Apologia Contra Arianos (Part II)

Peter was bishop among us before the persecution, and during it he suffered martyrdom. When Meletius, who held the title of bishop in Egypt, was convicted of many crimes, including offering sacrifice to idols, Peter deposed him in a general council of the bishops. After this, Meletius did not appeal to another council or try to defend himself before those who came after, but instead created a schism, so that those who followed him are even now called Meletians instead of Christians. He immediately began to attack the bishops and made false accusations, first against Peter himself, then against his successor Achillas, and after Achillas, against Alexander. He acted deceitfully in this way, following the example of Absalom, so that although he was disgraced by his deposition, he might mislead simple people through his slanders. While Meletius was doing this, the Arian heresy also arose. But at the Council of Nicaea, while the heresy was condemned and the Arians were cast out, the Meletians were received, for whatever reasons (it is not necessary now to mention why). However, not even five months had passed when the blessed Alexander died, and the Meletians, who should have remained quiet and been grateful that they were received on any terms, like dogs unable to forget their vomit, were again troubling the Churches.

59. Peter was Bishop among us before the persecution , and during the course of it he suffered martyrdom . When Meletius, who held the title of bishop in Egypt , was convicted of many crimes, and among the rest of offering sacrifice to idols , Peter deposed him in a general council of the bishops . Whereupon Meletius did not appeal to another council, or attempt to justify himself before those who should come after, but made a schism , so that they who espoused his cause are even yet called Meletians instead of Christians . He began immediately to revile the bishops , and made false accusations, first against Peter himself, and against his successor Achillas, and after Achillas, against Alexander. And he thus practised craftily, following the example of Absalom, to the end that, as he was disgraced by his deposition, he might by his calumnies mislead the simple. While Meletius was thus employed, the Arian heresy also had arisen. But in the Council of Nicæa, while the heresy was anathematized , and the Arians were cast out, the Meletians on whatever grounds (for it is not necessary now to mention the reason) were received. Five months however had not yet passed when, the blessed Alexander having died, the Meletians , who ought to have remained quiet, and to have been grateful that they were received on any terms, like dogs unable to forget their vomit, were again troubling the Churches.

Upon learning this, Eusebius, who had the lead in the Arian heresy, sends and buys the Meletians with large promises, becomes their secret friend, and arranges with them for their assistance whenever he might need it. At first he sent to me, urging me to admit Arius and his followers to communion, and threatened me in his spoken messages, while in his letters he merely made a request. And when I refused, declaring that it was not right for those who had invented heresy contrary to the truth, and had been condemned by the Ecumenical Council, to be admitted to communion, he caused the Emperor also, Constantine, of blessed memory, to write to me, threatening me that if I should not receive Arius and his followers, I would face those afflictions which I have previously undergone and which I am still suffering. The following is a part of his letter. Syncletius and Gaudentius, officers of the palace, were the bearers of it.

Upon learning this, Eusebius, who had the lead in the Arian heresy , sends and buys the Meletians with large promises, becomes their secret friend, and arranges with them for their assistance on any occasion when he might wish for it. At first he sent to me, urging me to admit Arius and his fellows to communion , and threatened me in his verbal communications, while in his letters he [merely] made a request. And when I refused, declaring that it was not right that those who had invented heresy contrary to the truth , and had been anathematized by the Ecumenical Council, should be admitted to communion, he caused the Emperor also, Constantine, of blessed memory, to write to me, threatening me, in case I should not receive Arius and his fellows, with those afflictions, which I have before undergone, and which I am still suffering. The following is a part of his letter. Syncletius and Gaudentius, officers of the palace , were the bearers of it.

A Section from a Letter by Emperor Constantine.

Part of a Letter from the Emperor Constantine.

Since you now know my will, grant free admission to all who wish to enter the Church. For if I learn that you have hindered or excluded anyone who claims to be admitted into communion with the Church, I will immediately send someone who will depose you by my command and remove you from your position.

Having therefore knowledge of my will, grant free admission to all who wish to enter into the Church . For if I learn that you have hindered or excluded any who claim to be admitted into communion with the Church , I will immediately send some one who shall depose you by my command, and shall remove you from your place.

When I wrote to the Emperor about this and tried to convince him that this anti-Christian heresy had no communion with the Catholic Church, Eusebius immediately took advantage of the opportunity he had arranged with the Meletians. He wrote and persuaded them to invent some pretext so that, just as they had done against Peter and Achillas and Alexander, they might devise and spread accusations against us as well. After searching for a long time and finding nothing, they finally conspired together, with the advice of Eusebius and his associates, and fabricated their first accusation through Ision, Eudaemon, and Callinicus. This concerned linen vestments, claiming that I had imposed a law upon the Egyptians and had required them to observe it first. But when certain presbyters of mine were found to be present and the Emperor examined the matter, they were condemned (the presbyters were Apis and Macarius), and the Emperor wrote, condemning Ision and ordering me to appear before him. His letters were as follows.

60. When upon this I wrote and endeavoured to convince the Emperor, that that anti- Christian heresy had no communion with the Catholic Church , Eusebius immediately, availing himself of the occasion which he had agreed upon with the Meletians , writes and persuades them to invent some pretext, so that, as they had practised against Peter and Achillas and Alexander, they might devise and spread reports against us also. Accordingly, after seeking for a long time, and finding nothing, they at last agree together, with the advice of Eusebius and his fellows, and fabricate their first accusation by means of Ision, Eudæmon, and Callinicus , respecting the linen vestments , to the effect that I had imposed a law upon the Egyptians , and had required its observance of them first. But when certain Presbyters of mine were found to be present, and the Emperor took cognizance of the matter, they were condemned (the Presbyters were Apis and Macarius), and the Emperor wrote, condemning Ision, and ordering me to appear before him. His letters were as follows.

Eusebius, having learned about this, persuades them to wait. When I arrived, they then accused Macarius of breaking the cup and brought against me the most serious accusation possible—namely, that being an enemy of the Emperor, I had sent a bag of gold to a certain Philumenus. The Emperor therefore heard us on this charge as well at Psammathia, where they were condemned as usual and driven from his presence. As I was returning, he wrote the following letter to the people.

Eusebius, having intelligence of this, persuades them to wait; and when I arrive, they next accuse Macarius of breaking the cup, and bring against me the most heinous accusation possible, viz. that, being an enemy of the Emperor, I had sent a purse of gold to one Philumenus. The Emperor therefore heard us on this charge also in Psammathia , when they, as usual, were condemned, and driven from the presence; and, as I returned, he wrote the following letter to the people.

Constantine Maximus Augustus, to the people of the Catholic Church at Alexandria.

Constantine, Maximus, Augustus, to the people of the Catholic Church at Alexandria.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I greet you well, calling upon God, who is the chief witness of my intention, and on the Only-begotten, the Author of our Law, who is sovereign over the lives of all people and who hates divisions. But what should I say to you? That I am in good health? No, I would be able to enjoy better health and strength if you had mutual love for one another and had gotten rid of your hostilities. Because of the storms stirred up by contentious people, we have abandoned the safe harbor of brotherly love. What a tragedy! What perverseness is this! What harmful consequences are produced every day by the turmoil of envy that has been stirred up among you! This is why evil reports have settled upon the people of God. Where has the faith of righteousness gone? We are so wrapped up in the darkness of confusion, not only through many errors but through the faults of ungrateful people, that we tolerate those who support foolishness. Even though we are aware of those who set aside goodness and truth, we pay them no attention. What strange inconsistency this is! We do not confront our enemies, but we follow the example of their destructive behavior. As a result, the most harmful errors, finding no one to oppose them, easily make a way for themselves, if I may put it that way. Is there no understanding among us, for the sake of our common nature, since we are so neglectful of the commands of the law?

61. Beloved brethren, I greet you well, calling upon God , Who is the chief witness of my intention, and on the Only-begotten, the Author of our Law, Who is Sovereign over the lives of all men , and Who hates dissensions. But what shall I say to you? That I am in good health? Nay, but I should be able to enjoy better health and strength, if you were possessed with mutual love one towards another, and had rid yourselves of your enmities, through which, in consequence of the storms excited by contentious men, we have left the haven of brotherly love . Alas! What perverseness is this! What evil consequences are produced every day by the tumult of envy which has been stirred up among you! Hence it is that evil reports have settled upon the people of God . Whither has the faith of righteousness departed? For we are so involved in the mists of darkness, not only through manifold errors , but through the faults of ungrateful men, that we bear with those who favour folly, and though we are aware of them, take no heed of those who set aside goodness and truth . What strange inconsistency is this! We do not convict our enemies, but we follow the example of robbery which they set us, whereby the most pernicious errors , finding no one to oppose them, easily, if I may so speak, make a way for themselves. Is there no understanding among us, for the credit of our common nature, since we are thus neglectful of the injunctions of the law?

But someone will say that love is something produced by nature. However, I ask, how is it that we who have received the law of God as our guide in addition to our natural advantages still put up with the disturbances and disorders stirred up by our enemies, who appear inflamed, as if with firebrands? How is it that having eyes, we do not see or understand, even though we are surrounded by the wisdom of the law? What a state of numbness has come over our life, that we are so careless about ourselves, even though God warns us! Is this not an unbearable evil? And should we not regard such men as our enemies, rather than as the household and people of God? For they are enraged against us, wicked as they are: they bring serious accusations against us and attack us as enemies.

But some one will say, that love is a thing brought out by nature. But, I ask, how is it that we who have got the law of God for our guide in addition to our natural advantages, thus tolerate the disturbances and disorders raised by our enemies, who seem inflamed, as it were, with firebrands? How is it, that having eyes, we see not, neither understand, though we are surrounded by the intelligence of the law? What a stupor has seized upon our life, that we are thus neglectful of ourselves, and that although God admonishes us! Is it not an intolerable evil ? And ought we not to esteem such men as our enemies, and not the household and people of God? For they are infuriated against us, abandoned as they are: they lay grievous crimes to our charge, and make attacks upon us as enemies.

And I want you to consider the extreme madness with which they do this. These foolish men carry their malice on the tip of their tongues. They carry around a kind of leaden anger, so that they strike one another in turn and drag us in as well, thereby increasing their own punishment. The good teacher is counted as an enemy, while the one who clothes himself with the vice of envy, contrary to all justice, profits from the gentle disposition of the people. He ravages and consumes, he adorns himself and promotes himself with false praises. He undermines the truth and corrupts the faith until he finds a hole and hiding place for his conscience. Thus their very perverseness makes them miserable, while they shamelessly put themselves forward for positions of honor, however unworthy they may be. Ah, what a disaster this is! They say things like: This man is too old; that one is just a boy; the office belongs to me; it is owed to me, since it is taken from him. I will win everyone over to my side, and then I will use my power to destroy him. Their madness is plainly proclaimed to the whole world—the sight of companies, gatherings, and rowers under command in their hostile conspiracies. Alas, what absurd behavior is ours, if I may say so! Do they put on a display of their folly in the Church of God? And are they not yet ashamed of themselves? Do they not yet blame themselves? Are they not struck in their consciences, so that they might now at last show that they have a proper sense of their deceit and quarrelsomeness? Theirs is the sheer force of envy, supported by those destructive influences that naturally belong to it. But these wretches have no power against your bishop. Believe me, brothers, their efforts will have no other result than this: after they have worn down our days, they will leave themselves no place of repentance in this life. Therefore I beg you, help yourselves. Receive our love kindly, and with all your strength drive away those who want to erase from among us the grace of unanimity. And looking to God, love one another. I gladly received your bishop Athanasius and spoke to him in such a way, being convinced that he was a man of God. It is for you to understand these things, not for me to judge them. I thought it fitting that the most reverend Athanasius himself should convey my greeting to you, knowing his kind care for you, which, in a manner worthy of that peaceable faith that I myself profess, is continually engaged in the good work of declaring saving knowledge, and will be able to exhort you as is appropriate. May God preserve you, beloved brothers.

62. And I would have you yourselves to consider with what exceeding madness they do this. The foolish men carry their maliciousness at their tongues’ end. They carry about with them a sort of leaden anger , so that they reciprocally smite one another, and involve us by way of increasing their own punishment. The good teacher is accounted an enemy, while he who clothes himself with the vice of envy , contrary to all justice makes his gain of the gentle temper of the people; he ravages, and consumes, he decks himself out, and recommends himself with false praises; he subverts the truth , and corrupts the faith , until he finds out a hole and hiding-place for his conscience . Thus their very perverseness makes them wretched, while they impudently prefer themselves to places of honour , however unworthy they may be. Ah! What a mischief is this! They say Such an one is too old; such an one is a mere boy; the office belongs to me; it is due to me, since it is taken away from him. I will gain over all men to my side, and then I will endeavour with my power to ruin him. Plain indeed is this proclamation of their madness to all the world; the sight of companies, and gatherings, and rowers under command in their offensive cabals. Alas! What preposterous conduct is ours, if I may say it! Do they make an exhibition of their folly in the Church of God ? And are they not yet ashamed of themselves? Do they not yet blame themselves? Are they not smitten in their consciences , so that they now at length show that they entertain a proper sense of their deceit and contentiousness? Theirs is the mere force of envy , supported by those baneful influences which naturally belong to it. But those wretches have no power against your Bishop. Believe me, brethren, their endeavours will have no other effect than this, after they have worn down our days, to leave to themselves no place of repentance in this life. Wherefore I beseech you, lend help to yourselves; receive kindly our love , and with all your strength drive away those who desire to obliterate from among us the grace of unanimity; and looking unto God , love one another. I received gladly your Bishop Athanasius, and addressed him in such a manner, as being persuaded that he was a man of God . It is for you to understand these things, not for me to judge of them. I thought it becoming that the most reverend Athanasius himself should convey my salutation to you, knowing his kind care of you, which, in a manner worthy of that peaceable faith which I myself profess, is continually engaged in the good work of declaring saving knowledge , and will be able to exhort you as is suitable, May God preserve you, beloved brethren.

Such was the letter of Constantine.

Such was the letter of Constantine.

