Ecclesiastical History

 The emperor, on the one hand, was strengthened by the divine and wondrous vision. And when night came, in his sleep he sees Christ telling him to cons

 and living more fearlessly, he gathered the church and once, when the presbyters under him and the rest of the clergy were present, he theologized ra

 is of things made and created but Word and Wisdom by an abuse of terms, since He was Himself made by God's own Word and by the Wisdom which is in God

 at the perdition of these men, and especially because they, who had once themselves learned the things of the Church, have now deserted. But we are no

 The Arian question. And Meletius with his followers, took part with Arius, forming a faction with him against the bishop. And as many as found the doc

 is believed but that I may remind your understanding with a small example, I will speak. You know indeed the philosophers themselves, how they all ag

 to the better. 1.8 Concerning the Synod held in Nicaea of Bithynia, and concerning the faith set forth there. Such then were the wonderful and wisdom-

 Against these Athanasius contended nobly, a deacon of the church of the Alexandrians and Alexander the bishop held him in great honor for which reas

 published by laymen and those knowing nothing and the one whom he calls a wise and truthful witness, his words he willingly overlooks. For Eusebius s

 to the presbytery, and in the episcopate itself we both believed and taught, so also now believing, we offer our faith to you. And it is this: We bel

 to be of his substance. Therefore we ourselves also agree with this understanding, not refusing the term homoousios, having the goal of peace before

 saying of God from non-existing things, and there was a time when He was not, and saying the Son of God is susceptible to vice and virtue by his o

 makes clear in the letter of the synod, that they not only anathematized Arius and those of like opinion with him, but also the expressions of his doc

 he calls the opinion of those gathered there, and does not disbelieve that the unanimity of so many and so great bishops came about by the Holy Spirit

 it is most absurd for them to boast that we were not able to keep these things without their teaching. And what will they be able to think aright, who

 at the present time, as the unholy will and tyranny persecutes the servants of God the Savior, I have believed and have accurately persuaded myself, t

 may the souls of us all become more zealous for the holy law with prudence and like-minded eagerness. Since I think this is clear to all, I especially

 but to await it from God, who is able and has authority to forgive sins. When Acesius said this, the emperor replied, Place a ladder, O Acesius, and

 And not long after she departed this life. After a time the one who made the deposit came and not finding the virgin, he engages with her father, now

 Vicentius, presbyters Alexander of Egypt Eustathius of great Antioch Macarius of Jerusalem Harpocration of Cynon ” and of the rest whose full nam

 a commemoration of Bishop Peter was being celebrated. Then indeed Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria, passing by, saw the game being played and havi

 he prepared, believing that the woman would be healed by touching the precious cross and he was not disappointed in his hope for when the two crosse

 he ordered to be built in Heliopolis of Phoenicia, for such a reason: the Heliopolitans, what kind of lawgiver they had from the beginning I cannot sa

 having survived their youth, they bring [them] as a gift to the king of the Indians. And he, pleased with the appearance of the young men, appointed o

 Immediately the sick woman was healed and gave thanks to the woman. But she said, The work is not mine, but Christ's, who is the Son of God, who made

 An abundance of good things occurred at the same time during the reign of Constantine the emperor. 1.22 Concerning Manes, the founder of the heresy of

 What is the reason, for which the good God allows this to happen, whether wishing to exercise the good dogmas of the church, and to cut off the arroga

 in Antioch, which deposed Eustathius the bishop of Antioch on account of which, when a sedition arose, the city was almost overthrown. Therefore, hav

 that he had come in person, to agree with these things, and was being unreasonably slandered on account of them. What was said by the presbyter seemed

 turned him aside), again attempted to disturb Alexandria by introducing the heresy. Then indeed the party of Eusebius both wrote themselves, and induc

 to the altar he overturned the table, and broke a mystical chalice and that he burned the sacred books. Therefore, as I said, they promised him the b

 again he asks: Is this the one who has lost his hand? And they were astonished at the strange event, except for those who knew where the cut-off han

 that Arius, through repentance having recognized the truth, as being henceforth of the church, was rightly and henceforth received by them, hinting at

 the enemies of the law having been completely destroyed, who under the pretext of the holy name introduce various and different blasphemies. 1.35 That

 the people of Alexandria being distressed both at the return of Arius and those with him, and because their bishop Athanasius had been sent into exile

 he attached himself more to Christianity, and said that the faith of Nicaea was truly witnessed by God, and he rejoiced at what had happened and over

 the emperor's letters, but only the bare facts, so that the history, by not becoming too long, would not make the readers sluggish. But since for your

 with men set against him, was commanded to live under my care in such a way that in this city where he was staying he would abound in all necessities,

