by love like
yours. Therefore we received and embraced your pastor, and, having
held communion with you through him, we dispatch this address and our
eucharistic prayers that you may know how we are united by the bond of
love to him and you. It is right that you should pray for the piety of
the emperors most beloved of God, who having recognized your desire
about him and his purity determined to restore him to you with every
honor. Receive him, then, with uplifted hands, and be zealous to
send aloft the requisite eucharistic prayers in his behalf to the God
who has conferred these benefits upon you; and may you ever rejoice
with God, and glorify the Lord in Christ Jesus our Lord, by whom
be glory to the Father throughout all ages. Amen."
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