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Correspondence (1716–1725)
Eastern Patriarchs and the Nonjurors, ed. Williams, 1868
21. No. 21: The Nonjurors to the Holy Governing Synod of Russia
To the most Holy Synod presiding over the Church of Russia the Catholick Bishops of the British Churches send Greeting.
MY LORDS,
‘Twas with no small Satisfaction we received your Letters. The Honor of your Correspondence and the Indication of your Zeal for a Coalition are strong Motives for acknowledgment, and make the Prospect look not unpromising. And since an Union is thus earnestly desired on both Sides, we hope the Means of effecting it may not prove impracticable. To close the Breaches made in the Catholick Church is a glorious Undertaking, and which nothing but the parting with Essential Truths ought to prevent. And though there may be a Distance remaining in some few Branches of Belief, a charitable Latitude may be left open for the Repose of Conscience, and reviving an Harmony in Worship. And thus we may join in all the Offices of Communion, and walk in the House of God as Friends.
As to his Imperial Majesty none can be more sensible of his condescending Goodness and princely Generosity than ourselves, and for which we entreat our most humble Thanks may be returned.
‘Tis not without Regret that we cannot send two of our Clergy to wait on your Lordships this Summer, pursuant to what we promised the Reverend Archimandrite and Protosyncellus; but accidents unforeseen will sometimes happen, and which we hope you will please to excuse. The Case is this: One of the Gentlemen came but lately to Town, and could not possibly put his private Concerns in any tolerable Order, till the Season for his Voyage would be past. But as soon as the next Spring presents fair, they will certainly, God willing, attend your Lordships with our worthy Friend, Mr Cassano. We own ourselves much oblidged to the Protosyncellus for the great Fatigue and Hazard he has undergone in this Affair, and are sorry our Circumstances would not give us leave to shew the Marks of our Regard with better Significancy. And the same we likewise add with Reference to the Archimandrite and his Nephew. This latter at his coming, and the Protosyncellus now, will more particularly acquaint you with some Disadvantages we ly under, and give farther Assurance how much we are,
My Lords,
Your Lordships’ most humble and
obedient Servants,
ARCHIBALDUS Scoto-Britanniæ Episcopus.
JEREMIAS primus Anglo-Britanniæ Episcopus.
THOMAS Anglo-Britanniæ Episcopus.
JOHANNES Anglo-Britanniæ Episcopus.
July 13, 1724.