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Correspondence (1716–1725)

Eastern Patriarchs and the Nonjurors, ed. Williams, 1868

2. No. 2: The Nonjurors to the Emperour of Russia

A Letter to the Czar of Moscovy relating to the preceding Proposals.

SIR,—The Archimandrite, who attended the Archbishop of Thebais at London, acquaints us that your Majesty is pleased to encourage the proposal of Union between the Greek and Britannick Churches, and that your Majesty has graciously offered to send the Articles to the four Eastern Patriarchs. This welcome information has made it our duty, to return your Majesty our most humble thanks for the honour of your countenance. And since God hath put it into the heart of so great a Prince to assist in closing the breach of the Catholick Church, and restoring the harmony designed by the Christian Institution, we hope the undertaking will prosper in your Majesty’s hand

Some late practices with regard to Church and State have reduced our Communion to a few; but your Majesty knows truth and right does not depend upon numbers. That God may reward your Majesty’s pious endeavours, and long continue you glorious and happy to yourself and subjects, is the unfeigned prayer of us, who are, with the most profound regard, Your Majesty’s most Obedient Servants.

Oct. 8th, 1717.

To his Majesty the Czar, &c.