After these events, the Meletians remained quiet for a short time, but later showed their hostility again and devised the following plot, intending to please those who had hired them. The Mareotis is a rural district of Alexandria where Meletius had been unable to create a schism. While the churches still existed within their designated boundaries, and all the presbyters had congregations in them, and while the people were living in peace, a certain person named Ischyras, who was not a clergyman but had a corrupt character, tried to lead the people of his own village astray by claiming to be a clergyman. When I learned about this, the presbyter of that place informed me during my visitation of the churches, and I sent Macarius the presbyter with him to summon Ischyras. They found him sick and lying in a cell, and instructed his father to warn his son not to continue such practices as had been reported against him. But when he recovered from his illness, since his friends and his father prevented him from pursuing the same course, he fled to the Meletians. They established communication with Eusebius and his associates, and eventually they invented that false accusation that Macarius had broken a cup, and that a certain bishop named Arsenius had been murdered by me. They hid Arsenius so that he might seem to have been killed when he did not appear, and they carried around a hand, claiming that he had been dismembered. As for Ischyras, whom they did not even know, they began to spread the story that he was a presbyter, so that what he said about the cup might deceive the people. However, Ischyras, being rebuked by his friends, came to me weeping and said that nothing like what they had reported had been done by Macarius, and that he himself had been bribed by the Meletians to fabricate this false charge. And he wrote the following letter.

63. After these occurrences the Meletians remained quiet for a little time, but afterwards showed their hostility again, and contrived the following plot, with the aim of pleasing those who had hired their services. The Mareotis is a country district of Alexandria, in which Meletius was not able to make a schism . Now while the Churches still existed within their appointed limits, and all the Presbyters had congregations in them, and while the people were living in peace, a certain person named Ischyras , who was not a clergyman , but of a worthless disposition, endeavoured to lead astray the people of his own village, declaring himself to be a clergyman . Upon learning this, the Presbyter of the place informed me of it when I was going through my visitation of the Churches , and I sent Macarius the Presbyter with him to summon Ischyras. They found him sick and lying in a cell, and charged his father to admonish his son not to continue any such practices as had been reported against him. But when he recovered from his sickness, being prevented by his friends and his father from pursuing the same course, he fled over to the Meletians ; and they communicate with Eusebius and his fellows, and at last that calumny is invented by them, that Macarius had broken a cup, and that a certain Bishop named Arsenius had been murdered by me. Arsenius they placed in concealment, in order that he might seem made away with, when he did not make his appearance; and they carried about a hand, pretending that he had been cut to pieces. As for Ischyras, whom they did not even know , they began to spread a report that he was a Presbyter, in order that what he said about the cup might mislead the people. Ischyras, however, being censured by his friends, came to me weeping, and said that no such thing as they had reported had been done by Macarius, and that himself had been suborned by the Meletians to invent this calumny . And he wrote the following letter.

To the Blessed Pope Athanasius, Ischyras sends greetings in the Lord.

To the Blessed pope Athanasius, Ischyras sends health in the Lord.

When I came to you, my Lord Bishop, wanting to be received into the Church, you corrected me for what I had previously said, as if I had gone to such extremes of my own free will. Therefore I am submitting to you this written apology so that you may understand that violence was used against me and I was beaten by Isaac and Heraclides, and Isaac of Letopolis, and their associates. I declare and call God as my witness in this matter that I do not know you to be guilty of any of the things they claimed. No cup was broken and no Holy Table was overturned, but they forced me through violent treatment to say all these things. I make this defense and submit it to you in writing, desiring and requesting to be admitted among the members of your congregation. I pray that you may have health in the Lord.

64. As when I came to you, my Lord Bishop, desiring to be received into the Church , you reproved me for what I formerly said, as though I had proceeded to such lengths of my own free choice, I therefore submit to you this my apology in writing, in order that you may understand, that violence was used towards me, and blows inflicted on me by Isaac and Heraclides, and Isaac of Letopolis, and those of their party. And I declare, and take God as my witness in this matter, that of none of the things which they have stated, do I know you to be guilty. For no breaking of a cup or overturning of the Holy Table ever took place, but they compelled me by violent usage to assert all this. And this defense I make and submit to you in writing, desiring and claiming for myself to be admitted among the members of your congregation. I pray that you may have health in the Lord.

I am submitting this document in my own handwriting to you, Bishop Athanasius, in the presence of the presbyters Ammonas of Dicella, Heraclius of Phascos, Boccon of Chenebri, Achillas of Myrsine, Didymus of Taphosiris, and Justus from Bomotheus, and of the deacons Paul, Peter, and Olympius of Alexandria, and Ammonius, Pistus, Demetrius, and Gaius of the Mareotis.

I submit this my handwriting to you the Bishop Athanasius in the presence of the Presbyters , Ammonas of Dicella, Heraclius of Phascos, Boccon of Chenebri, Achillas of Myrsine, Didymus of Taphosiris, and Justus from Bomotheus ; and of the Deacons, Paul , Peter, and Olympius, of Alexandria, and Ammonius, Pistus, Demetrius, and Gaius, of the Mareotis.

Despite this statement from Ischyras, they spread the same charges against me everywhere again, and also reported them to Emperor Constantine. He had already heard about the affair of the cup in Psammathia when I was there, and had exposed the lies of my enemies. But now he wrote to Antioch to Dalmatius the Censor, requiring him to conduct a judicial investigation concerning the murder. So the Censor sent me notice to prepare my defense against the charge. When I received his letters, at first I paid no attention to the matter because I knew that nothing they said was true. However, seeing that the Emperor was concerned, I wrote to my fellow ministers in Egypt and sent a deacon to find out something about Arsenius, since I had not seen the man for five or six years. Well, not to make this account too long, Arsenius was found in hiding, first in Egypt, and afterward my friends discovered him hiding in Tyre as well. What was most remarkable was that even when he was discovered, he would not admit that he was Arsenius, until he was exposed in court before Paul, who was then Bishop of Tyre, and finally out of sheer shame could not deny it.

65. Notwithstanding this statement of Ischyras, they again spread abroad the same charges against me everywhere, and also reported them to the Emperor Constantine. He too had heard before of the affair of the cup in Psammathia , when I was there, and had detected the falsehood of my enemies. But now he wrote to Antioch to Dalmatius the Censor requiring him to institute a judicial enquiry respecting the murder . Accordingly the Censor sent me notice to prepare for my defense against the charge. Upon receiving his letters, although at first I paid no regard to the thing because I knew that nothing of what they said was true , yet seeing that the Emperor was moved, I wrote to my fellow-ministers into Egypt , and sent a deacon , desiring to learn something of Arsenius, for I had not seen the man for five or six years. Well, not to relate the matter at length, Arsenius was found in concealment, in the first instance in Egypt , and afterwards my friends discovered him again in concealment in Tyre also. And what was most remarkable, even when he was discovered he would not confess that he was Arsenius, until he was convicted in court before Paul , who was then Bishop of Tyre , and at last out of very shame could not deny it.

He did this to keep his agreement with Eusebius and his associates, so that if he were found out, the scheme they were running would finally be exposed—which is exactly what happened. When I wrote to the Emperor informing him that Arsenius had been found alive, and reminded him of what he had heard in Psammathia about Macarius the Presbyter, he stopped the proceedings of the Censor’s court and wrote condemning the charges against me as slanderous. He also ordered Eusebius and his associates, who were traveling east to testify against me, to turn back. Now to demonstrate that they accused me of murdering Arsenius (without producing the letters of many people on this subject), it will be enough to present just one letter from Alexander the Bishop of Thessalonica, from which the content of the others can be understood. He, being aware of the reports that Archaph, who is also called John, was spreading against me regarding the murder, and having heard that Arsenius was alive, wrote as follows.

This he did in order to fulfil his contract with Eusebius and his fellows, lest, if he were discovered, the game they were playing should at length be broken up; which in fact came to pass. For when I wrote the Emperor word, that Arsenius was discovered, and reminded him of what he had heard in Psammathia concerning Macarius the Presbyter, he stopped the proceedings of the Censor’s court, and wrote condemning the proceedings against me as calumnious , and commanded Eusebius and his fellows, who were coming into the East to appear against me, to return. Now in order to show that they accused me of having murdered Arsenius (not to bring forward the letters of many persons on the subject), it shall be sufficient only to produce one from Alexander the Bishop of Thessalonica, from which the tenor of the rest may be inferred. He then being acquainted with the reports which Archaph, who is also called John, circulated against me on the subject of the murder , and having heard that Arsenius was alive, wrote as follows.

Letter of Alexander.

Letter of Alexander.

To his dearly beloved son and fellow-minister of like mind, the lord Athanasius, Alexander the Bishop sends greetings in the Lord.

To his dearly beloved son and fellow-minister like-minded, the lord Athanasius, Alexander the Bishop sends health in the Lord.

I congratulate the most excellent Sarapion for striving so earnestly to adorn himself with holy habits, and in this way bringing greater honor to his father’s memory. As Holy Scripture says somewhere, “though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead,” for he has left behind a memorial of his life. You yourself, my lord, know what my feelings were toward the ever-memorable Sozon, for you know both the sacredness of his memory and the goodness of the young man. I have received only one letter from your reverence, which this youth delivered to me. I mention this to you, my lord, so that you may know. Our dearly beloved brother and deacon Macarius gave me great pleasure by writing to me from Constantinople that the false accuser Archaph had been disgraced for declaring before everyone that a living man had been murdered. The unerring Scriptures assure us that he will receive from the righteous Judge, together with all his associates, the punishment that his crimes deserve. May the Lord of all preserve you for very many years, my lord, in every way most kind.

66. I congratulate the most excellent Sarapion, that he is striving so earnestly to adorn himself with holy habits, and is thus advancing to higher praise the memory of his father. For, as the Holy Scripture somewhere says, ‘though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead :’ for he has left behind him a memorial of his life. What my feelings were towards the ever memorable Sozon, you yourself, my lord , are not ignorant , for you know the sacredness of his memory, as well as the goodness of the young man. I have received only one letter from your reverence, which I had by the hands of this youth. I mention this to you, my lord, in order that you may know . Our dearly beloved brother and deacon Macarius, afforded me great pleasure by writing to me from Constantinople, that the false accuser Archaph had met with disgrace, for having given out before all men that a live man had been murdered. That he will receive from the righteous Judge, together with all the tribe of his associates, that punishment, which his crimes deserve, the unerring Scriptures assure us. May the Lord of all preserve you for very many years, my lord, in every way most kind.

And those who lived with Arsenius testify that he was kept hidden for this very purpose—so they could pretend he was dead. When we searched for him, we found the person who had concealed him, and as a result, he wrote the following letter to John, who played the leading role in this false accusation.

67. And they who lived with Arsenius bear witness , that he was kept in concealment for this purpose, that they might pretend his death; for in searching after him we found the person [who had done so], and he in consequence wrote the following letter to John, who played the chief part in this false accusation.

To his dearly beloved brother John, Pinnes, Presbyter of the Monastery of Ptemencyrcis, in the district of Anteopolis, sends greeting.

To his dearly beloved brother John, Pinnes, Presbyter of the Monastery of Ptemencyrcis, in the home of Anteopolis, sends greeting.

I want you to know that Athanasius sent his deacon into the Thebais to search everywhere for Arsenius. Pecysius the Presbyter, Silvanus the brother of Helias, Tapenacerameus, and Paul the monk of Hypsele, whom he first encountered, admitted that Arsenius was with us. When we learned this, we had him put on board a ship and sent him to sail to the lower regions with Helias the monk. Afterward, the deacon suddenly returned with certain others and entered our monastery searching for the same Arsenius. They did not find him because, as I said before, we had sent him away to the lower regions. However, they took me along with Helias the monk, who had helped him escape, to Alexandria and brought us before the Duke. I could not deny it, but confessed that he was alive and had not been murdered. The monk who helped him escape also confessed the same. Therefore, I am informing you of these things, Father, so that you will not proceed to accuse Athanasius. For I declared that he was alive and had been concealed with us, and all this has become known in Egypt, and it can no longer be kept secret.

I wish you to know , that Athanasius sent his deacon into the Thebais, to search everywhere for Arsenius; and Pecysius the Presbyter, and Silvanus the brother of Helias, and Tapenacerameus, and Paul monk of Hypsele, whom he first fell in with, confessed that Arsenius was with us. Upon learning this we caused him to be put on board a vessel, and to sail to the lower countries with Helias the monk . Afterwards the deacon returned again suddenly with certain others, and entered our monastery , in search of the same Arsenius, and him they found not, because, as I said before, we had sent him away to the lower countries; but they conveyed me together with Helias the monk , who took him out of the way, to Alexandria , and brought us before the Duke ; when I was unable to deny, but confessed that he was alive, and had not been murdered: the monk also who took him out of the way confessed the same. Wherefore I acquaint you with these things, Father, lest you should determine to accuse Athanasius; for I said that he was alive, and had been concealed with us, and all this has become known in Egypt , and it cannot any longer be kept secret.

I, Paphnutius, a monk from the same monastery who wrote this letter, warmly greet you. I pray for your good health.

I, Paphnutius, monk of the same monastery , who wrote this letter, heartily salute you. I pray for your health.

The following is also the letter that the Emperor wrote when he learned that Arsenius had been found to be alive.

The following also is the letter which the Emperor wrote when he learned that Arsenius was found to be alive.

Constantine, Victor, Maximus, Augustus, to Pope Athanasius.

Constantine, Victor, Maximus, Augustus, to the pope Athanasius.

Having read the letters from your wisdom, I felt moved to write back to your fortitude and to urge you to work toward restoring the people of God to peace and merciful attitudes. For in my own mind I consider these things to be of the greatest importance: that we should pursue truth and always keep righteousness in our thoughts, and take special pleasure in those who walk in the right way of life. But concerning those who deserve complete condemnation—I mean the thoroughly perverse and ungodly Meletians, who have finally made themselves foolish through their own folly and are now stirring up unreasonable disturbances through envy, uproar, and disorder, thus revealing their own ungodly dispositions—I will say this much. You see that those whom they claimed had been killed by the sword are still among us and alive. Now what could be stronger evidence against them, and what could so clearly and obviously lead to their condemnation, than the fact that those whom they declared to have been murdered are still alive and therefore able to speak for themselves?

