Gregory to Hospito, duke of the Barbaricini. Since of your nation no one is a Christian, in this I know that you are better than all your nation, because you are found to be a Christian among them. For while all the Barbaricini live like senseless animals, know not the true God, but adore wood and stones, in this very thing that you worship the true God, you show how far you surpass them all. But that which you have received, follow out also with good deeds and words, and offer to Christ, in whom you believe, what you are able, so that you may lead to Him whomsoever you can, and cause them to be baptized, and admonish them to love eternal life.
But if perchance you yourself cannot do this, because you are occupied with other things, I greet you and ask that you deign in all things to comfort our men whom we have sent there — namely my brother and fellow bishop Felix, and my son Cyriacus, servant of God — so that, while you aid their labors, you may show your devotion to the almighty Lord; and may He be your helper in good deeds, whose servants you comfort in a good work. And the blessing of the holy apostle Peter we have sent to you through them, which I ask that you ought kindly to receive. In the month of June, in the twelfth indiction.