CHAPTER XX

DEATH OF ST. ATHANASIUS, AND ORDINATION OF PETER

THE victorious Athanasius, who had acquired as many crowns of victory as he had engaged in conflicts, had been released from labour, and translated to a life exempt from trouble. Peter, a man of great eminence, was elected to succeed him in the bishopric of Alexandria. Athanasius had desired that he should be his successor; and this choice was ratified by the unanimous consent both of the clergy, and of the chief men of the city. All the people manifested their gratification at his promotion by loud acclamations. He had shared in the labours and perils of Athanasius, and had been his constant companion at home and abroad. On this account, all the bishops and monks who resided in the vicinity repaired to the city, to request that he might be appointed to fill the post of Athanasius.