68. Having read the letters of your wisdom, I felt the inclination to write in return to your fortitude , and to exhort you that you would endeavour to restore the people of God to tranquillity, and to merciful feelings. For in my own mind I hold these things to be of the greatest importance, that we should cultivate truth , and ever keep righteousness in our thoughts, and have pleasure especially in those who walk in the right way of life. But as concerning those who are deserving of all execration, I mean the most perverse and ungodly Meletians , who have at last stultified themselves by their folly, and are now raising unreasonable commotions by envy , uproar, and tumult, thus making manifest their own ungodly dispositions, I will say thus much. You see that those who they pretended had been slain with the sword, are still among us, and in the enjoyment of life. Now what could be a stronger presumption against them, and one so manifestly and clearly tending to their condemnation, as that those whom they declared to have been murdered, are yet in the enjoyment of life, and accordingly will be able to speak for themselves?

But this further accusation was advanced by these same Meletians. They positively affirmed that you, rushing in with lawless violence, had seized and broken a cup that was kept in the most Holy Place. Certainly there could not be a more serious charge or a more grievous offense, had such a crime actually been committed. But what kind of accusation is this? What is the meaning of this change and variation and difference in the details, so much so that they now transfer this same accusation to another person? This fact makes it clearer than the light itself, so to speak, that they designed to lay a plot against your wisdom. After this, who can be willing to follow them—men who have fabricated such charges to harm another, seeing too that they are hurrying themselves toward ruin and are aware that they are accusing you of false and invented crimes? Who then, as I said, will follow after them and thus rush headlong in the way of destruction, in that way in which it seems they alone suppose that they have hope of safety and of help? But if they were willing to walk according to a pure conscience and to be guided by the best wisdom and to go in the way of a sound mind, they would easily recognize that no help can come to them from Divine Providence while they are given over to such actions and tempt their own destruction. I would not call this a harsh judgment of them, but the simple truth.

But this further accusation was advanced by these same Meletians . They positively affirmed that you, rushing in with lawless violence , had seized upon and broken a cup, which was deposited in the most Holy Place; than which there certainly could not be a more serious charge, nor a more grievous offense, had such a crime actually been perpetrated. But what manner of accusation is this? What is the meaning of this change and variation and difference in the circumstances of it, insomuch that they now transfer this same accusation to another person , a fact which makes it clearer, so to speak, than the light itself, that they designed to lay a plot for your wisdom? After this, who can be willing to follow them, men that have fabricated such charges to the injury of another, seeing too that they are hurrying themselves on to ruin, and are conscious that they are accusing you of false and feigned crimes? Who then, as I said, will follow after them, and thus go headlong in the way of destruction; in that way in which it seems they alone suppose that they have hope of safety and of help? But if they were willing to walk according to a pure conscience , and to be directed by the best wisdom, and to go in the way of a sound mind , they would easily perceive that no help can come to them from Divine Providence , while they are given up to such doings, and tempt their own destruction. I should not call this a harsh judgment of them, but the simple truth .

I also want this letter to be read frequently by your wisdom in public, so that it may become known to everyone and especially reach the ears of those who are acting this way and stirring up trouble. The judgment I have expressed according to the requirements of justice is also confirmed by the actual facts. Therefore, since there is such great offense in this conduct, let them understand that I have made this judgment and reached this decision: if they stir up any further disturbance of this kind, I will personally take charge of the matter, and I will do so not according to ecclesiastical law but according to civil law, and I will in the future expose them for what they clearly are—robbers, so to speak, not only against humanity but against the divine teaching itself. May God always preserve you, beloved brother!

And finally, I will add, that I wish this letter to be read frequently by your wisdom in public, that it may thereby come to the knowledge of all men , and especially reach the ears of those who thus act, and thus raise disturbances; for the judgment which is expressed by me according to the dictates of equity is confirmed also by real facts. Wherefore, seeing that in such conduct there is so great an offense, let them understand that I have thus judged; and that I have come to this determination, that if they excite any further commotion of this kind, I will myself in person take cognizance of the matter, and that not according to the ecclesiastical , but according to the civil laws , and so I will in future find them out, because they clearly are robbers , so to speak, not only against human kind, but against the divine doctrine itself. May God ever preserve you, beloved brother!

So that the wickedness of the accusers might be more fully exposed, Arsenius himself also wrote to me after he was discovered in his hiding place. Just as the letter that Ischyras had written confessed the falseness of their accusation, so the letter of Arsenius proved their maliciousness even more completely.

69. But that the wickedness of the calumniators might be more fully displayed, behold Arsenius also wrote to me after he was discovered in his place of concealment; and as the letter which Ischyras had written confessed the falsehood of their accusation, so that of Arsenius proved their maliciousness still more completely.

To the blessed Pope Athanasius, Arsenius, Bishop of those who were formerly under Meletius in the city of the Hypselites, together with the Presbyters and Deacons, wishes much health in the Lord.

To the blessed Pope Athanasius, Arsenius, Bishop of those who were heretofore under Meletius in the city of the Hypselites, together with the Presbyters and Deacons, wishes much health in the Lord.

We earnestly desire peace and unity with the Catholic Church, which by God’s grace you lead, and we wish to submit ourselves to the Canon of the Church according to the ancient rule. We are writing to you, dearly beloved Pope, and declare in the Lord’s name that we will no longer share communion with those who remain in schism and are not yet at peace with the Catholic Church, whether they are Bishops, Presbyters, or Deacons. We will not join them if they attempt to establish anything in a Council. We will not send letters of peace to them or accept such letters from them. Furthermore, without the consent of you, the bishop of the metropolis, we will not announce any decision concerning Bishops or any other general ecclesiastical matter. Instead, we will obey all the canons that have been established up to now, following the example of the Bishops Ammonian, Tyrannus, Plusian, and the others. Therefore, we ask your goodness to write back to us promptly, and also to our fellow ministers concerning us, informing them that from now on we will stand by the resolution mentioned above and will be at peace with the Catholic Church and in unity with our fellow ministers in the various districts. We are convinced that your prayers, being acceptable to God, will move Him so that this peace will be firm and unbreakable to the end, according to the will of God the Lord of all, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Being earnestly desirous of peace and union with the Catholic Church , over which by the grace of God you preside, and wishing to submit ourselves to the Canon of the Church , according to the ancient rule , we write unto you, dearly beloved Pope, and declare in the name of the Lord, that we will not for the future hold communion with those who continue in schism , and are not yet at peace with the Catholic Church , whether Bishops, Presbyters , or Deacons. Neither will we take part with them if they wish to establish anything in a Council; neither will we send letters of peace unto them nor receive such from them; neither yet without the consent of you, the bishop of the metropolis, will we publish any determination concerning Bishops, or on any other general ecclesiastical question; but we will yield obedience to all the canons that have heretofore been ordained, after the example of the Bishops Ammonian, Tyrannus, Plusian, and the rest. Wherefore we beseech your goodness to write to us speedily in answer, and likewise to our fellow-ministers concerning us, informing them that we will henceforth abide by the fore-mentioned resolution and will be at peace with the Catholic Church , and at unity with our fellow-ministers in the [various] districts. And we are persuaded that your prayers , being acceptable unto God , will so prevail with Him, that this peace shall be firm and indissoluble unto the end, according to the will of God the Lord of all, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The sacred ministry under your authority, we and those with us greet. Very soon, if God permits, we will come to visit your goodness. I, Arsenius, pray for your health in the Lord for many years, most blessed Pope.

The sacred Ministry that is under you, we and those that are with us salute. Very shortly, if God permit, we will come to visit your goodness. I, Arsenius, pray for your health in the Lord for many years, most blessed Pope.

However, an even stronger and clearer proof of the false accusation against us is John’s recantation, which the most God-beloved Emperor Constantine of blessed memory himself witnessed. After learning how John had accused himself and after receiving letters from him expressing his repentance, Constantine wrote to him as follows.

70. But a stronger and clearer proof of the calumny against us is the recantation of John, of which the most God-beloved Emperor Constantine of blessed memory is a witness , for knowing how John had accused himself, and having received letters from him expressing his repentance, he wrote to him as follows.

Constantine, Maximus, Augustus to John.

Constantine, Maximus, Augustus to John.

The letters I received from your wisdom were extremely pleasing to me, because I learned from them what I very much wanted to hear: that you had set aside every trivial grievance, had joined the Communion of the Church as was proper for you, and were now in complete harmony with the most reverend Bishop Athanasius. Be assured, then, that I entirely approve of your conduct in this matter, because by giving up all quarreling, you have done what is pleasing to God and have embraced the unity of His Church. Therefore, so that you may obtain the fulfillment of your wishes, I have decided it is right to grant you permission to use the public transportation system and to come to the court of my clemency. Let it be your responsibility, then, to make no delay; but since this letter gives you authority to use the public transportation, come to me immediately, so that you may have your desires fulfilled and by appearing in my presence may enjoy the pleasure that is fitting for you to receive. May God preserve you continually, dearly beloved brother.

The letters which I have received from your prudence were extremely pleasing to me, because I learned from them what I very much longed to hear, that you had laid aside every petty feeling, had joined the Communion of the Church as became you, and were now in perfect concord with the most reverend Bishop Athanasius. Be assured therefore that so far I entirely approve of your conduct; because, giving up all skirmishing, you have done that which is pleasing to God , and have embraced the unity of His Church . In order therefore that you may obtain the accomplishment of your wishes, I have thought it right to grant you permission to enter the public conveyance , and to come to the court of my clemency. Let it then be your care to make no delay; but as this letter gives you authority to use the public conveyance, come to me immediately, that you may have your desires fulfilled, and by appearing in my presence may enjoy that pleasure which it is fit for you to receive. May God preserve you continually, dearly beloved brother.

Thus ended the conspiracy. The Meletians were driven back and disgraced, but despite this, Eusebius and his associates still did not remain quiet. Their concern was not for the Meletians but for Arius and his supporters, and they feared that if the proceedings against the former were halted, they would no longer find people to act as agents through whom they could introduce that heresy. Therefore, they stirred up the Meletians again and persuaded the Emperor to order that a Council be held once more at Tyre. Count Dionysius was sent there, and a military guard was assigned to Eusebius and his associates. Macarius was also sent as a prisoner to Tyre under a guard of soldiers, and the Emperor wrote to me and imposed a strict command upon me, so that, though unwilling, I set out. The whole conspiracy can be understood from the letters which the Bishops of Egypt wrote, but it will be necessary to explain how it was planned by them from the beginning, so that the malice and wickedness exercised against me may be seen. There are in Egypt, Libya, and Pentapolis nearly one hundred Bishops. None of them brought any charge against me, none of the Presbyters found any fault with me, none of the people spoke anything against me. Rather, it was the Meletians who had been expelled by Peter, and the Arians, who divided the plot between themselves, with one party claiming for themselves the right to accuse me and the other the right to judge the case. I objected to Eusebius and his associates as being my enemies on account of the heresy. Next, I demonstrated in the following manner that the person who was called my accuser was not a Presbyter at all. When Meletius was admitted into communion—would that he had never been admitted—the blessed Alexander, who knew his craftiness, required from him a list of the Bishops whom he said he had in Egypt, and of the presbyters and deacons who were in Alexandria itself, and any he had in the countryside. Pope Alexander did this to prevent Meletius, having received freedom in the Church, from presenting many people and thus continually, through fraudulent procedure, introducing upon us whomever he pleased. Accordingly, he prepared the following list of those in Egypt.

71. Thus ended the conspiracy. The Meletians were repulsed and covered with shame; but notwithstanding this Eusebius and his fellows still did not remain quiet, for it was not for the Meletians but for Arius and his fellows, that they cared, and they were afraid lest, if the proceedings of the former should be stopped, they should no longer find persons to play the parts , by whose assistance they might bring in that heresy . They therefore again stirred up the Meletians , and persuaded the Emperor to give orders that a Council should be held afresh at Tyre , and Count Dionysius was dispatched there, and a military guard was given to Eusebius and his fellows. Macarius also was sent as a prisoner to Tyre under a guard of soldiers; and the Emperor wrote to me, and laid a peremptory command upon me, so that, however unwilling, I set out. The whole conspiracy may be understood from the letters which the Bishops of Egypt wrote; but it will be necessary to relate how it was contrived by them in the outset, that so may be perceived the malice and wickedness that was exercised against me. There are in Egypt , Libya, and Pentapolis, nearly one hundred Bishops; none of whom laid anything to my charge; none of the Presbyters found any fault with me; none of the people spoke anything against me; but it was the Meletians who were ejected by Peter, and the Arians , that divided the plot between them, while the one party claimed to themselves the right of accusing me, the other of sitting in judgment on the case. I objected to Eusebius and his fellows as being my enemies on account of the heresy ; next, I showed in the following manner that the person who was called my accuser was not a Presbyter at all. When Meletius was admitted into communion (would that he had never been so admitted! ) the blessed Alexander who knew his craftiness required of him a schedule of the Bishops whom he said he had in Egypt , and of the presbyters and deacons that were in Alexandria itself, and if he had any in the country district. This the Pope Alexander has done, lest Meletius, having received the freedom of the Church , should tender many, and thus continually, by a fraudulent procedure, foist upon us whomsoever he pleased. Accordingly he has made out the following schedule of those in Egypt .

A document presented by Meletius to Bishop Alexander.

A schedule presented by Meletius to the Bishop Alexander.

I, Meletius of Lycopolis, Lucius of Antinopolis, Phasileus of Hermopolis, Achilles of Cusæ, Ammonius of Diospolis.

I, Meletius of Lycopolis, Lucius of Antinopolis, Phasileus of Hermopolis, Achilles of Cusæ, Ammonius of Diospolis.

In Ptolemais, Pachymes of Tentyræ.

In Ptolemais, Pachymes of Tentyræ.

In Maximianopolis, Theodorus of Coptus.

In Maximianopolis, Theodorus of Coptus.

In Thebais, Cales of Hermethes, Colluthus of Upper Cynopolis, Pelagius of Oxyrynchus, Peter of Heracleopolis, Theon of Nilopolis, Isaac of Letopolis, Heraclides of Niciopolis, Isaac of Cleopatris, Melas of Arsenoitis.

In Thebais, Cales of Hermethes, Colluthus of Upper Cynopolis, Pelagius of Oxyrynchus, Peter of Heracleopolis, Theon of Nilopolis, Isaac of Letopolis, Heraclides of Niciopolis , Isaac of Cleopatris, Melas of Arsenoitis.

