CHAPTER XXII

THE SYNOD OF SARDICA RESTORES PAUL AND ATHANASIUS TO THEIR SEES; AND ON THE EASTERN EMPEROR’S REFUSAL TO ADMIT THEM, THE EMPEROR OF THE WEST THREATENS HIM WITH WAR

WHEN those convened at Sardica, as well as those who had formed a separate council at Philippolis in Thrace, had severally performed what they deemed requisite, they returned to their respective cities. From that time therefore the Western church was severed from the Eastern: and the boundary of communion between them was the mountain called Soueis, which divides the Illyrians from the Thracians. As far as this mountain there was indiscriminate communion, although there was a difference of faith; but beyond it they did not communicate with one another. Such was the perturbed condition of the churches at that period. Soon after these transactions, the emperor of the Western parts informs his brother Constantius of what had taken place at Sardica, and begs him to ratify the restoration of Paul and Athanasius to their sees. But as Constantius delayed to carry this matter into effect, the emperor of the West again wrote to him, giving him the choice either of re-establishing Paul and Athanasius in their former dignity, and restoring their churches to them; or on his failing to do this, of regarding him as his enemy, and immediately expecting war. The letter which he addressed to his brother was as follows:—

“Athanasius and Paul are here with me: and I am quite satisfied after strict investigation, that their piety alone has drawn persecution upon them. If therefore you will pledge yourself to reinstate them in their sees, and to punish those who have so unjustly injured them, I will send them to you: but should you refuse to execute my wishes, be assured of this, that I will myself come thither, and restore them to their own sees, in spite of your opposition.”