Letter 76: The Olbiates — a village community — were required to elect a bishop to replace the blessed father Athamas, who died...

To Theophilus. The Olbiates — a village community — were required to elect a bishop to replace the blessed father Athamas, who died after a long life in the priesthood. They called me in to take part in their deliberations. I complimented the people on having so many worthy candidates to choose from — a sign of a healthy community. After careful consideration, they chose a man of proven virtue and deep faith. I approved the choice and confirmed it. May God bless their decision and their new shepherd.

Letter 76: Appointing a Bishop [1] To Theophilus The Olbiates, who are a village community, were obliged to elect a bishop to replace the blessed father Athamas, who died after passing his long life in the priesthood. They called me in to take part in their deliberations. I complimented the people on having to choose between many candidates who were so entirely deserving, but I particularly complimented Antonius on account of his goodness, for he was thought nobler even than the noble, and it is upon him that everybody's choice is fixed. [2] The choice of the multitude has had the full assent of two venerable bishops, with whom Antonius had been brought up, and by one of whom he had been ordained presbyter. I was not entirely without knowledge of Antonius myself, and as much as I knew of his deeds and words, so much I praised him, and, adding what I had heard to the good things I knew, I gave my vote to the man. [3] It would accord with my own wish to receive him into the honorable priesthood as a colleague. One thing only is needed, but the most important thing of all, namely your sacred hand. The Olbiates have need of this, and I of have your prayers.