 The Emperor Constantius expels Paul, the bishop who had been appointed and he entrusted the bishopric of the city of Constantine to Eusebius, who was

 of Placitus and Narcissus to be brought down to Emesa and again to endure censure as holding the opinions of Sabellius. And George went through the m

 Jesus Christ commanded his disciples, saying, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

 Then indeed, ardently establishing the Arian religion, they stirred up no ordinary wars against the churches, one of which was that which took place t

 they drove from the churches. These things the bishops of the East sent to Julius, bishop of Rome. But when Athanasius was entering Alexandria, a dist

 there was no progress, a violent pushing was attempted by the soldiers. And since the crowd, being pressed together because of the narrow space, was n

 Narcissus the Cilician, and Theodore the Thracian, and Maris of Chalcedon, and Mark the Syrian who, when they arrived, by no means deigned to enter i

 or from another substance, and not from God, and that there was once a time or an age when he was not, the holy catholic church knows to be foreign. L

 having revealed to men, and reigning for endless ages, for Christ has not received any new dignity but we have believed him to be perfect from the be

 to receive the end of an ecumenical council, teaching that the depositions were taking place for the destruction of the faith. Therefore, another ecum

 The men of the church have often used this expression, and others that signify the economy of the humanity of our Savior. And indeed, before all these

 in a way that indicates the evangelical preaching. And he who says, Create in me a clean heart, O God, did not say this as if he did not have a hear

 of the language is as follows: A letter of Constantius to Athanasius. Constantius Victor Augustus to Athanasius the bishop. The philanthropy of our cl

 from me, these things your faith anticipated and the object of the common prayer of you all has been fulfilled according to the grace of Christ. I re

 being prompted by the device of the Arians and says to him: “You have indeed received back your throne by the vote of the synod and with our consent

 be diligent to maintain a seemly and pleasing concord and peace, enduring according to the ordinance of the church. For it is not reasonable that any

 to shun those who followed Arianism, but to embrace those who confessed the homoousion. In some of the churches he also performed ordinations and t

 Theodulus and Olympius, who presided over churches in Thrace. But what was decreed by the emperor did not escape Athanasius but having foreseen it, h

 finding them praying—for most of them had by this time departed on account of the hour—he perpetrated such deeds as ought to have been done by them. F

 Gregory, as I have said before, and Basil who presided over the church in Ancyra after Marcellus was expelled, Pancratius of Pelusium, Hypatianus of H

 by the denial of the only-begotten God before the ages, should understand it in a Jewish manner, let him be anathema. If anyone, hearing, The Word wa

 to be remembered at all, nor to expound on these things to the church for this cause and for this reason, that in the divine scriptures it is not writ

 of necessity to the dictations then issued, both agreed and subscribed. And the things that then happened in Sirmium have such an end. However, the em

 he proclaimed, and he ordered some of the eastern bishops to hasten to Italy and at the same time he prepared those of the western parts to go also.

 they said it was a complaint against Athanasius, but that they were devising these things for the subversion of the faith.” When they had shouted such

 having conversed with the disciples, and having fulfilled the whole economy according to the Father's will, having been crucified, and died, and desce

 primarily indeed concerning the coming of our Savior and consequently concerning the things that would befall Israel and the gentiles and the times

 not only this, but also the other heresies were condemned in which indeed both to add anything is treacherous, and to take away is perilous so that

 may nothing of what previously existed be lacking nor be in excess, but may all things remain unbroken, preserved from the piety of your father even t

 he permitted to act with boldness against the churches, and he ordered the edition of the creed read out at Ariminum to be sent out to the churches ar

 of people in their prime I shall set before the hearers. For of the women who would not consent to partake of the mysteries, they put their breasts in

 adds to the evils which he had done. For having learned that in the nation of the Paphlagonians there were very many of the Novatian religion, and esp

 command. Lauricius, the commander of the troops in Isauria, had also been ordered to be present, to assist the bishops if it should be necessary. Havi

