CHAPTER XXIV

ATHANASIUS PASSING THROUGH JERUSALEM IN HIS RETURN TO ALEXANDRIA, IS RECEIVED INTO COMMUNION BY MAXIMUS: AND A SYNOD OF BISHOPS BEING CONVENED IN THAT CITY, THE NICENE CREED IS CONFIRMED

ATHANASIUS the bishop being fortified with these letters, passed through Syria, and came into Palestine. On arriving at Jerusalem he acquainted Maximus the bishop both with what had been done in the Council of Sardica, and also that the Emperor Constantius had confirmed its decision: he then proposed that a Synod of bishops should be held there. Maximus therefore at once sent for certain of the prelates of Syria and Palestine, who having assembled in council, restored Athanasius to communion, and to his former dignity. After which they communicated by letter to the Alexandrians, and to all the bishops of Egypt and Libya, what had been determined respecting Athanasius. On this the adversaries of Athanasius exceedingly derided Maximus, because having before assisted in the deposition of that prelate, he had suddenly changed his mind, and as if nothing had previously taken place, had promoted his restoration to communion and rank. When these things became known, Ursacius and Valens, who had been fiery partisans of Arianism, condemning their former zeal, proceeded to Rome, where they presented their recantation to Julius the bishop, and gave their assent to the doctrine of consubstantiality: they then wrote to Athanasius, and expressed their readiness to hold communion with him in future. Thus did the prosperity of Athanasius so subdue Ursacius and Valens, as to induce them to recognise the orthodox faith. Athanasius passing through Pelusium on his way to Alexandria, admonished the inhabitants of every city to beware of the Arians, and to receive those only that professed the Homoöusian faith. In some of the churches also he performed ordination; which afforded another ground of accusation against him, because of his undertaking to ordain in the dioceses of others. Such was the condition of things at that period in reference to Athanasius.