In Heliopolis, Amos of Leontopolis, Ision of Athribis.

In Heliopolis, Amos of Leontopolis, Ision of Athribis.

In Pharbethus, Harpocration of Bubastus, Moses of Phacusæ, Callinicus of Pelusium, Eudæmon of Tanis, Ephraim of Thmuis.

In Pharbethus, Harpocration of Bubastus, Moses of Phacusæ, Callinicus of Pelusium, Eudæmon of Tanis , Ephraim of Thmuis.

In Sais, Hermæon of Cynopolis and Busiris, Soterichus of Sebennytus, Pininuthes of Phthenegys, Cronius of Metelis, Agathammon of the district of Alexandria.

In Sais, Hermæon of Cynopolis and Busiris, Soterichus of Sebennytus, Pininuthes of Phthenegys, Cronius of Metelis, Agathammon of the district of Alexandria.

In Memphis, John who was commanded by the Emperor to be with the Archbishop. These are the bishops from Egypt.

In Memphis, John who was ordered by the Emperor to be with the Archbishop. These are those of Egypt .

In Alexandria, his clergy were Apollonius the presbyter, Irenaeus the presbyter, Dioscorus the presbyter, and Tyrannus the presbyter. The deacons were Timothy the deacon, Antinous the deacon, and Hephaestion the deacon. Macarius was the presbyter of Parembole.

And the Clergy that he had in Alexandria were Apollonius Presbyter, Irenæus Presbyter, Dioscorus Presbyter, Tyrannus Presbyter. And Deacons; Timotheus Deacon, Antinous Deacon, Hephæstion Deacon. And Macarius Presbyter of Parembole.

These people Meletius personally presented to Bishop Alexander, but he made no mention of the person called Ischyras, nor ever claimed at all that he had any clergy in the Mareotis. Nevertheless our enemies did not stop their attempts, but still this man who was no presbyter was pretended to be one, for the Count was ready to use force against us, and soldiers were driving us around. But even then the grace of God prevailed: they could not convict Macarius in the matter of the cup, and Arsenius, whom they reported I had murdered, stood before them alive and showed their accusation was false. Therefore, when they were unable to convict Macarius, Eusebius and his companions, who became angry that they had lost the prey they had been pursuing, persuaded the Count Dionysius, who is one of them, to send men to the Mareotis to see whether they could not find something there against the presbyter, or rather so they might fabricate their plot at a distance as they pleased in our absence—for this was their goal. However, when we argued that the journey to the Mareotis was an unnecessary undertaking (for they ought not to pretend that evidence was lacking which they had worked on so long, and ought not now to delay the matter; for they had said whatever they thought they could say, and now being at a loss what to do, they were making excuses); or if they must go to the Mareotis, that at least the suspected parties should not be sent—the Count was convinced by my reasoning with respect to the suspected persons. But they did anything rather than what I proposed, for the very persons I objected to on account of the Arian heresy were the ones who quickly went off: Diognius, Maris, Theodorus, Macedonius, Ursacius, and Valens. Again, letters were written to the Prefect of Egypt and a military guard was provided; and, what was remarkable and altogether most suspicious, they made Macarius the accused party remain behind under a guard of soldiers, while they took the accuser with them. Now who after this does not see through this conspiracy? Who does not clearly perceive the wickedness of Eusebius and his companions? For if a judicial inquiry must take place in the Mareotis, the accused also should have been sent there. But if they did not go for the purpose of such an inquiry, why did they take the accuser? It was enough that he had not been able to prove the facts. But they did this so they might carry out their designs against the absent presbyter, whom they could not convict when present, and might fabricate a plan as they pleased. For when the presbyters of Alexandria and of the whole district complained to them because they were there by themselves, and demanded that they too might be present at their proceedings (for they said they knew both the circumstances of the case and the history of the person named Ischyras), they would not allow them; and although they had with them Philagrius the Prefect of Egypt, who was an apostate, and pagan soldiers, during an inquiry which it was not appropriate even for catechumens to witness, they would not admit the clergy, lest there as well as at Tyre there might be those who would expose them.

72. These Meletius presented actually in person to the Bishop Alexander, but he made no mention of the person called Ischyras, nor ever professed at all that he had any Clergy in the Mareotis. Notwithstanding our enemies did not desist from their attempts, but still he that was no Presbyter was feigned to be one, for there was the Count ready to use compulsion towards us, and soldiers were hurrying us about. But even then the grace of God prevailed: for they could not convict Macarius in the matter of the cup; and Arsenius, whom they reported to have been murdered by me, stood before them alive and showed the falseness of their accusation. When therefore they were unable to convict Macarius, Eusebius and his fellows, who became enraged that they had lost the prey of which they had been in pursuit, persuaded the Count Dionysius, who is one of them, to send to the Mareotis, in order to see whether they could not find out something there against the Presbyter, or rather that they might at a distance patch up their plot as they pleased in our absence: for this was their aim. However — when we represented that the journey to the Mareotis was a superfluous undertaking (for that they ought not to pretend that statements were defective which they had been employed upon so long, and ought not now to defer the matter; for they had said whatever they thought they could say, and now being at a loss what to do, they were making pretences); or if they must needs go to the Mareotis, that at least the suspected parties should not be sent — the Count was convinced by my reasoning, with respect to the suspected persons ; but they did anything rather than what I proposed, for the very persons whom I objected against on account of the Arian heresy , these were they who promptly went off, viz. Diognius, Maris, Theodorus, Macedonius, Ursacius, and Valens. Again, letters were written to the Prefect of Egypt and a military guard was provided; and, what was remarkable and altogether most suspicious, they caused Macarius the accused party to remain behind under a guard of soldiers, while they took with them the accuser. Now who after this does not see through this conspiracy? Who does not clearly perceive the wickedness of Eusebius and his fellows? For if a judicial enquiry must needs take place in the Mareotis, the accused also ought to have been sent there. But if they did not go for the purpose of such an enquiry, why did they take the accuser? It was enough that he had not been able to prove the fact. But this they did in order that they might carry on their designs against the absent Presbyter, whom they could not convict when present, and might concoct a plan as they pleased. For when the Presbyters of Alexandria and of the whole district found fault with them because they were there by themselves, and required that they too might be present at their proceedings (for they said that they knew both the circumstances of the case, and the history of the person named Ischyras), they would not allow them; and although they had with them Philagrius the Prefect of Egypt , who was an apostate , and heathen soldiers, during an enquiry which it was not becoming even for Catechumens to witness , they would not admit the Clergy, lest there as well as at Tyre there might be those who would expose them.

But despite these precautions, they were not able to avoid being found out. The presbyters of the city and of the Mareotis, recognizing their evil intentions, sent them the following protest.

73. But in spite of these precautions they were not able to escape detection: for the Presbyters of the City and of the Mareotis, perceiving their evil designs, addressed to them the following protest.

To Theognius, Maris, Macedonius, Theodorus, Ursacius, and Valens, the bishops who have come from Tyre, this letter from the presbyters and deacons of the Catholic Church of Alexandria under the most reverend Bishop Athanasius.

To Theognius, Maris, Macedonius, Theodorus, Ursacius, and Valens, the Bishops who have come from Tyre , these from the Presbyters and Deacons of the Catholic Church of Alexandria under the most reverend Bishop Athanasius.

When you came here and brought the accuser with you, it was your duty to bring the presbyter Macarius as well. Holy Scripture requires trials to be conducted so that the accuser and the accused stand together. But since you did not bring Macarius, and our most reverend Bishop Athanasius did not come here with you, we claimed the right to be present at the investigation. We wanted to see that the inquiry was conducted fairly and to be convinced of the truth ourselves. However, when you refused to allow this and wanted to do whatever you pleased only in the company of the Prefect of Egypt and the accuser, we confess that we saw reason to suspect something wrong in this matter. We realized that your coming was simply the work of a cabal and a conspiracy. Therefore, we are sending you this letter to serve as testimony before a genuine council, so that everyone may know that you have conducted a one-sided proceeding for your own purposes and have wanted nothing other than to form a conspiracy against us. We have also given a copy of this to Palladius the Controller of Augustus, in case you try to keep it secret. Your actions so far make us suspect you and expect the same kind of conduct from you in the future.

It was incumbent upon you when you came hither and brought with you the accuser, to bring also the Presbyter Macarius; for trials are appointed by Holy Scripture to be so constituted, that the accuser and accused may stand up together. But since neither you brought Macarius, nor our most reverend Bishop Athanasius came hither with you, we claimed for ourselves the right of being present at the investigation, that we might see that the enquiry was conducted impartially, and might ourselves be convinced of the truth . But when you refused to allow this, and wished, in company only with the Prefect of Egypt and the accuser, to do whatever you pleased, we confess that we saw a suspicion of evil in the affair, and perceived that your coming was only the act of a cabal and a conspiracy. Wherefore we address to you this letter, to be a testimony before a genuine Council, that it may be known to all men , that you have carried on an ex parte proceeding and for your own ends, and have desired nothing else but to form a conspiracy against us. A copy of this, lest it should be kept secret by you, we have handed in to Palladius also the Controller of Augustus. For what you have already done causes us to suspect you, and to reckon on the like conduct from you hereafter.

I, Dionysius the Presbyter, have submitted this letter. Alexander the Presbyter, Nilaras the Presbyter, Longus the Presbyter, Aphthonius the Presbyter, Athanasius the Presbyter, Amyntius the Presbyter, Pistus the Presbyter, Plution the Presbyter, Dioscorus the Presbyter, Apollonius the Presbyter, Sarapion the Presbyter, Ammonius the Presbyter, Gaius the Presbyter, Rhinus the Presbyter, Aethales the Presbyter.

I Dionysius Presbyter have handed in this letter. Alexander Presbyter, Nilaras Presbyter, Longus Presbyter, Aphthonius Presbyter, Athanasius Presbyter, Amyntius Presbyter, Pistus Presbyter, Plution Presbyter, Dioscorus Presbyter, Apollonius Presbyter, Sarapion Presbyter, Ammonius Presbyter, Gaius Presbyter, Rhinus Presbyter, Æthales Presbyter.

Deacons: Marcellinus Deacon, Appianus Deacon, Theon Deacon, Timotheus Deacon, a second Timotheus Deacon.

Deacons; Marcellinus Deacon, Appianus Deacon, Theon Deacon, Timotheus Deacon, a second Timotheus Deacon.

This is the letter and these are the names of the clergy of the city. The following was written by the clergy of the Mareotis, who know the character of the accuser and who were with me during my visitation.

74. This is the letter, and these the names of the Clergy of the city; and the following was written by the Clergy of the Mareotis, who know the character of the accuser, and who were with me in my visitation.

To the holy Council of blessed Bishops of the Catholic Church, all the Presbyters and Deacons of the Mareotis send greetings in the Lord.

To the holy Council of blessed Bishops of the Catholic Church , all the Presbyters and Deacons of the Mareotis send health in the Lord.

Knowing what is written, “Speak what your eyes have seen,” and “A false witness shall not be unpunished,” we testify to what we have seen, especially since the conspiracy formed against our Bishop Athanasius has made our testimony necessary. We wonder how Ischyras ever came to be counted among the Ministers of the Church, which is the first point we think necessary to mention. Ischyras was never a Minister of the Church. When he previously claimed to be a Presbyter of Colluthus, no one believed him except his own relatives. He never had a Church, nor was he ever considered a Clergyman by those who lived a short distance from his village, except only, as we said before, by his own relatives. But despite assuming this title, he was deposed in the presence of our Father Hosius at the Council that assembled at Alexandria, and was admitted to communion as a layman, and so he remained afterward, having fallen from his falsely claimed rank of presbyter. We think it unnecessary to speak of his character, as everyone has the opportunity to become acquainted with it. But since he has falsely accused our Bishop Athanasius of breaking a cup and overturning a table, we are obliged to address you on this point. We have already said that he never had a Church in the Mareotis, and we declare before God as our witness that no cup was broken, nor table overturned by our Bishop, nor by anyone who accompanied him. Everything alleged about this matter is mere slander. We say this not as people who were absent from the Bishop, for we are all with him when he makes his visitation of the Mareotis, and he never travels alone, but is accompanied by all of us Presbyters and Deacons, and by a considerable number of the people. Therefore we make these statements as people who were present with him in every visitation he has made among us, and testify that no cup was ever broken, nor table overturned, but the whole story is false, as the accuser himself also confirms in his own handwriting. For when, after he went off with Meletians and had reported these things against our Bishop Athanasius, he wished to be admitted to communion, he was not received, even though he wrote and confessed in his own handwriting that none of these things were true, but that he had been persuaded by certain persons to say so.

Knowing that which is written, ‘Speak that your eyes have seen,’ and, ‘A false witness shall not be unpunished ‘, we testify what we have seen, especially since the conspiracy which has been formed against our Bishop Athanasius has made our testimony necessary. We wonder how Ischyras ever came to be reckoned among the number of the Ministers of the Church , which is the first point we think it necessary to mention. Ischyras never was a Minister of the Church ; but when formerly he represented himself to be a Presbyter of Colluthus, he found no one to believe him, except only his own relations. For he never had a Church, nor was ever considered a Clergyman by those who lived but a short distance from his village, except only, as we said before, by his own relations. But, notwithstanding he assumed this designation, he was deposed in the presence of our Father Hosius at the Council which assembled at Alexandria , and was admitted to communion as a layman , and so he continued subsequently, having fallen from his falsely reputed rank of presbyter . Of his character we think it unnecessary to speak, as all men have it in their power to become acquainted therewith. But since he has falsely accused our Bishop Athanasius of breaking a cup and overturning a table, we are necessarily obliged to address you on this point. We have said already that he never had a Church in the Mareotis; and we declare before God as our witness , that no cup was broken, nor table overturned by our Bishop, nor by any one of those who accompanied him; but all that is alleged respecting this affair is mere calumny . And this we say, not as having been absent from the Bishop, for we are all with him when he makes his visitation of the Mareotis, and he never goes about alone, but is accompanied by all of us Presbyters and Deacons, and by a considerable number of the people. Wherefore we make these assertions as having been present with him in every visitation which he has made among us, and testify that neither was a cup ever broken, nor table overturned, but the whole story is false, as the accuser himself also witnesses under his own hand. For when, after he had gone off with Meletians , and had reported these things against our Bishop Athanasius, he wished to be admitted to communion, he was not received, although he wrote and confessed under his own hand that none of these things were true , but that he had been suborned by certain persons to say so.

Therefore Theognius, Theodorus, Maris, Macedonius, Ursacius, Valens, and their companions came to the Mareotis, and when they found that none of these charges were true, and that it was likely to be discovered that they had fabricated a false accusation against our Bishop Athanasius, Theognius and his associates, being themselves his enemies, arranged for the relatives of Ischyras and certain Arian madmen to say whatever they wanted. For none of the people spoke against the Bishop, but these persons, through fear of Philagrius the Prefect of Egypt, and by threats and with the support of the Arian madmen, accomplished whatever they wanted. For when we came to disprove the slander, they would not allow us, but threw us out, while they admitted whomever they pleased to participate in their schemes, and plotted with them, influencing them by fear of the Prefect Philagrius. Through his means they prevented us from being present, so that we could not discover whether those who were bribed by them were members of the Church or Arian madmen. And you also, dearly beloved Fathers, know, as you teach us, that the testimony of enemies is worthless. That what we say is the truth is confirmed by the handwriting of Ischyras, as well as by the facts themselves, because when we were aware that no such thing as was claimed had taken place, they took Philagrius with them, so that through fear of the sword and by threats they might fabricate whatever plots they wished. We testify to these things as in the presence of God. We make these statements knowing that there will be a judgment held by God, desiring indeed that all of us should come to you, but being content with certain of our number, so that the letters may serve instead of the presence of those who have not come.

75. Wherefore also Theognius, Theodorus, Maris, Macedonius, Ursacius, Valens, and their fellows came into the Mareotis, and when they found that none of these things were true , but it was likely to be discovered that they had framed a false accusation against our Bishop Athanasius, Theognius and his fellows being themselves his enemies, caused the relations of Ischyras and certain Arian madmen to say whatever they wished. For none of the people spoke against the Bishop; but these persons , through fear of Philagrius the Prefect of Egypt , and by threats and with the support of the Arian madmen, accomplished whatever they desired. For when we came to disprove the calumny , they would not permit us, but cast us out, while they admitted whom they pleased to a participation in their schemes, and concerted matters with them, influencing them by fear of the Prefect Philagrius. Through his means they prevented us from being present, that we might discover whether those who were suborned by them were members of the Church or Arian madmen. And you also, dearly beloved Fathers, know , as you teach us, that the testimony of enemies avails nothing. That what we say is the truth the handwriting of Ischyras testifies, as do also the facts themselves, because when we were conscious that no such thing as was pretended had taken place, they took with them Philagrius, that through fear of the sword and by threats they might frame whatever plots they wished. These things we testify as in the presence of God ; we make these assertions as knowing that there will be a judgment held by God ; desiring indeed all of us to come to you, but being content with certain of our number, so that the letters may be instead of the presence of those who have not come.

I, Ingenius the presbyter, pray that you have health in the Lord, beloved fathers: Theon the presbyter, Ammonas the presbyter, Heraclius the presbyter, Boccon the presbyter, Tryphon the presbyter, Peter the presbyter, Hierax the presbyter, Sarapion the presbyter, Marcus the presbyter, Ptollarion the presbyter, Gaius the presbyter, Dioscorus the presbyter, Demetrius the presbyter, Thyrsus the presbyter.

I, Ingenius Presbyter, pray you health in the Lord , beloved fathers. Theon Presbyter, Ammonas P., Heraclius P., Boccon P., Tryphon P., Peter P., Hierax P., Sarapion P., Marcus P., Ptollarion P., Gaius P., Dioscorus P., Demetrius P., Thyrsus P.

Deacons: Pistus Deacon, Apollos D., Serras D., Pistus D., Polynicus D., Ammonius D., Maurus D., Hephæstus D., Apollos D., Metopas D., Apollos D., Serapas D., Meliphthongus D., Lucius D., Gregoras D.

Deacons; Pistus Deacon, Apollos D., Serras D., Pistus D., Polynicus D., Ammonius D., Maurus D., Hephæstus D., Apollos D., Metopas D., Apollos D., Serapas D., Meliphthongus D., Lucius D., Gregoras D.

The same letter was sent to the Controller and to Philagrius, who was at that time Prefect of Egypt.

76. The same to the Controller, and to Philagrius, at that time Prefect of Egypt .

To Flavius Philagrius, and to Flavius Palladius, Ducenary, Officer of the Palace and Controller, and to Flavius Antoninus, Commissary of Provisions and Centenary of my lords the most illustrious Prefects of the sacred Praetorium, we the Presbyters and Deacons of the Mareotis, a district of the Catholic Church which is under the most Reverend Bishop Athanasius, send this testimony through those whose names are written below:

To Flavius Philagrius, and to Flavius Palladius, Ducenary , Officer of the Palace, and Controller, and to Flavius Antoninus, Commissary of Provisions, and Centenary of my lords the most illustrious Prefects of the sacred Prætorium, these from the Presbyters and Deacons of the Mareotis, a nome of the Catholic Church which is under the most Reverend Bishop Athanasius, we address this testimony by those whose names are underwritten:–

Whereas Theognius, Maris, Macedonius, Theodorus, Ursacius, and Valens came into our diocese as if they had been sent by all the bishops who assembled at Tyre, claiming they had received orders to investigate certain church matters, among which they mentioned the breaking of a cup of the Lord. They received this information from Ischyras, whom they brought with them, and who claims to be a presbyter, although he is not. He was ordained by the presbyter Colluthus, who pretended to be a bishop but was later ordered by an entire council, by Hosius and the bishops who were with him, to return to his former position as a presbyter. Accordingly, all those ordained by Colluthus returned to the same rank they held before, and so Ischyras himself turned out to be a layman. The church he claims to have was never a church at all, but rather a very small private house belonging to an orphan boy named Ision. For this reason we have offered this testimony, placing you under oath by Almighty God and by our Lords Constantine Augustus and the most illustrious Caesars his sons, to bring these matters to the attention of their piety. For he is neither a presbyter of the Catholic Church nor does he possess a church, nor has any cup ever been broken, but the entire story is false and fabricated.

Whereas Theognius, Maris, Macedonius, Theodorus, Ursacius, and Valens, as if sent by all the Bishops who assembled at Tyre , came into our Diocese alleging that they had received orders to investigate certain ecclesiastical affairs, among which they spoke of the breaking of a cup of the Lord, of which information was given them by Ischyras, whom they brought with them, and who says that he is a Presbyter, although he is not — for he was ordained by the Presbyter Colluthus who pretended to the Episcopate, and was afterwards ordered by a whole Council, by Hosius and the Bishops that were with him, to take the place of a Presbyter, as he was before; and accordingly all that were ordained by Colluthus resumed the same rank which they held before, and so Ischyras himself proved to be a layman — and the church which he says he has, never was a church at all, but a quite small private house belonging to an orphan boy of the name of Ision;– for this reason we have offered this testimony, adjuring you by Almighty God , and by our Lords Constantine Augustus, and the most illustrious Cæsars his sons, to bring these things to the knowledge of their piety . For neither is he a Presbyter of the Catholic Church nor does he possess a church, nor has a cup ever been broken, but the whole story is false and an invention.

Dated in the Consulship of Julius Constantius the most illustrious Patrician, brother of the most religious Emperor Constantine Augustus, and of Rufinus Albinus, most illustrious men, on the tenth day of the month Thoth.

Dated in the Consulship of Julius Constantius the most illustrious Patrician , brother of the most religious Emperor Constantine Augustus, and of Rufinus Albinus, most illustrious men, on the tenth day of the month Thoth.

These were the letters from the presbyters.

These were the letters of the Presbyters .

The following are also the letters and protests of the Bishops who came with us to Tyre when they became aware of the conspiracy and plot.

77. The following also are the letters and protests of the Bishops who came with us to Tyre , when they became aware of the conspiracy and plot.

To the Bishops assembled at Tyre, most honored Lords, those of the Catholic Church who have come from Egypt with Athanasius send greetings in the Lord.

To the Bishops assembled at Tyre , most honoured Lords, those of the Catholic Church who have come from Egypt with Athanasius send greeting in the Lord.

We believe that the conspiracy formed against us by Eusebius, Theognius, Maris, Narcissus, Theodorus, Patrophilus, and their associates is no longer hidden. From the very beginning, we all objected through our fellow minister Athanasius to holding the inquiry in their presence, knowing that the presence of even one enemy, much less many, is able to disturb and damage the fair hearing of a case. You yourselves also know the hostility they have, not only toward us but toward all the orthodox, how for the sake of the madness of Arius and his impious teaching, they direct their attacks and form conspiracies against everyone. And when, being confident in the truth, we wanted to show the falsehood that the Meletians had used against the Church, Eusebius and his associates tried by various means to interrupt our statements and eagerly attempted to set aside our testimony, threatening those who gave an honest judgment and insulting others, all for the sole purpose of carrying out their plan against us. Your godly piety, most honored Lords, was probably unaware of their conspiracy, but we believe it has now been revealed. Indeed, they have plainly disclosed it themselves, for they wanted to send to the Mareotis those from their party who are suspect to us, so that while we were absent and remained here, they might disturb the people and accomplish what they wanted. They knew that the Arian madmen, Colluthians, and Meletians were enemies of the Catholic Church, and therefore they were eager to send them, so that in the presence of our enemies they might devise against us whatever schemes they pleased. And those Meletians who are here, even four days beforehand (since they knew this inquiry was about to take place), sent out at evening certain members of their party as messengers, in order to gather Meletians from Egypt into the Mareotis, because there were none at all there, and Colluthians and Arian madmen from other areas, and to prepare them to speak against us. For you also know that Ischyras himself confessed before you that he had no more than seven people in his congregation. Therefore, when we heard that after they had made whatever preparations they wanted against us and had sent these suspect persons, they were going around to each of you and demanding your signatures so that it might appear as if this had been done with the consent of you all—for this reason we hurried to write to you and to present this our testimony. We declare that we are the targets of a conspiracy under which we are suffering by and through them, and we demand that having the fear of God in your minds and condemning their conduct in sending whom they pleased without our consent, you would refuse your signatures, lest they pretend that things done only among themselves are done by you. Surely it is fitting for those who are in Christ not to consider human motives but to prefer the truth before all things. And do not be afraid of their threats, which they use against everyone, nor of their plots, but rather fear God. If it was at all necessary that people should be sent to the Mareotis, we also should have been there with them, so that we might expose the enemies of the Church and point out those who were outsiders, and so that the investigation of the matter might be impartial. For you know that Eusebius and his associates arranged for a letter to be presented as if coming from the Colluthians, the Meletians, and Arians, and directed against us. But it is clear that these enemies of the Catholic Church speak nothing true about us, but say everything against us. And the law of God forbids an enemy to be either a witness or a judge. Therefore, as you will have to give an account on the day of judgment, receive this testimony, and recognizing the conspiracy that has been formed against us, beware, if you are asked by them, of doing anything against us and of taking part in the plans of Eusebius and his associates. For you know, as we said before, that they are our enemies, and you are aware why Eusebius of Caesarea became such last year. We pray that you may be in health, greatly beloved Lords.

We suppose that the conspiracy which has been formed against us by Eusebius, Theognius, Maris, Narcissus, Theodorus, Patrophilus, and their fellows is no longer uncertain. From the very beginning we all demurred, through our fellow-minister Athanasius, to the holding of the enquiry in their presence, knowing that the presence of even one enemy only, much more of many, is able to disturb and injure the hearing of a cause . And you also yourselves know the enmity which they entertain, not only towards us, but towards all the orthodox , how that for the sake of the madness of Arius , and his impious doctrine, they direct their assaults, they form conspiracies against all. And when, being confident in the truth , we desired to show the falsehood , which the Meletians had employed against the Church , Eusebius and his fellows endeavoured by some means or other to interrupt our representations, and strove eagerly to set aside our testimony, threatening those who gave an honest judgment, and insulting others, for the sole purpose of carrying out the design they had against us. Your godly piety , most honoured Lords, was probably ignorant of their conspiracy, but we suppose that it has now been made manifest. For indeed they have themselves plainly disclosed it; for they desired to send to the Mareotis those of their party who are suspected by us, so that, while we were absent and remained here, they might disturb the people and accomplish what they wished. They knew that the Arian madmen, and Colluthians and Meletians , were enemies of the Catholic Church and therefore they were anxious to send them, that in the presence of our enemies they might devise against us whatever schemes they pleased. And those of the Meletians who are here, even four days previously (as they knew that this enquiry was about to take place), dispatched at evening certain of their party, as couriers, for the purpose of collecting Meletians out of Egypt into the Mareotis, because there were none at all there, and Colluthians and Arian madmen, from other parts, and to prepare them to speak against us. For you also know that Ischyras himself confessed before you, that he had not more than seven persons in his congregation. When therefore we heard that, after they had made what preparations they pleased against us, and had sent these suspected persons , they were going about to each of you, and requiring your subscriptions, in order that it might appear as if this had been done with the consent of you all; for this reason we hastened to write to you, and to present this our testimony; declaring that we are the objects of a conspiracy under which we are suffering by and through them, and demanding that having the fear of God in your minds, and condemning their conduct in sending whom they pleased without our consent, you would refuse your subscriptions, lest they pretend that those things are done by you, which they are contriving only among themselves. Surely it becomes those who are in Christ , not to regard human motives, but to prefer the truth before all things. And be not afraid of their threatenings, which they employ against all, nor of their plots, but rather fear God. If it was at all necessary that persons should be sent to the Mareotis, we also ought to have been there with them, in order that we might convict the enemies of the Church , and point out those who were aliens, and that the investigation of the matter might be impartial. For you know that Eusebius and his fellows contrived that a letter should be presented, as coming from the Collutians, the Meletians , and Arians , and directed against us: but it is evident that these enemies of the Catholic Church speak nothing that is true concerning us, but say everything against us. And the law of God forbids an enemy to be either a witness or a judge. Wherefore as you will have to give an account in the day of judgment, receive this testimony, and recognising the conspiracy which has been framed against us, beware, if you are requested by them, of doing anything against us, and of taking part in the designs of Eusebius and his fellows. For you know , as we said before, that they are our enemies, and you are aware why Eusebius of Cæsarea became such last year. We pray that you may be in health, greatly beloved Lords.