 Basil of Ancyra. Since, then, both had come together in the same place, again those around Acacius were unwilling to meet, saying, It is necessary fi

 there is an exposition of the faith, the precision of the truth will fail us.» These things Sophronius said but I say, that if from the beginning b

 the bishops summoned Acacius and his party, as we mentioned a little before, so that after investigating the charges they might issue a common vote. F

 of the resurrection in the glory of the Father, that he may render to each according to his works. And in the Holy Spirit, which the only-begotten of

 in the synod he did many things contrary to the ecclesiastical canons. For he dogmatized, “He forbade to marry, and to abstain from foods ” and throug

 of those who from the beginning held the 'homoousion' not being willing to have communion with them, because Meletius had received his ordination by t

 He persecuted those in Alexandria who did not hold his opinions. He was also harsh to the people of the city for he was hated by the majority. And in

 Let those who are well-known seek a pomp of phrasing, as it is fitting that the account of such a one not be inferior to him about whom the account is

 by changing places he was saved. But at last the emperor’s wife Eusebia, having found him in hiding, persuades the emperor to do him no harm, but to a

 having confiscated his property, he exiled him. And he knew clearly that the Hellenists were annoyed, because they were prevented from sacrificing an

 was being cleansed, an inner shrine was found at a great depth, in which the mysteries of the Hellenes were hidden. These were many skulls of men, bot

 and they make cruelty against them an accessory to their power. Compare, therefore, this letter of mine with the one I sent a little while ago and no

 This has long seemed so to the men of the church. For they did not devise some new religion and introduce it into the church, but what from the beginn

 of the Holy Trinity it is possible to understand what has been said let the ineffable be worshiped in silence.” So much then from Evagrius, about who

 For in the law there was a command, that cities of refuge should also be set apart, in order that those sought for death might by some means be able

 gave himself up to those plotting against him ..... Thus also the blessed martyrs kept watch during the persecutions from time to time and when perse

 having altered it, introduced unlike in substance and both were lawless. For some disorderly wove together the distinct hypostases of the Father an

 were Christians in opinion, and all those who preferred money and honor here to true happiness, without any delay inclined towards sacrificing. One of

 The governor being extremely angry at what had happened, and being eager to put to death many of the innocent people in the city, the perpetrators of

 he has made it manifest for the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made

 a very superstitious emperor, and constantly sacrificing bulls at the altars of the idols, had ordered an altar and a bull to be stamped on his own co

 he inquired of them, for what reason, though the Mosaic law commanded sacrifice, they abstained. And when they said they were not able to do this else

 The Romans, therefore, blamed the emperor, because he had not advantageously withdrawn from the battle nevertheless they dealt with the present circu

 words of the sophist Libanius. But I say that he became an excellent sophist and I know that if he were not of the same religion as the emperor, he w

 in no way better than these, treading on each other, and not stable, nor proceeding in an orderly course of education. Why should I write of each part

 they stoned to death, as one who lies against God.” Then, proceeding a little further, he says, “O nursling of demons, and disciple of demons, and ass

 bishops, but who had not managed to be recalled by Julian. At that time indeed all the temples of the Greeks were shut and they themselves hid, one i

 by Lamydrion the presbyter, Sabinianus of Zeugma, Athanasius of Ancyra by Orphitus and Aetius, presbyters, Eirenion of Gaza, Pison of Augusta, Patrici

 knowing men for public service, he removed no one from the military, just as Jovian who reigned after him did not. And when they later reigned, concer

 they confirm the deposition. When these things happened, neither public affairs nor those of the churches were at peace. Those, therefore, who had req

 an order of the emperor commanded that Eleusius be expelled, and Eunomius enthroned. And when this was done, the followers of Eleusius, having built a

 in the so-called Forum of Theodosius, which was named “The Abundant Water.” On which account the city held a joyous festival and this was said to be

 of men but only by some providence of God, on account of their exceeding piety, were Basil and Gregory not subjected to exile, of whom the one was bi

 brought from Nice in Thrace, they subscribed. This is our faith, and that of those aforementioned, for whom we act as ambassadors. We believe in one

 tested by three hundred and eighteen orthodox bishops which contains the perfect truth, and both silences and overthrows all the multitudes of hereti

