Eusebius of Nicomedia

By the point Constantine devoted Nova Roma, the controversy was in full swing. And when the Emperor, his thoughts poisoned towards Athanasius by Eusebius of Nicomedia and others, ordered the Bishop of Alexandria to readmit Arius to the communion of that church, Athanasius refused. This was precisely what the followers of Arius had been attempting to result in. However to their appreciable dismay Constantine who by now was disgusted with the infighting that saved the church within the East in such a continuing turmoil refused to punish Athanasius. Additional accusations adopted and, three years after the dedication of Nova Roma, the Bishop of Alexandria was ordered to look earlier than a non secular courtroom at Caesarea.

Expert warrior in doctrinal battles that he was, Athanasius refused to defend himself within the territory of his enemies earlier than an already prejudiced tribunal. When he was lastly tried two years later at Tyre, previous prices, largely absurd, had been introduced towards him. However as he had achieved throughout the Council of Nicaea, he defended himself so skillfully and the trumpedup proof was so flimsy, that the courtroom didn’t dare convict him, lest it convey down upon itself the wrath of Constantine. A fee was due to this fact dispatched as an alternative to Africa searching for additional proof upon which further prices could be introduced.

In the meantime, Athanasius boldly threw himself upon imperial mercy by going to Nova Roma. Standing in the midst of the street, he barred Constantine’s passage into town, because the Emperor was coming back from a short journey. However when the Imperial Guards would have thrust the churchman apart, Constantine ordered them again.

“Your face appears acquainted,” he mentioned. “Have I seen you earlier than?” “I’m Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria.”

“I bear in mind now.” Constantine’s face cleared. “You had been very eloquent within the prosecution of Arius.”

“I hope I could be equally eloquent in my very own protection, Dominus if you’ll however permit me an viewers.”

“I’ve at all times admired a daring fighter, even within the unsuitable trigger,” Constantine instructed him.

“However mine is the appropriate trigger, Dominus, the reason for Christ.” “But you have got been condemned by a courtroom of bishops.”