THE POPE AND THE BISHOP OF ERZEROUM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 249, 8 February 1878, Page 5

THE POPE AND THE BISHOP OF ERZEROUM.

Monsignor Melchisedechiak, Armenian Catholic Bishop of Erzeroum, received the following letter from the Pope in reply to an address of congratulation on the fiftieth anniversary of his Holiness' elevation to the episcopacy, and of regret that circumstances prevented bis personally offering his homage • — h^^SSSSJS; gpS ien MelcWsedechia »' *»—* *i«." V ? iePa £ le B , TOtber — Health and Apostolic Benediction— Although we have always thought that, notwithstanding the distance of localities, you were really united to Us by faith and charity, the eloquent testimony of that faith and attachment which you have sent Usm a respectful letter on the approach of the fiftieth anniversary of Our episcopal consecration has been very much prized by Us We Zl w£XS + ww lOTI OT? dd t d that you J o in int^ately in the profound joy which all the faithful have manifested for the protection which, Up i°wl P v Sent A G<)(l has offered us in the midst of so many tempests j and We believe that you ardently wish to see and speak with Us. We have no doubt that you would have come to this city as you announced if you were not detained at Erzeroum by the misfortunes of the time and , the difficulties of distance. We are afflicted to learn that you are exposed to the penlsof war, and that in remaining at your post .you have to sustain a difficult fight. But what rejoicis us is that sacerdotal constancy, of which you give proofs, and the noble sentiments worthy of a Catholic pastor, winch you express in your letter. Knowing that all human affairs are directed by the Divine Will, and seeing the hand of the Almighty shows itself in these critical moments for nations and m their different altercations, we have firm confidence that God will give m the present vicissitudes a result which will redound to the glory of His name and the honour and peace of the Church. More than that— God, who never abandons His faithful servants who put their trust in Him, will furnish you abundantly with strength proportionate to the struggle, and by opportnue aid will sustain you, who ngntfor Him. May your hands, then, be strengthened— place all your confidence in God, for He Himself takes care of us. In the meantime, as pledge of the Heavenly grace, and as witness of our pre« dilection, receive the Apostolic Benediction, which we accord you with love in the Lord, you and your clergy and the faithful confided to your care.