 when a sedition arose, the emperor, being afraid, and having exhorted those in Alexandria by letters, again commanded Athanasius to hold the church wi

 endured, the emperor, having become exceedingly enraged, concealed so much of his anger, as to secretly command Modestus the prefect to seize and put

 saying that they were, and that they had killed so many in a short time, persuaded the emperor to cease from his anger. In this manner the Edessenes e

 gaining strength, he went up to Damasus the bishop of Rome. But again the Arians, though few in number, nevertheless took possession of the churches t

 having lived ninety years, he associated with no one until his death. Another Arsenius did not excommunicate the young who had sinned, but those who h

 I think it right to add to these a few of the things mentioned by him concerning the monks for he says the following, word for word: It is necessary

 announcing obscurely, signifying some things through riddles, and revealing some things for the benefit of the more simple.” Basil the Cappadocian, th

 he himself was left behind, but a company of holy men, showing no mercy at all, he treated worse than the soldiers. And when they came to the place, t

 to interpret also the «On First Principles» of Origen, and having published commentaries on them, through which he maintained that they were most exce

 he strengthened those who were wavering in the faith. And especially, spending much time in Constantinople, he established those of like mind in the c

 brother of Basil. There was also another Gregory in Alexandria, whom the Arians appointed during the time of Athanasius's flight. Let this much be sai

 and the church of the Novatians on account of that synod, as we shall relate in the proper place and from here we must proceed to the events that too

 to manage the Roman empire that has devolved upon him, when such a contemptible race of barbarians is not content to remain at home in safety, but tak

 to have knowledge of him at hand.” When the philosopher had spoken these and similar things, the emperor became milder yet he did not completely let

 “homoousion” he abandoned. For being in a state of confusion, he immediately went from Antioch to Constantinople for which reason the Christian war t

 found Constantinople with its people in great despondency. For the barbarians, having overrun Thrace, were already sacking even the suburbs of Constan

 having as allies the Saracens who were under the command of Mavia. When the emperor Valens had met an uncertain end, the barbarians again came up to t

 they were eager for Meletius to be enthroned with Paulinus. But when Paulinus said, it is against the canons to accept as enthroned with him one orda

 having called together the multitudes in the church, and having stood up in the midst, he spoke such things through him to his subjects. “Brothers,” h

 obtained the patriarchate by lot. Amphilochius of Iconium and Optimus of Antioch in Pisidia obtained the Asian diocese. The affairs of Egypt were assi

 he perceived that the discussions not only do not unite the schisms, but indeed also make the heresies more contentious and for this reason he sugges

 was attached. But indeed, not even those of the «homoousian» faith were completely free from troubles for the affairs at Antioch divided those presen

 his son Arcadius reigning and having reached Thessalonica, he finds Valentinian and his party living in great despondency, because they had been comp

 when he died, the people under him turned away from Flavianus and for this reason he prepares for Evagrius of his own party to be ordained. But when

 he would have been the one who killed nine men in the conflict. Such, then, were the things that happened in Alexandria at that time. 5.17 Concerning

 The emperor removed such a disgrace from the ruling city and another such as this. If a woman was caught in adultery, they used to punish the one who

 did not stop at division but turning again against themselves, they proceeded and taking hold of a small and trivial pretext, they separated from on

 those who had assembled to make a decision for the catholic canon for both the ancients and those near the apostles, though disagreeing about this fe

 to introduce piety. But it seems to me, that just as many other things became customary in various places, so also the feast of Easter received its pe

 of a country the feast of Easter is celebrated, thence I infer. No one of the religions keeps the same customs, even if it embraces the same opinion c

 in Thessalonica and in Macedonia itself and in Greece. And I know another custom that occurs in Thessaly they baptize only during the days of Easter

 the commandments of God, and legislating for themselves, while setting at naught the legislation of the apostles deceiving themselves, that they are

 a Father to always be a Father, even when the Son did not exist. These were called “Psathyrians,” because a certain Theoctistus, a cake-seller, a Syri

 he happened to be a leader, but in character harsh and most bloodthirsty, and he inclined towards tyranny. Therefore, both of them plotted the murder

 Know that we have not been zealous about phrasing, having considered that if we should strive to use beautiful language, we might perhaps even fall sh

