“Crossing the Sea” ~ St. Cyril of Alexandria

This is an excerpt of St Cyril’s 20th Letter which he wrote on his way to Ephesus, after crossing the sea safely.

BY THE GRACE AND benevolence of Christ, the Savior of us all, we safely crossed the wide sea, great with soft and gentlest wind…But since it was necessary that we, being absent in body but present in spirit (Col 2:5), embrace you through this letter as children, I thought there was a need to send these words to you, and to set down my position clearly.

For I believe that God will grant the rest especially because He is being asked through the prayers of all of you. Therefore, especially at the present time, show your prayers on our behalf as the fruit of love, for I also do not cease to do this, so that God, the Lord of hosts, who crushes all strife by setting in order the opposing forces and alleviating all discord may restore us rejoicing to you rejoicing as children.

For He is able to do all things, according to Scripture (Lk. 1:37) and absolutely nothing is impossible for Him. Cling to the gentleness which is bred in you and proper to you. This will show you to be especially most worthy, who honor a noble and acceptable life, when your father in the spirit is absent and when he is present.

"Greet one another with a holy kiss." (Rom. 16:16). The brethren with me greet you. I pray that you are in good health in the Lord, my beloved and most cherished brethren.