CHAPTER XXIX

DISCOVERY OF THE REMAINS OF THE PROPHETS HABAKKUK AND MICAH. DEATH OF THE EMPEROR THEODOSIUS THE GREAT

WHILE the church was under the sway of these eminent men, the clergy and people were excited to the imitation of their virtues. Nor was the church of this era distinguished only by these illustrious examples of piety, for the relics of the proto-prophets Habakkuk and Micah were brought to light about the same period. God made known the place where these relics were deposited in a dream to Zebennus, bishop of Eleutheropolis. The relics of Habakkuk were found at Cela, a city formerly called Ceila. The tomb of Micah was discovered at a distance of ten stadia from Cela, at a place called Beratsatia; this tomb was ignorantly styled by the people of the country, “the tomb of the faithful,” or, in their language, Nephsameemana. Such were the events which occurred during the reign of Theodosius to the honour and glory of the Christian religion.

After conquering Eugenius, Theodosius remained for some time at Milan, and here he was attacked with a serious malady. He recalled to mind the prediction of the monk John, and conjectured that his sickness was unto death. He sent in haste for his son Honorius from Constantinople, and after his arrival found himself a little better, so that he was able to be present at the sports of the Hippodrome. After dinner, however, he grew worse, and sent to desire his son to preside at the games. He died on the following night; this event happened during the consulate of the brothers Olubrius and Probinus.