CHAPTER XI

ON THE ARRIVAL OF GREGORY AT ALEXANDRIA, GUARDED BY A MILITARY FORCE, ATHANASIUS FLEES

AFTER these things, Syrian, a military commander, conducted Gregory to Alexandria under an escort of 5,000 heavy armed soldiers; and such of the citizens as were of Arian sentiments combined with them. But it will be proper here to relate by what means Athanasius escaped the hands of those who wished to apprehend him, after his expulsion from the church. It was evening, and the people were congregated there, a service being expected, when the commander arrived, and posted his forces in order of battle on every side of the church. Athanasius having observed what was done, considered with himself how he might prevent the people’s suffering in any degree on his account: he accordingly directed the deacon to give notice of prayer, and after that ordered the recitation of a psalm; and when the melodious chant of the psalm arose, all went out through one of the church doors. While this was doing, the troops remained inactive spectators, and Athanasius thus escaped unhurt in the midst of those who were chanting the psalm, and immediately hastened to Rome. Gregory was then installed in the church: but the people of Alexandria being indignant at this procedure, set the church called that of Dionysius on fire. Eusebius having thus far obtained his object, sent a deputation to Julius bishop of Rome, begging that he would himself take cognizance of the charges against Athanasius, and order a judicial investigation to be made in his presence.