CHAPTER XL

THEODORE, BISHOP OF MOPSUESTIA

DURING the time that the holy Theodotus governed the church of Antioch, Theodore, bishop of Mopsuestia, the teacher of all the churches, and the opponent of all the sects of heresy, departed this life. He had been a disciple of the celebrated Diodorus, and the associate and fellow-labourer of John, bishop of Constantinople. During the space of thirty-six years he fulfilled the duties of the episcopal office, and zealously opposed the heresies of Arius, Eunomius, and Apollinaris; and he led his flock to excellent pasturage. Polychronius, his brother, who to great powers of language added eminent sanctity of life, ruled the church of Apamea with wisdom and success. I shall now close my history: I ask no other reward for my labour than the prayers of my readers. This history extends over a period of one hundred and five years, namely, from the commencement of the Arian infatuation to the death of those admirable men, Theodore and Theodotus. I shall add, in the order of their succession, the names of the bishops who, after the persecution, governed the principal churches.