Eusebius: Ecclesiastical History, Books I–X

Chapter XLVI.—Other Epistles of Dionysius.

1. He wrote also an epistle to the brethren in Egypt on Repentance. ^{Edition note 1} In this he sets forth what seemed proper to him in regard to those who had fallen, and he describes the classes of transgressions.

2. There is extant also a private letter on Repentance, which he wrote to Conon, ^{Edition note 2} bishop of the parish of Hermopolis, and another of an admonitory ^{Edition note 3} character, to his flock at Alexandria. Among them also is the one written to Origen on Martyrdom ^{Edition note 4} and to the brethren at Laodicea, ^{Edition note 5} of whom Thelymidres was bishop. He likewise sent one on Repentance to the brethren in Armenia, ^{Edition note 6} of whom Merozanes was bishop.

3. Besides all these, he wrote to Cornelius of Rome, when he had received from him an epistle against Novatus. ^{Edition note 7} He states in this that he had been invited by Helenus, ^{Edition note 8} bishop of Tarsus, in Cilicia, and the others who were with him, Firmilianus, ^{Edition note 9} bishop in Cappadocia, and Theoctistus, ^{Edition note 10} of Palestine, to meet them at the synod in Antioch, where some persons were endeavoring to establish the schism of Novatus.

4. Besides this he writes that he had been informed that Fabius ^{Edition note 11} had fallen asleep, and that Demetrianus ^{Edition note 12} had been appointed his successor in the episcopate of Antioch. He writes also in these words concerning the bishop of Jerusalem: “For the blessed Alexander ^{Edition note 13} having been confined in prison, passed away happily.”

5. In addition to this there is extant also a certain other diaconal epistle of Dionysius, sent to those in Rome through Hippolytus. ^{Edition note 14} And he wrote another to them on Peace, and likewise on Repentance; ^{Edition note 15} and yet another to the confessors there who still held to the opinion of Novatus. ^{Edition note 16} He sent two more to the same persons after they had returned to the Church. And he communicated with many others by letters, which he has left behind him as a benefit in various ways to those who now diligently study his writings. ^{Edition note 17}