 After a short time had passed, Nectarius, the bishop of Constantinople, died during the consulship of Caesarius and Atticus, around the twenty-seventh

 spending most of his time with Basil, who was then appointed deacon by Meletius, but afterwards became bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Zeno the bish

 a homily spoken by him. For Eutropius the eunuch, who presided over the imperial bedchamber, and was the first of the eunuchs to receive the dignity o

 the emperor provided them according to the necessity of the time. And those choosing to die beforehand for the common good bravely obeyed the emperor'

 was shown. For as the barbarians, being without ships, constructed rafts and crossed on them, the military ships of the Romans were just about to arri

 Another matter of the following sort. Four devout men presided over the monasteries in Egypt: Dioscorus, Ammonius, Eusebius, and Euthymius. These were

 Concerning the assemblies for the nocturnal hymns of the Arians and of those who profess the Homoousion, and concerning the conflict that occurred amo

 those attached to Meletius against Flavian because of the oath, as has also been said by me before. Isidore, therefore, having returned from Rome, and

 Severianus was from Gabala, a city of Syria Antiochus presided over the church of Ptolemais in Phoenicia. Both, therefore, were attracted by rhetoric

 concerning his grief against Severian, was something of this sort. 6.12 How Epiphanius, having entered Constantinople, held assemblies and ordinations

 he said he would not even stay with him, nor pray with him, unless he expelled Dioscorus and his companions from the city, and he himself subscribed t

 many and no longer was there any mention of Origen's books but they turned to other absurd accusations. With these things thus prepared beforehand,

 of the Alexandrians at which, being afraid, Theophilus and some of the bishops of the city departed. But previously Theophilus was preparing that the

 investigating nothing but they said that this alone should be brought to judgment, that after his deposition, without the synod having voted for him,

 a just judge of truth but I have written the things that were then commonly reported. 6.20 How after Arsacius Atticus held the throne of Constantinop

 saying, “You see that you wish to be the only bishop,” Sisinnius said, “I do not say this, but that I am not a bishop to you alone, though I am to oth

 sober and earnest concerning the appointment of the bishop. But not long after John comes to Constantinople. And he again was exercising the proper ca

 when he had cast him out of the church, and brought in Macedonius instead. This man encompassed Constantinople with the great walls and he seemed and

 having taught the common things of their own. And he wrote to Agapetus, to hold onto his episcopate, suspecting nothing grievous from the sorrow of Th

 he was trained in the sacred scriptures. And indeed George always had the works of Aristotle and Plato in his hands while Timothy breathed Origen an

 a device does this.” The king of the Persians is persuaded by Marouthas, and again he entered into the chamber, where the unquenchable fire was. When

 tormenting me, and saying, Go, sack the city of the Romans.« So much then concerning this. 7.11 Concerning those who were bishops in Rome. And after

 the Jews being idle in it, not giving their time to the hearing of the law but to theatrical entertainments, the day became a point of contention for

 unjustly armed Dioscorus, and having then acquired zeal, they eagerly chose to fight for Cyril. Therefore, about five hundred men, having left their m

 doing many irrational things in their play, carried away by drunkenness, they mocked both Christians and Christ himself in their games and laughing a

 persuaded by the magi, harshly persecuted the Christians, inflicting various Persian punishments and tortures upon them. Therefore, the Christians in

 he threw in and thinking that a Roman force was coming against them, being in confusion, not having anywhere to flee, they threw themselves armed int

 knowing the misfortune of the Persians, pretends not to know what had happened but he receives the embassy, saying to the ambassador, “It is not beca

 For the emperor, although he professed to philosophize, nevertheless did not bear his anger against those in Antioch who satirized him but he brought

 Theodosius, asking to be accepted as emperor. But he placed the ambassadors under guard and he sent out the general Ardaburius, who had also fought m

 to send money for the comfort of those in need. For instance, having sent three hundred gold pieces to Calliopius, a presbyter of the church of Nicaea

 for you delay, you will not overtake me.” And in saying this he was not mistaken for in the twenty-first year of his episcopate, on the tenth of the

 an ascetic, whose name was Dalmatius. And this they did, neglecting the law which commanded that the ordination of a bishop should not take place cont

 are almost all craftsmen and receiving wages from this they are supported. The nation of the Huns, constantly attacking them, plundered their country

 being established now said these things, and now the others and they were agreeing and denying at the same time. But Nestorius had a reputation among

 of the synod previously gathered in Ephesus against Nestorius. For not much time had passed, when an edict of the emperor ordered the bishops from eve

 and also unskilled in speech, and preferring to live a more quiet life. 7.36 Examples through which, as it seems, the author shows that the transfer

