CHAPTER XXXI

CONSECRATION OF THE CHURCH OF JERUSALEM.—BANISHMENT OF ST. ATHANASIUS

ALL the bishops who were present at the council of Tyre were commanded by the emperor to proceed to Jerusalem, to consecrate the church which he had there erected. The piety and faithfulness of the excellent ruler became conspicuous by his liberality in granting abundant supplies of provisions, not only to the bishops and their followers, but to the vast multitudes who flocked from all parts to Jerusalem. Around the holy altar was a curtain belonging to the emperor, richly adorned with gems and gold. When the dazzling festival was concluded, each bishop returned to his own diocese. The emperor was highly gratified when informed of the splendour and magnificence displayed on the occasion, and blessed the Author of all good for having granted his petition. Athanasius went to him to complain of his unjust condemnation, and at his request the culpable bishops were commanded to repair to the court. Upon their arrival, they desisted from urging any of their former calumnies, because they knew how clearly they could be refuted; but they made it appear that Athanasius had threatened to prevent the exportation of corn. The emperor believed what they said, and banished him to a city of Gaul called Treves. This occurred in the thirtieth year of the emperor’s reign.