To the most illustrious Count Flavius Dionysius, from the Bishops of the Catholic Church in Egypt who have come to Tyre.

78. To the most illustrious Count Flavius Dionysius, from the Bishops of the Catholic Church in Egypt who have come to Tyre .

We believe that the conspiracy formed against us by Eusebius, Theognius, Maris, Narcissus, Theodorus, Patrophilus, and their associates is now obvious. From the very beginning, we all objected, through our fellow minister Athanasius, to holding the inquiry in their presence, knowing that even one enemy present, much more many enemies, can disturb and damage the fair hearing of a case. Their hostility is clear, not only toward us but also toward all the orthodox, because they direct their attacks and form conspiracies against everyone. When we, confident in the truth, wanted to expose the lies that the Meletians had used against the Church, Eusebius and his associates tried by every possible means to interrupt our statements and worked hard to dismiss our testimony, threatening those who gave honest judgment and insulting others, solely to carry out their plan against us. Your goodness was probably unaware of the conspiracy they have formed against us, but we believe it has now become clear. Indeed, they have plainly revealed it themselves, for they wanted to send their own supporters, whom we suspect, to the Mareotis, so that while we were absent and remained here, they could stir up the people and accomplish what they wanted. They knew that Arian madmen, Colluthians, and Meletians were enemies of the Church, and therefore they were eager to send them so that in the presence of our enemies, they could devise whatever schemes they pleased against us. Those Meletians who are here even sent two of their own people as messengers four days earlier (since they knew this inquiry was about to take place) in the evening to gather Meletians from Egypt into the Mareotis, because there were none at all there, and to bring Colluthians and Arian madmen from other areas and prepare them to speak against us. Your goodness knows that he himself confessed before you that he had no more than seven people in his congregation. When we heard that after they had made whatever preparations they pleased against us and had sent these suspected persons, they were going around to each of the bishops demanding their signatures so that it would appear this was done with everyone’s consent, we hurried to bring this matter to your honor and to present this testimony, declaring that we are the victims of a conspiracy under which we are suffering because of them. We ask that, keeping in mind the fear of God and the pious commands of our most religious Emperor, you would no longer tolerate these people but condemn their conduct in sending whomever they pleased without our consent.

We suppose that the conspiracy which has been formed against us by Eusebius, Theognius, Maris, Narcissus, Theodorus, Patrophilus and their fellows, is no longer uncertain. From the very beginning we all demurred, through our fellow-minister Athanasius, to the holding of the enquiry in their presence, knowing that the presence of even one enemy only, much more of many, is able to disturb and injure the hearing of a cause . For their enmity is manifest which they entertain, not only towards us, but also towards all the orthodox , because they direct their assaults, they form conspiracies against all. And when, being confident in the truth , we desired to show the falsehood which the Meletians had employed against the Church , Eusebius and his fellows endeavoured by some means or other to interrupt our representations, and strove eagerly to set aside our testimony, threatening those who gave an honest judgment and insulting others, for the sole purpose of carrying out the design they had against us. Your goodness was probably ignorant of the conspiracy which they have formed against us, but we suppose that it has now been made manifest. For indeed they have themselves plainly disclosed it; for they desired to send to the Mareotis those of their party who are suspected by us, so that, while we were absent and remained here, they might disturb the people and accomplish what they wished. They knew that Arian madmen, Colluthians, and Meletians were enemies of the Church , and therefore they were anxious to send them, that in the presence of our enemies, they might devise against us whatever schemes they pleased. And those of the Meletians who are here, even four days previously (as they knew that this enquiry was about to take place), dispatched at evening two individuals of their own party, as couriers, for the purpose of collecting Meletians out of Egypt into the Mareotis, because there were none at all there, and Colluthians, and Arian madmen, from other parts, and to prepare them to speak against us. And your goodness knows that he himself confessed before you, that he had not more than seven persons in his congregation. When therefore we heard that, after they had made what preparations they pleased against us, and had sent these suspected persons , they were going about to each of the Bishops and requiring their subscriptions, in order that it might appear that this was done with the consent of them all; for this reason we hastened to refer the matter to your honour , and to present this our testimony, declaring that we are the objects of a conspiracy, under which we are suffering by and through them, and demanding of you that having in your mind the fear of God , and the pious commands of our most religious Emperor, you would no longer tolerate these persons , but condemn their conduct in sending whom they pleased without our consent.

I, Adamantius, Bishop, have subscribed this letter: Ischyras, Ammon, Peter, Ammonianus, Tyrannus, Taurinus, Sarapammon, Ælurion, Harpocration, Moses, Optatus, Anubion, Saprion, Apollonius, Ischyrion, Arbæthion, Potamon, Paphnutius, Heraclides, Theodorus, Agathammon, Gaius, Pistus, Athas, Nicon, Pelagius, Theon, Paninuthius, Nonnus, Ariston, Theodorus, Irenæus, Blastammon, Philippus, Apollos, Dioscorus, Timotheus of Diospolis, Macarius, Heraclammon, Cronius, Myis, Jacobus, Ariston, Artemidorus, Phinees, Psais, Heraclides.

I Adamantius Bishop have subscribed this letter, Ischyras, Ammon, Peter, Ammonianus, Tyrannus, Taurinus, Sarapammon, Ælurion, Harpocration, Moses , Optatus, Anubion, Saprion, Apollonius, Ischyrion, Arbæthion, Potamon, Paphnutius, Heraclides, Theodorus, Agathammon, Gaius, Pistus, Athas, Nicon, Pelagius, Theon, Paninuthius, Nonnus, Ariston, Theodorus, Irenæus , Blastammon, Philippus, Apollos, Dioscorus, Timotheus of Diospolis, Macarius, Heraclammon, Cronius, Myis, Jacobus, Ariston, Artemidorus, Phinees, Psais, Heraclides.

Another letter from the same person.

Another from the same.

The Bishops of the Catholic Church who came from Egypt to Tyre, to the most illustrious Count Flavius Dionysius.

79. The Bishops of the Catholic Church who have come from Egypt to Tyre , to the most illustrious Count Flavius Dionysius.

We recognize that many conspiracies and plots are being formed against us through the schemes of Eusebius, Narcissus, Flacillus, Theognius, Maris, Theodorus, Patrophilus, and their associates (against whom we wanted at first to raise an objection, but were not allowed to do so). Therefore, we are forced to make this appeal. We also observe that great enthusiasm is being shown on behalf of the Meletians, and that a plot is being laid against the Catholic Church in Egypt through attacking us personally. For this reason, we present this letter to you, asking you to remember the Almighty Power of God, who protects the kingdom of our most religious and godly Emperor Constantine, and to reserve the hearing of the matters concerning us for the most religious Emperor himself. It is only reasonable, since you were commissioned by his Majesty, that you should reserve the matter for him when we appeal to his piety. We can no longer endure being the targets of the treacherous schemes of the previously mentioned Eusebius and his associates, and therefore we demand that the case be reserved for the most religious and God-beloved Emperor, before whom we will be able to present our own just claims and those of the Church. We are convinced that when his piety hears our case, he will not condemn us. Therefore, we again solemnly charge you by Almighty God and by our most religious Emperor, who together with the children of his piety has remained victorious and prosperous all these many years, that you proceed no further and do not allow yourselves to take any action in the Council regarding our affairs, but reserve the hearing of them for his piety. We have likewise made the same representations to my Lords the orthodox Bishops.

Perceiving that many conspiracies and plots are being formed against us through the machinations of Eusebius, Narcissus, Flacillus, Theognius, Maris, Theodorus, Patrophilus, and their fellows (against whom we wished at first to enter an objection, but were not permitted), we are constrained to have recourse to the present appeal. We observe also that great zeal is exerted in behalf of the Meletians , and that a plot is laid against the Catholic Church in Egypt in our persons . Wherefore we present this letter to you, beseeching you to bear in mind the Almighty Power of God , who defends the kingdom of our most religious and godly Emperor Constantine, and to reserve the hearing of the affairs which concern us for the most religious Emperor himself. For it is but reasonable, since you were commissioned by his Majesty, that you should reserve the matter for him upon our appealing to his piety . We can no longer endure to be the objects of the treacherous designs of the fore-mentioned Eusebius and his fellows, and therefore we demand that the case be reserved for the most religious and God-beloved Emperor, before whom we shall be able to set forth our own and the Church’s just claims. And we are convinced that when his piety shall have heard our cause , he will not condemn us. Wherefore we again adjure you by Almighty God , and by our most religious Emperor, who, together with the children of his piety , has thus ever been victorious and prosperous these many years, that you proceed no further, nor suffer yourselves to move at all in the Council in relation to our affairs, but reserve the hearing of them for his piety . We have likewise made the same representations to my Lords the orthodox Bishops.

Alexander, Bishop of Thessalonica, after receiving these letters, wrote the following to Count Dionysius.

80. Alexander , Bishop of Thessalonica, on receiving these letters, wrote to the Count Dionysius as follows.

Bishop Alexander to my master Dionysius.

The Bishop Alexander to my master Dionysius.

I can see that a conspiracy has clearly been formed against Athanasius. They have decided, on grounds I don’t understand, to send all those people to whom he has objected, without informing us, even though we had agreed to consider together who should be sent. Therefore, be careful that nothing is done rashly (for they came to me in great alarm, saying that the wild beasts have already stirred themselves up and are about to attack them; for they had heard reports that John had sent certain people), so that they don’t act before us and devise whatever schemes they want. For you know that the Colluthians who are enemies of the Church, and the Arians, and Meletians, are all allied together and are capable of doing much harm. Consider therefore what is best to be done, so that no trouble arises and we are blamed for not judging the matter fairly. There are also strong suspicions about these people, that since they are devoted to the Meletians, they might travel through those Churches whose Bishops are here and stir up alarm among them, and so throw all of Egypt into disorder. For they can see that this is already happening to a large extent.

I see that a conspiracy has evidently been formed against Athanasius; for they have determined, I know not on what grounds, to send all those to whom he has objected, without giving any information to us, although it was agreed that we should consider together who ought to be sent. Take care therefore that nothing be done rashly (for they have come to me in great alarm, saying that the wild beasts have already roused themselves, and are going to rush upon them; for they had heard it reported, that John had sent certain ), lest they be beforehand with us, and concoct what schemes they please. For you know that the Colluthians who are enemies of the Church , and the Arians , and Meletians , are all of them leagued together, and are able to work much evil . Consider therefore what is best to be done, lest some mischief arise, and we be subject to censure, as not having judged the matter fairly. Great suspicions are also entertained of these persons , lest, as being devoted to the Meletians , they should go through those Churches whose Bishops are here , and raise an alarm among them, and so disorder the whole of Egypt . For they see that this is already taking place to a great extent.

Therefore, Count Dionysius wrote the following letter to Eusebius and his associates.

Accordingly the Count Dionysius wrote to Eusebius and his fellows as follows.

I have already mentioned this to my lords Flacillus and his companions: Athanasius has come forward and complained that the very people he objected to have been sent, and he is crying out that he has been wronged and deceived. Alexander, the lord of my soul, has also written to me about this matter. So that you may see that what his Goodness has said is reasonable, I have attached his letter for you to read. Remember also what I wrote to you before: I urged your Goodness, my lords, that the people who were sent should be appointed by the general vote and decision of everyone. Therefore, be careful that our proceedings do not come under criticism and that we do not give legitimate grounds for blame to those who are inclined to find fault with us. Just as the accuser’s side should not suffer any injustice, neither should the defendant’s. And I think there is significant reason to blame us when my lord Alexander clearly disapproves of what we have done.

81. This is what I have already mentioned to my lords, Flacillus and his fellows, that Athanasius has come forward and complained that those very persons have been sent whom he objected to; and crying out that he has been wronged and deceived. Alexander the lord of my soul has also written to me on the subject; and that you may perceive that what his Goodness has said is reasonable, I have subjoined his letter to be read by you. Remember also what I wrote to you before: I impressed upon your Goodness, my lords, that the persons who were sent ought to be commissioned by the general vote and decision of all. Take care therefore lest our proceedings fall under censure, and we give just grounds of blame to those who are disposed to find fault with us. For as the accuser’s side ought not to suffer any oppression, so neither ought the defendant’s. And I think that there is no slight ground of blame against us, when my lord Alexander evidently disapproves of what we have done.

While these things were happening, we withdrew from them as from a gathering of treacherous men, just as described in Jeremiah 9:2, because they did whatever they pleased. Yet everyone in the world knows that legal proceedings held in someone’s absence cannot be considered valid. Divine law makes this clear. When the blessed Apostle was suffering under a similar conspiracy and was brought to trial, he demanded, saying, “The Jews from Asia ought to have been here before you, and object, if they had anything against me” (Acts 24:18-19). On that occasion, Festus also, when the Jews wanted to set such a trap against him as these men have now set against me, said, “It is not the manner of Romans to deliver any man to die, before the one who is accused has the accuser face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the crime charged against him” (Acts 25:16). But Eusebius and his associates had the audacity to pervert the law and have proved themselves more unjust even than those wrongdoers. They did not proceed privately at first, but when they found themselves weak because we were present, they immediately went out, just like the Jews, and took counsel together alone about how they might destroy us and bring in their heresy, just as those others demanded Barabbas. This was their purpose, as they themselves have confessed, for doing all these things.

82. While matters were proceeding thus we withdrew from them, as from an assembly of treacherous men Jeremiah 9:2 , for whatsoever they pleased they did, whereas there is no man in the world but knows that ex parte proceedings cannot stand good. This the divine law determines; for when the blessed Apostle was suffering under a similar conspiracy and was brought to trial, he demanded, saying, ‘The Jews from Asia ought to have been here before you, and object, if they had anything against me Acts 24:18-19 .’ On which occasion Festus also, when the Jews wished to lay such a plot against him, as these men have now laid against me, said, ‘It is not the manner of Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accuser face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him Acts 25:16 .’ But Eusebius and his fellows both had the boldness to pervert the law, and have proved more unjust even than those wrong-doers. For they did not proceed privately at the first, but when in consequence of our being present they found themselves weak, then they straightway went out, like the Jews , and took counsel together alone, how they might destroy us and bring in their heresy , as those others demanded Barabbas. For this purpose it was, as they have themselves confessed, that they did all these things.

