E00823: Basil of Caesarea, in his Letter 207 of 375, to the clergy of Neokaisareia/Neocaesarea in Pontus Polemoniacus (northern Asia Minor), defends himself against accusations of innovations contrary to the ecclesiastical traditions allegedly established by *Gregory the Miracle-Worker (bishop of Neocaesarea, S00687). Written in Greek at Kaisareia/Caesarea of Cappadocia (central Asia Minor)

Basil of Caesarea, Letters (CPG 2900), Letter 207

ΤΟΙΣ ΚΑΤΑ ΝΕΟΚΑΙΣΑΡΕΙΑΝ ΚΛΗΡΙΚΟΙΣ
‘To the clerics of Neokaisareia’

Summary

Basil replies to his opponents in the clergy of Neokaisareia/Neocaesarea, warning them that the teachings of Markellos of Ankyra on the Holy Spirit are practically a revival of the old heresy of Sabellianism, and a denial of the Trinity. Basil also rejects accusations by the Neocaesareans for introducing innovations like monasticism and novel liturgical practices. His opponents claim that these customs are alien to the local tradition and that they were unknown in the age of *Gregory the Miracle-Worker. Basil rejects these claims as non-provable, and warns the Neocaesareans that by rejecting these practices, they risk alienating themselves from all the churches of south Anatolia, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, where all these things are widely accepted and practiced. Besides, he reminds them that some of their own customs were unknown in the times of Gregory. These include a certain form of litany, which Basil acknowledges as harmless, if novel, and the practice of men covering their heads during worship, which he criticises as opposing the apostolic prohibition (1 Corinthians 11: 4, 11: 7). Furthermore, Basil reproaches the Neocaesareans for taking oaths, for abuse, wrath, bitterness, envy, pride, lies, all of which are great sins, completely alien to the pure spirit of Gregory, whose authority they invoke.

Text: Courtonne, vol. 2, 183-188.
Translation: De Ferrari, vol. 3, 190-193.