 When he was superseded, Silvanus remained in Constantinople, pursuing the ascetic life to the utmost. And he was so unpretentious, that for the most p

 were saving, as they then received a sense of their folly in their suffering and they were preventing the others from throwing themselves, pointing o

 had happened before at that time indeed he obtained the throne of the church in Constantinople. He was a man good in character, if anyone else ever w

 he comes to Constantinople for the sake of the marriage. When this was completed in the consulate of Isidore and Senator, having taken his wife, he ra

 they enthrone him, having been ordained on the twenty-first of the same month. Let these things, therefore, be said to this extent. 7.47 How the Emper

brought from Nice in Thrace, they subscribed. This is our faith, and that of those aforementioned, for whom we act as ambassadors. "We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one only-begotten God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, that is, of the substance of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made, both things in heaven and things on earth; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down, and was incarnate, and was made man, suffered, and rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is coming to judge the living and the dead; and in the Holy Spirit. But those who say, "there was a time when He was not," and "before He was begotten He was not," and that "He was made out of nothing," or who say that the Son of God is of "another hypostasis or substance," or is "created," or "changeable," or "alterable"—these the catholic and apostolic church of God anathematizes." And I, Eustathius, bishop of the city of Sebasteia, and Theophilus, and Silvanus, ambassadors of the synods of Lampsacus, Smyrna, and the rest, have written this confession with our own hands and by our own choices. But if any one, after the faith set forth by us, wishes to bring any charge against us or those who sent us, let him come with letters from your Holiness to such orthodox bishops as your Holiness may approve, and plead his cause before them with us. And if anything is established by way of accusation, let it be avenged on the guilty party. Having secured the ambassadors with this document, Liberius both received them into communion and, giving them the following letter, dismissed them: A Letter of Liberius, bishop of the Romans, to the Macedonian bishops. To the beloved brethren and fellow ministers Euethius, Cyril, Hyperechius, Uranius, Heron, Elpidius, Maximus, Eusebius, Eucarpius, Heortasius, Neon Eumathius, Faustinus, Proclinus, Pasinicus, Arsenius, Severus, Didymion, Britannius, Callicrates, Dalmatius, Aedesius, Eustochius, Ambrosius, Gelonius, Pardalius, Macedonius, Paul, Marcellus, Heraclius, Alexander, Adolius, Marcian, Sthenelus, John, Macer, Charisius, Silvanus, Photinus, Antonius, Authus, Celsus, Euphranor, Milesius, Patricius, Severian, Eusebius, Eumolpius, Athanasius, Diophantus, Menodorus, Diocles, Chrysampelus, Neon, Eugenius, Eustathius, Callicrates, Arsenius, Eugenius, Martyrius, Hieracius, Leontius, Philagrius, Lucius, and to all the orthodox bishops in the East, Liberius bishop of Italy, and the bishops throughout the West, in the Lord always greeting. Your letters have brought us the most welcome joy of peace and harmony, O beloved brothers, shining beforehand with the light of the faith, which were delivered to us by our most honored brother bishops, Eustathius, Silvanus, and Theophilus. And especially in this, that they affirmed and proved that your judgment and your sentiments agree and harmonize with my lowliness, and with all those in Italy and the West. And this we know to be the catholic and apostolic faith, which until the synod of Nicaea remained whole and unshaken. They confessed that they held this faith, and being filled with joy, having cast out every trace and spark of improper suspicion, they set this forth not only by word, but also in writing. Of which we thought it necessary to subjoin a copy to these letters, lest we should leave any pretext to the heretics for plotting again, in which, stirring up again the embers of their own wickedness, they would customarily ignite conflagrations through dissensions. Then our most honored brothers, Eustathius and Silvanus and Theophilus, also confessed this, that they themselves and your love have always held this faith, and will preserve it to the end, that is, the one in Nicaea