Although these circumstances were sufficient for our defense, I felt it was necessary to repeat them again so that the wickedness of these men and the clarity of the truth might be more fully revealed. I wanted to show that they acted inconsistently with themselves, and like men scheming in darkness, they ended up attacking their own allies. While they tried to destroy us, they wounded themselves like insane people. In their investigation of the subject of the Mysteries, they questioned Jews and examined catechumens, asking them, “Where were you when Macarius came and overturned the Table?” They answered, “We were inside,” but there could be no offering if catechumens were present. Furthermore, although they had sent word everywhere that Macarius came and overturned everything while the presbyter was standing and celebrating the Mysteries, when they questioned whoever they wanted and asked, “Where was Ischyras when Macarius rushed in?” those people answered that he was lying sick in a cell. Well then, someone who was lying down was not standing, nor was someone lying sick in his cell offering the oblation. Besides, although Ischyras claimed that certain books had been burned by Macarius, those who were bribed to give evidence declared that nothing of the kind had happened and that Ischyras spoke falsely. Most remarkably, although they had again sent word everywhere that those who could give evidence had been hidden by us, these people appeared, and they questioned them. Yet they were not ashamed when it was proven on all sides that they were slanderers and were acting in this matter secretly and according to their own will. They prompted the witnesses by signs while the prefect threatened them and the soldiers jabbed them with their swords, but the Lord revealed the truth and showed them to be slanderers. They therefore concealed the records of their proceedings, which they kept for themselves, and ordered those who wrote them to hide them and give them to no one. But in this too they were disappointed, for the person who wrote them was Rufus, who is now public executioner in the Augustalian prefecture and can testify to the truth of this. Eusebius and his associates sent them to Rome by the hands of their own friends, and Julius the bishop transmitted them to me. Now they are furious because we obtained and read what they wished to conceal.

83. Although these circumstances were amply sufficient for our vindication, yet in order that the wickedness of these men and the freedom of the truth might be more fully exhibited, I have not felt averse to repeat them again, in order to show that they have acted in a manner inconsistently with themselves, and as men scheming in the dark have fallen foul of their own friends, and while they desired to destroy us have like insane persons wounded themselves. For in their investigation of the subject of the Mysteries, they questioned Jews , they examined Catechumens ; ‘Where were you,’ they said, ‘when Macarius came and overturned the Table?’ They answered, ‘We were within;’ whereas there could be no oblation if Catechumens were present. Again, although they had written word everywhere, that Macarius came and overthrew everything, while the Presbyter was standing and celebrating the Mysteries, yet when they questioned whomsoever they pleased, and asked them, ‘Where was Ischyras when Macarius rushed in?’ those persons answered that he was lying sick in a cell. Well, then, he that was lying was not standing, nor was he that lay sick in his cell offering the oblation. Besides whereas Ischyras said that certain books had been burnt by Macarius, they who were suborned to give evidence, declared that nothing of the kind had been done, but that Ischyras spoke falsely . And what is most remarkable, although they had again written word everywhere, that those who were able to give evidence had been concealed by us, yet these persons made their appearance, and they questioned them, and were not ashamed when they saw it proved on all sides that they were slanderers, and were acting in this matter clandestinely, and according to their pleasure. For they prompted the witnesses by signs, while the Prefect threatened them, and the soldiers pricked them with their swords; but the Lord revealed the truth , and showed them to be slanderers. Therefore also they concealed the minutes of their proceedings, which they retained themselves, and charged those who wrote them to put out of sight, and to commit to no one whomsoever. But in this also they were disappointed; for the person who wrote them was Rufus, who is now public executioner in the Augustalian prefecture, and is able to testify to the truth of this; and Eusebius and his fellows sent them to Rome by the hands of their own friends, and Julius the Bishop transmitted them to me. And now they are mad, because we obtained and read what they wished to conceal.

Since this was the nature of their scheming, they very quickly revealed the real reasons for their actions. When they left, they brought the Arians with them to Jerusalem and admitted them to communion there. They also sent out a letter about them, of which the following is a portion, beginning as follows.

84. As such was the character of their machinations, so they very soon showed plainly the reasons of their conduct. For when they went away, they took the Arians with them to Jerusalem, and there admitted them to communion, having sent out a letter concerning them, part of which, and the beginning, is as follows.

The holy Council assembled by the grace of God at Jerusalem, to the Church of God in Alexandria, and to the bishops, presbyters, and deacons in all Egypt, the Thebais, Libya, Pentapolis, and throughout the world, sends greetings in the Lord.

The holy Council by the grace of God assembled at Jerusalem, to the Church of God which is in Alexandria , and to the Bishops, Presbyters , and Deacons, in all Egypt , the Thebais, Libya, Pentapolis, and throughout the world, sends health in the Lord.

Having come together from different provinces to a great meeting which we held for the consecration of the Martyry of the Savior, which has been dedicated to the service of God the King of all and of His Christ, through the zeal of our most God-beloved Emperor Constantine, the grace of God has given us more abundant rejoicing of heart. Our most God-beloved Emperor himself has brought us this joy through his letters, in which he has stirred us up to do what is right, putting away all envy from the Church of God and driving far from us all malice by which the members of God have previously been torn apart, and that we should with simple and peaceable minds receive Arius and his companions, whom envy, that enemy of all goodness, has caused for a time to be excluded from the Church. Our most religious Emperor has also testified in his letter to the correctness of their faith, which he has learned from them directly, himself receiving their profession of it from them by word of mouth, and has now made it known to us by attaching to his own letters the men’s orthodox opinion in writing.

Having come together out of different Provinces to a great meeting which we have held for the consecration of the Martyry of the Saviour , which has been appointed to the service of God the King of all and of His Christ, by the zeal of our most God-beloved Emperor Constantine, the grace of God has afforded us more abundant rejoicing of heart; which our most God-beloved Emperor himself has occasioned us by his letters, wherein he has stirred us up to do that which is right, putting away all envy from the Church of God , and driving far from us all malice , by which the members of God have been heretofore torn asunder, and that we should with simple and peaceable minds receive Arius and his fellows, whom envy , that enemy of all goodness, has caused for a season to be excluded from the Church . Our most religious Emperor has also in his letter testified to the correctness of their faith , which he has ascertained from themselves, himself receiving the profession of it from them by word of mouth, and has now made manifest to us by subjoining to his own letters the men’s orthodox opinion in writing.

Every person who hears about these events must see through their treachery. They made no attempt to hide what they were doing—unless perhaps they confessed the truth without meaning to. For if I was the obstacle preventing Arius and his companions from being admitted into the Church, and if they were received while I was suffering from their plots, what other conclusion can be drawn except that these things were done on their account? All their proceedings against me—the story they fabricated about the breaking of the cup and the murder of Arsenius—were for the sole purpose of introducing impiety into the Church and preventing them from being condemned as heretics. This was what the Emperor had previously threatened in his letters to me. They were not ashamed to write as they did and to claim that those persons whom the whole Ecumenical Council anathematized held orthodox sentiments. Just as they undertook to say and do anything without scruple, so they were not afraid to meet together in a corner in order to overthrow, as far as they were able, the authority of so great a Council.

85. Every one that hears of these things must see through their treachery. For they made no concealment of what they were doing; unless perhaps they confessed the truth without wishing it. For if I was the hindrance to the admittance of Arius and his fellows into the Church , and if they were received while I was suffering from their plots, what other conclusion can be arrived at, than that these things were done on their account, and that all their proceedings against me, and the story which they fabricated about the breaking of the cup and the murder of Arsenius, were for the sole purpose of introducing impiety into the Church , and of preventing their being condemned as heretics ? For this was what the Emperor threatened formerly in his letters to me. And they were not ashamed to write in the manner they did, and to affirm that those persons whom the whole Ecumenical Council anathematized held orthodox sentiments. And as they undertook to say and do anything without scruple, so they were not afraid to meet together ‘in a corner,’ in order to overthrow, as far as was in their power, the authority of so great a Council.

Furthermore, the price they paid for false testimony reveals their wickedness and impious intentions even more fully. The Mareotis, as I have already said, is a country district of Alexandria in which there has never been either a bishop or a chorepiscopus. Rather, the churches of the whole district are subject to the bishop of Alexandria, and each presbyter has under his charge one of the largest villages, of which there are about ten or more. Now the village in which Ischyras lives is a very small one and has so few inhabitants that there has never been a church built there, but only in the neighboring village. Nevertheless, they decided, contrary to ancient usage, to nominate a bishop for this place, and not only that, but even to appoint someone who was not even a presbyter. Knowing as they did how unusual such a proceeding was, yet being forced by the promises they had given in return for his false accusation against me, they submitted even to this, lest that abandoned person, if they treated him ungratefully, should reveal the truth and thereby expose the wickedness of Eusebius and his associates. Despite this, he has no church, nor a people to obey him, but is despised by them all like a dog, although they have even caused the emperor to write to the Receiver-General (for everything is in their power), commanding that a church should be built for him, so that having that, his statement about the cup and the table may appear credible. They also caused him immediately to be nominated a bishop, because if he had no church and was not even a presbyter, he would appear to be a false accuser and a fabricator of the whole matter. At any rate he has no people, and even his own relatives are not obedient to him, and just as the title which he retains is an empty one, so also the following letter is ineffectual, which he keeps, displaying it as an exposure of the utter wickedness of himself and of Eusebius and his associates.

Moreover, the price which they paid for false testimony yet more fully manifests their wickedness and impious intentions. The Mareotis, as I have already said, is a country district of Alexandria, in which there has never been either a Bishop or a Chorepiscopus ; but the Churches of the whole district are subject to the Bishop of Alexandria, and each Presbyter has under his charge one of the largest villages, which are about ten or more in number. Now the village in which Ischyras lives is a very small one, and possesses so few inhabitants, that there has never been a church built there, but only in the adjoining village. Nevertheless, they determined, contrary to ancient usage , to nominate a Bishop for this place, and not only so, but even to appoint one, who was not so much as a Presbyter. Knowing as they did the unusual nature of such a proceeding, yet being constrained by the promises they had given in return for his false impeachment of me, they submitted even to this, lest that abandoned person, if he were ungratefully treated by them, should disclose the truth , and thereby show the wickedness of Eusebius and his fellows. Notwithstanding this he has no church, nor a people to obey him, but is scouted by them all, like a dog , although they have even caused the Emperor to write to the Receiver-General (for everything is in their power), commanding that a church should be built for him, that being possessed of that, his statement may appear credible about the cup and the table. They caused him immediately to be nominated a Bishop also, because if he were without a church, and not even a Presbyter, he would appear to be a false accuser, and a fabricator of the whole matter. At any rate he has no people, and even his own relations are not obedient to him, and as the name which he retains is an empty one, so also the following letter is ineffectual, which he keeps, making a display of it as an exposure of the utter wickedness of himself and of Eusebius and his fellows.

The Letter of the Tax Collector.

The Letter of the Receiver-General.

Flavius Hemerius sends greetings to the Tax-collector of the Mareotis.

Flavius Hemerius sends health to the Tax-collector of the Mareotis.

Ischyras the Presbyter petitioned the piety of our Lords, the Augusti and Caesars, requesting that a church be built in the district of Irene, which belongs to Secontarurus. Their divinity has ordered that this be done as quickly as possible. Therefore, as soon as you receive the copy of the sacred Edict, which is placed above with all due reverence, and the Reports that have been drawn up before my devotion, make sure that you promptly prepare a summary of them and transfer them to the Order book, so that the sacred command may be carried out.

Ischyras the Presbyter having petitioned the piety of our Lords, Augusti and Cæsars, that a Church might be built in the district of Irene, belonging to Secontarurus , their divinity has commanded that this should be done as soon as possible. Take care therefore, as soon as you receive the copy of the sacred Edict, which with all due veneration is placed above, and the Reports which have been formed before my devotion, that you quickly make an abstract of them, and transfer them to the Order book, so that the sacred command may be put in execution.

While they were plotting and scheming in this way, I went to the Emperor and reported the unjust conduct of Eusebius and his associates, since it was he who had ordered the Council to be held, and his Count presided over it. When the Emperor heard my account, he was deeply disturbed and wrote to them the following letter.

86. While they were thus plotting and scheming, I went up and represented to the Emperor the unjust conduct of Eusebius and his fellows, for he it was who had commanded the Council to be held, and his Count presided at it. When he heard my report, he was greatly moved, and wrote to them as follows.

Constantine, Victor, Maximus, Augustus, to the Bishops assembled at Tyre.

Constantine, Victor , Maximus, Augustus, to the Bishops assembled at Tyre .

I do not know what decisions you have reached in your Council amid noise and tumult, but somehow the truth seems to have been distorted as a result of certain confusion and disorder, because you, through your mutual contentiousness which you are determined to maintain, have failed to discern what is pleasing to God. However, it will rest with Divine Providence to scatter the troubles that clearly arise from this contentious spirit, and to show us plainly whether you, while assembled in that place, have had any regard for the truth, and whether you have made your decisions without being influenced by either favor or enmity. Therefore I wish all of you to assemble as quickly as possible before my piety so that you may give in person a true account of your proceedings.

I know not what the decisions are which you have arrived at in your Council amidst noise and tumult: but somehow the truth seems to have been perverted in consequence of certain confusions and disorders, in that you, through your mutual contentiousness, which you are resolved should prevail, have failed to perceive what is pleasing to God . However, it will rest with Divine Providence to disperse the mischiefs which manifestly are found to arise from this contentious spirit, and to show plainly to us, whether you, while assembled in that place, have had any regard for the truth , and whether you have made your decisions uninfluenced by either favour or enmity. Wherefore I wish you all to assemble with all speed before my piety in order that you may render in person a true account of your proceedings.

