CHAPTER II

VALENTINIAN GOES INTO THE WEST, LEAVING VALENS AT CONSTANTINOPLE, WHO ACCEDES TO THE REQUEST OF THE MACEDONIANS THAT A SYNOD MIGHT BE CONVENED, BUT PERSECUTES THE HOMOOUSIANS

THE exigencies of the state requiring the presence of one of the emperors in the western parts of the empire, Valentinian goes thither: meanwhile Valens residing at Constantinople, is addressed by most of the prelates of the Macedonian heresy, requesting that another Synod might be convened for the reformation of the creed. The emperor supposing they agreed in sentiment with Eudoxius and Acacius, gave them permission to do so: these persons therefore made preparations for assembling in the city of Lampsacus. But Valens proceeds with the utmost despatch toward Antioch in Syria, fearing lest the Persians should violate the treaty into which they had entered for thirty years in the reign of Jovian, and invade the Roman territories. They however remained quiet; and Valens employed this season of external tranquillity to prosecute a war of extermination against all who acknowledged the Homoousian doctrine. Paulinus their bishop, because of his eminent piety, alone remained unmolested. Meletius was sent into exile: and all who refused to communicate with Euzoïus, were driven from the churches in Antioch, and subjected to various losses and punishments. It is even affirmed that the emperor caused many to be drowned in the river Orontes, which flows by that city.