κομισθεῖσιν ἀπὸ Νίκης τῆς Θρᾴκης ὑπέγραψαν. Ἔστι δὲ ἡ πίστις ἡμῶν, καὶ αὐτῶν ὧν προείρηται, ὧν καὶ τὴν πρεσβείαν ποιούμεθα, αὕτη. «Πιστεύομεν εἰς ἕνα Θεὸν, Πατέρα παντοκράτορα, πάντων ὁρατῶν καὶ ἀοράτων ποιήτην· καὶ εἰς ἕνα μονογενῆ Θεὸν, Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν, τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ, γεννηθέντα ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς, τουτέστιν ἐκ τῆς οὐσίας τοῦ Πατρὸς, Θεὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ, φῶς ἐκ φωτὸς, Θεὸν ἀληθινὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ ἀληθινοῦ, γεννηθέντα, οὐ ποιηθέντα, ὁμοούσιον τῷ Πατρὶ, δι' οὗ τὰ πάντα ἐγένετο, τά τε ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς· τὸν δι' ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, καὶ διὰ τὴν ἡμετέραν σωτηρίαν κατελθόντα, καὶ σαρκωθέντα, καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα, παθόντα, καὶ ἀναστάντα τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, ἀνελθόντα εἰς οὐρανοὺς, καὶ ἐρχόμενον κρῖναι ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς· καὶ εἰς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον. Τοὺς δὲ λέγοντας, «ἦν ποτὲ ὅτε οὐκ ἦν,» καὶ «πρὶν γεννηθῆναι οὐκ ἦν,» καὶ ὅτι «ἐξ οὐκ ὄντων ἐγένετο,» ἢ «ἐξ ἑτέρας ὑποστάσεως ἢ οὐσίας» φάσκοντας εἶναι, ἢ «τρεπτὸν, ἢ ἀλλοιωτὸν τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ,» τούτους ἀναθεματίζει ἡ καθολικὴ καὶ ἀποστολικὴ ἐκκλησία τοῦ Θεοῦ.» Ἐγὼ δὲ Εὐστάθιος ἐπίσκοπος πόλεως Σεβαστείας, καὶ Θεόφιλος, καὶ Σιλβανὸς, πρέσβεις συνόδων Λαμψάκου, Σμύρνης, καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν, ταύτην τὴν ὁμολογίαν χερσὶν ἡμῶν καὶ οἰκείαις προαιρέσεσιν ἐγράψαμεν. Εἰ δέ τις μετὰ τὴν ἐκτεθεῖσαν παρ' ἡμῶν πίστιν, καθ' ἡμῶν ἤτοι τῶν ἀποστειλάντων ἡμᾶς ἔγκλημά τι προσενεγκεῖν θελήσει, μετὰ γραμμάτων τῆς σῆς ἁγιοσύνης, πρὸς οὓς ἐὰν δοκιμάσῃ ἡ σὴ ἁγιότης ὀρθοδόξους ἐπισκόπους ἔρχεσθαι, καὶ ἐπ' αὐτῶν μεθ' ἡμῶν διαδικάζεσθαι. Καὶ εἴ τι ἐγκλήματος ἕνεκεν συσταθῇ, εἰς τὸν αἴτιον ἐκδικηθείη. Τούτῳ δὴ τῷ βιβλίῳ τοὺς πρέσβεις ἀσφαλισάμενος ὁ Λιβέριος, εἰς κοινωνίαν τε ἐδέξατο, καὶ τάδε τὰ γράμματα δοὺς ἀπέλυσεν· Ἐπιστολὴ Λιβερίου τοῦ ἐπισκόπου τῆς Ῥωμαίων πρὸς τοὺς ἐπισκόπους τῶν Μακεδονιανῶν. Τοῖς ἀγαπητοῖς ἀδελφοῖς καὶ συλλειτουργοῖς Εὐηθίῳ, Κυρίλλῳ, Ὑπερεχίῳ, Οὐρανίῳ, Ἥρωνι, Ἐλπιδίῳ, Μαξίμῳ, Εὐσεβίῳ, Εὐκαρπίῳ, Ἑορτασίῳ, Νέωνι Εὐμαθίῳ, Φαυστίνῳ, Προκλίνῳ, Πασινίκῳ, Ἀρσενίῳ, Σευήρῳ, ∆ιδυμίωνι, Βρεττανίῳ, Καλλικράτει, ∆αλματίῳ, Αἰδεσίῳ, Εὐστοχίῳ, Ἀμβροσίῳ, Γελωνίῳ, Παρδαλίῳ, Μακεδονίῳ, Παύλῳ, Μαρκέλλῳ, Ἡρακλείῳ, Ἀλεξάνδρῳ, Ἀδολίῳ, Μαρκιανῷ, Σθενέλῳ, Ἰωάννῃ, Μάκερι, Χαρισίῳ, Σιλβανῷ, Φωτεινῷ, Ἀντωνίῳ, Ἀΰθῳ, Κέλσῳ, Εὐφράνονι, Μιλησίῳ, Πατρικίῳ, Σευηριανῷ, Εὐσεβίῳ, Εὐμολπίῳ, Ἀθανασίῳ, ∆ιοφάντῳ, Μηνοδώρῳ, ∆ιοκλεῖ, Χρυσαμπέλῳ, Νέωνι, Εὐγενίῳ, Εὐσταθίῳ, Καλλικράτει, Ἀρσενίῳ, Εὐγενίῳ, Μαρτυρίῳ, Ἱερακίῳ, Λεοντίῳ, Φιλαγρίῳ, Λουκίῳ, καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ ὀρθοδόξοις ἐπισκόποις Λιβέριος ἐπίσκοπος Ἰταλίας, καὶ οἱ κατὰ τὴν δύσιν ἐπίσκοποι, ἐν Κυρίῳ πάντοτε χαίρειν. Τὴν εὐκταιοτάτην ἡμῖν χαρὰν τῆς εἰρήνης καὶ τῆς ὁμονοίας ἤνεγκε τὰ ὑμέτερα γράμματα, τῷ τῆς πίστεως φωτὶ προλαμπόμενοι ἀδελφοὶ ἀγαπητοὶ, τὰ ἀποδοθέντα ἡμῖν διὰ τῶν τιμιωτάτων ἀδελφῶν τῶν ἐπισκόπων, Εὐσταθίου, Σιλβανοῦ, καὶ Θεοφίλου. Καὶ ταύτῃ μάλιστα, ὅτι τὴν ὑμετέραν γνώμην καὶ τὰ ὑμέτερα φρονήματα συμφωνεῖν καὶ συνᾴδειν πρός τε τὴν ἐμὴν ἐλαχιστότητα, καὶ τῶν ἐν Ἰταλίᾳ καὶ δυτικῶν πάντων, διεβεβαιώσαντο καὶ ἀπέδειξαν. Καὶ ταύτην εἶναι γινώσκομεν τὴν καθολικὴν καὶ ἀποστολικὴν πίστιν, ἥτις μέχρι τῆς κατὰ Νίκαιαν συνόδου ἀκεραία καὶ ἀσάλευτος διέμεινε. Ταύτην τε αὐτοῖς ἔχειν ὡμολόγησαν, καὶ χαρὰς ἀναπλησθέντες, πᾶν ἴχνος καὶ ζώπυρον ἀτόπου ὑπονοίας ἐκβαλόντες, οὐ μόνον διὰ λόγου, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐγγράφως ταύτην ἐξέθεντο. Ἧς καὶ τὸ ἀντίτυπον ἀναγκαίως τούτοις τοῖς γράμμασιν ὑποτάξαι ἡγησάμεθα δεῖν, μή τινα πρόφασιν τοῖς αἱρετικοῖς εἰς ἐπιβουλὴν αὖθις καταλείπωμεν, ἐν ᾗ πάλιν τὰ ὑπεκκαύματα τῆς ἰδίας κακίας ἀνακινοῦντες, πυρκαϊὰς διὰ διχοστασιῶν συνήθως ἐξάπτοιεν. Ἔπειτα καὶ τοῦτο ὡμολόγησαν οἱ τιμιώτατοι ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν, Εὐστάθιος καὶ Σιλβανὸς καὶ Θεόφιλος, ἑαυτούς τε καὶ τὴν ὑμετέραν ἀγάπην πάντοτε ταύτην τὴν πίστιν ἐσχηκέναι, καὶ ταύτην μέχρι τέλους διαφυλάξειν, δηλαδὴ τὴν ἐν Νικαίᾳ