I want to explain to you why I’ve decided to write to you this way and why I’m summoning you by letter. As I was recently entering our blessed city of Constantinople, which bears our name (I happened to be on horseback at the time), Bishop Athanasius suddenly approached me in the middle of the road with some companions. He appeared so unexpectedly that I was quite astonished. God, who knows all things, is my witness that I wouldn’t have been able to recognize him at first sight if some of my attendants hadn’t told me who he was and what injustice he was suffering, after I naturally asked them. However, I didn’t speak with him at that time or grant him an audience. When he asked to be heard, I refused and almost ordered him removed. But with growing boldness he asked for only this one thing: that you be summoned to appear so that he might present his complaint about his mistreatment before me in your presence. Since this seemed to me a reasonable request and appropriate for the circumstances, I gladly ordered this letter to be written to you. This is so that all of you who formed the Council that met at Tyre might come without delay to my court, to prove through your actions that you passed a fair and honest judgment. You must do this before me, whom even you cannot deny is a true servant of God.

The reason why I have thought good to write thus to you, and why I summon you before me by letter, you will learn from what I am going to say. As I was entering on a late occasion our all- happy home of Constantinople, which bears our name (I chanced at the time to be on horseback), on a sudden the Bishop Athanasius, with certain others whom he had with him, approached me in the middle of the road, so unexpectedly, as to occasion me much amazement. God , who knows all things, is my witness , that I should have been unable at first sight even to recognise him, had not some of my attendants, on my naturally inquiring of them, informed me both who it was, and under what injustice he was suffering. I did not however enter into any conversation with him at that time, nor grant him an interview; but when he requested to be heard I was refusing, and all but gave orders for his removal; when with increasing boldness he claimed only this favour, that you should be summoned to appear, that he might have an opportunity of complaining before me in your presence, of the ill-treatment he has met with. As this appeared to me to be a reasonable request, and suitable to the times, I willingly ordered this letter to be written to you, in order that all of you, who constituted the Council which was held at Tyre , might hasten without delay to the Court of my clemency, so as to prove by facts that you had passed an impartial and uncorrupt judgment. This, I say, you must do before me, whom not even you will deny to be a true servant of God .

Because of my devotion to God, peace is maintained everywhere, and the Name of God is truly worshipped even by the barbarians, who until now have been ignorant of the truth. And it is clear that whoever is ignorant of the truth does not know God either. Nevertheless, as I said before, even the barbarians have now come to the knowledge of God through me, His true servant, and have learned to fear Him whom they recognize from actual experience to be my shield and protector everywhere. And from this especially they have come to know God, whom they fear through the dread they have of me. But we, who are supposed to set forth (for I will not say to guard) the holy mysteries of His Goodness, we are engaged in nothing but what leads to dissension and hatred, and, in short, whatever contributes to the destruction of humanity. But hurry, as I said before, and all of you come to us with all speed, being convinced that I will try with all my might to correct what is wrong, so that those things especially may be preserved and firmly established in the law of God to which no blame or dishonor may attach; while the enemies of the law, who under pretense of His holy Name bring in manifold and various blasphemies, shall be scattered abroad, completely crushed, and utterly destroyed.

For indeed through my devotion to God , peace is preserved everywhere, and the Name of God is truly worshipped even by the barbarians, who have hitherto been ignorant of the truth . And it is manifest, that he who is ignorant of the truth , does not know God either. Nevertheless, as I said before, even the barbarians have now come to the knowledge of God , by means of me, His true servant , and have learned to fear Him Whom they perceive from actual facts to be my shield and protector everywhere. And from this chiefly they have come to know God , Whom they fear through the dread which they have of me. But we, who are supposed to set forth (for I will not say to guard) the holy mysteries of His Goodness, we, I say, engage in nothing but what tends to dissension and hatred , and, in short, whatever contributes to the destruction of mankind . But hasten, as I said before, and all of you with all speed come to us, being persuaded that I shall endeavour with all my might to amend what is amiss, so that those things specially may be preserved and firmly established in the law of God , to which no blame nor dishonour may attach; while the enemies of the law, who under pretence of His holy Name bring in manifold and various blasphemies , shall be scattered abroad, and entirely crushed, and utterly destroyed.

When Eusebius and his associates read this letter, being conscious of what they had done, they prevented the rest of the bishops from going up, and only they themselves went—namely Eusebius, Theognius, Patrophilus, the other Eusebius, Ursacius, and Valens. They no longer said anything about the cup and Arsenius, for they did not have the boldness to do so. Instead, they invented another accusation that concerned the Emperor himself, and declared before him that Athanasius had threatened to withhold the grain shipment that was sent from Alexandria to his own city. The bishops Adamantius, Anubion, Agathammon, Arbethion, and Peter were present and heard this. This was proved also by the Emperor’s anger, for although he had written the preceding letter and had condemned their injustice, as soon as he heard such a charge as this, he was immediately enraged, and instead of granting me a hearing, he sent me away into Gaul. And this again shows their wickedness further, for when the younger Constantine, of blessed memory, sent me back home, remembering what his father had written, he also wrote as follows.

87. When Eusebius and his fellows read this letter, being conscious of what they had done, they prevented the rest of the Bishops from going up, and only themselves went, viz. Eusebius, Theognius, Patrophilus, the other Eusebius, Ursacius, and Valens. And they no longer said anything about the cup and Arsenius (for they had not the boldness to do so), but inventing another accusation which concerned the Emperor himself, they declared before him, that Athanasius had threatened that he would cause the grain to be withheld which was sent from Alexandria to his own home. The Bishops Adamantius, Anubion, Agathammon, Arbethion, and Peter, were present and heard this. It was proved also by the anger of the Emperor; for although he had written the preceding letter, and had condemned their injustice , as soon as he heard such a charge as this, he was immediately incensed, and instead of granting me a hearing, he sent me away into Gaul . And this again shows their wickedness further; for when the younger Constantine, of blessed memory, sent me back home, remembering what his father had written , he also wrote as follows.

Constantine Caesar, to the people of the Catholic Church of the city of Alexandria.

Constantine Cæsar, to the people of the Catholic Church of the city of Alexandria.

I assume it has not escaped the knowledge of your devout minds that Athanasius, the interpreter of the divine Law, was sent away to Gaul for a time. The intent was that, since the cruelty of his bloodthirsty and longstanding enemies pursued him to the point of endangering his sacred life, he might thus avoid suffering some irreparable harm through the wicked actions of those evil men. To escape this danger, he was rescued from the jaws of his attackers and was ordered to spend some time under my government. He was provided abundantly with all necessities in this city where he lived, although indeed his well-known virtue, relying entirely on divine help, disregards the sufferings brought by misfortune. Now seeing that it was the firm intention of our master Constantine Augustus, my father, to restore the said bishop to his own place and to your most beloved devotion, but he was taken away by that fate common to all people and went to his rest before he could accomplish his wish, I have thought it proper to fulfill that intention of the emperor of sacred memory which I have inherited from him. When he comes to present himself before you, you will learn with what respect he has been treated. Indeed it is not surprising, whatever I have done on his behalf, for the thoughts of your longing desire for him and the presence of so great a man moved my soul and urged me to act. May divine Providence continually preserve you, beloved brethren.

I suppose that it has not escaped the knowledge of your pious minds, that Athanasius, the interpreter of the adorable Law, was sent away into Gaul for a time, with the intent that, as the savageness of his bloodthirsty and inveterate enemies persecuted him to the hazard of his sacred life, he might thus escape suffering some irremediable calamity, through the perverse dealing of those evil men. In order therefore to escape this, he was snatched out of the jaws of his assailants, and was ordered to pass some time under my government, and so was supplied abundantly with all necessaries in this city, where he lived, although indeed his celebrated virtue , relying entirely on divine assistance, sets at nought the sufferings of adverse fortune. Now seeing that it was the fixed intention of our master Constantine Augustus, my Father, to restore the said Bishop to his own place, and to your most beloved piety , but he was taken away by that fate which is common to all men , and went to his rest before he could accomplish his wish; I have thought proper to fulfil that intention of the Emperor of sacred memory which I have inherited from him. When he comes to present himself before you, you will learn with what reverence he has been treated. Indeed it is not wonderful, whatever I have done on his behalf; for the thoughts of your longing desire for him, and the appearance of so great a man , moved my soul , and urged me thereto. May Divine Providence continually preserve you, beloved brethren.

Dated from Trier, June 17th.

Dated from Treveri the 15th before the Calends of July.

This being the reason why I was sent away into Gaul, who, I ask again, does not clearly see the Emperor’s intention and the murderous spirit of Eusebius and his associates, and that the Emperor had done this to prevent them from forming some more desperate plot? For he listened to them in innocence. Such were the practices of Eusebius and his associates, and such were their schemes against me. Who that has witnessed them will deny that nothing has been done in my favor out of bias, but that that great number of bishops, both individually and collectively, wrote as they did on my behalf and condemned the lies of my enemies justly and in accordance with the truth? Who that has observed such proceedings as these will deny that Valens and Ursacius had good reason to condemn themselves and to write as they did, to accuse themselves when they repented, choosing rather to suffer shame for a short time than to undergo the punishment of false accusers forever and ever?

88. This being the reason why I was sent away into Gaul , who, I ask again, does not plainly perceive the intention of the Emperor, and the murderous spirit of Eusebius and his fellows, and that the Emperor had done this in order to prevent their forming some more desperate scheme? For he listened to them in simplicity. Such were the practices of Eusebius and his fellows, and such their machinations against me. Who that has witnessed them will deny that nothing has been done in my favour out of partiality, but that that great number of Bishops both individually and collectively wrote as they did in my behalf and condemned the falsehood of my enemies justly , and in accordance with the truth ? Who that has observed such proceedings as these will deny that Valens and Ursacius had good reason to condemn themselves, and to write as they did, to accuse themselves when they repented, choosing rather to suffer shame for a short time, than to undergo the punishment of false accusers for ever and ever ?

Therefore my blessed fellow-ministers, acting justly and according to the laws of the Church, while certain people claimed that my case was uncertain and tried to force them to overturn the verdict passed in my favor, have now endured every kind of suffering and have chosen rather to be exiled than to see the judgment of so many bishops reversed. Now if those true bishops had only opposed with words those who plotted against me and wanted to undo everything done on my behalf, or if they had been ordinary men and not the bishops of famous cities and leaders of great churches, there would have been reason to suspect that in this instance they too had acted out of rivalry and to please me. But when they not only tried to persuade through argument but also endured exile, and one of them is Liberius, Bishop of Rome (for although he did not endure the sufferings of exile to the end, he still remained in his banishment for two years, being aware of the conspiracy formed against us), and since there is also the great Hosius, together with the bishops of Italy and of Gaul and others from Spain and from Egypt and Libya and all those from Pentapolis (for although for a short time, through fear of Constantius’s threats, he seemed not to resist them, yet the great violence and tyrannical power exercised by Constantius and the many insults and beatings inflicted upon him proved that it was not because he abandoned my cause but through the weakness of old age, being unable to bear the beatings, that he gave in to them for a time), therefore I say it is entirely right that everyone, being fully convinced, should hate and detest the injustice and violence they have used toward me, especially since it is well known that I have suffered these things on account of nothing else but the Arian heresy.

89. Wherefore also my blessed fellow-ministers, acting justly and according to the laws of the Church , while certain affirmed that my case was doubtful, and endeavoured to compel them to annul the sentence which was passed in my favour, have now endured all manner of sufferings, and have chosen rather to be banished than to see the judgment of so many Bishops reversed. Now if those genuine Bishops had withstood by words only those who plotted against me, and wished to undo all that had been done in my behalf; or if they had been ordinary men, and not the Bishops of illustrious cities, and the heads of great Churches, there would have been room to suspect that in this instance they too had acted contentiously and in order to gratify me. But when they not only endeavoured to convince by argument, but also endured banishment, and one of them is Liberius , Bishop of Rome , (for although he did not endure to the end the sufferings of banishment, yet he remained in his exile for two years, being aware of conspiracy formed against us), and since there is also the great Hosius, together with the Bishops of Italy , and of Gaul , and others from Spain , and from Egypt , and Libya, and all those from Pentapolis (for although for a little while, through fear of the threats of Constantius, he seemed not to resist them yet the great violence and tyrannical power exercised by Constantius, and the many insults and stripes inflicted upon him, proved that it was not because he gave up my cause , but through the weakness of old age, being unable to bear the stripes, that he yielded to them for a season), therefore I say, it is altogether right that all, as being fully convinced, should hate and abominate the injustice and the violence which they have used towards me; especially as it is well known that I have suffered these things on account of nothing else but the Arian impiety.

If anyone wants to understand my case and the falsehood of Eusebius and his associates, let him read what has been written on my behalf and hear the witnesses—not just one, two, or three, but that large number of bishops. And again, let him pay attention to the witnesses of these events: Liberius, Hosius, and their colleagues, who when they saw the attacks being made against us, chose to endure all kinds of sufferings rather than abandon the truth and the judgment that had been pronounced in our favor. They did this with an honorable and righteous purpose, for what they suffered proves how desperate the situation was for the other bishops. Their actions stand as memorials and records against the Arian heresy and the wickedness of false accusers, and they provide an example and model for those who come after, to contend for the truth even to death, and to reject the Arian heresy which fights against Christ and is a forerunner of Antichrist, and not to believe those who try to speak against me. For the defense that was presented and the verdict given by so many bishops of high character are trustworthy and sufficient testimony on our behalf.

90. Now if anyone wishes to become acquainted with my case, and the falsehood of Eusebius and his fellows, let him read what has been written in my behalf, and let him hear the witnesses, not one, or two, or three, but that great number of Bishops; and again let him attend to the witnesses of these proceedings, Liberius and Hosius, and their fellows, who when they saw the attempts made against us, chose rather to endure all manner of sufferings than to give up the truth , and the judgment which had been pronounced in our favour. And this they did with an honourable and righteous intention, for what they suffered proves to what straits the other Bishops were reduced. And they are memorials and records against the Arian heresy , and the wickedness of false accusers, and afford a pattern and model for those who come after, to contend for the truth unto death Sirach 4:28 , and to abominate the Arian heresy which fights against Christ , and is a forerunner of Antichrist , and not to believe those who attempt to speak against me. For the defense put forth, and the sentence given, by so many Bishops of high character, are a trustworthy and sufficient testimony in our behalf.