CHAPTER XXVI

ERECTION OF A TEMPLE BY CONSTANTINE THE GREAT AT GOLGOTHA, IN JERUSALEM. ITS DEDICATION

THE temple, called the “Great Martyr,” which was built in the place of the skull at Jerusalem, was completed about the thirtieth year of the reign of Constantine; and Marius, a man employed at the palace in the capacity of a secretary, was forthwith despatched to the bishops who were assembled at Tyre, with a letter from the emperor, commanding them to repair quickly to Jerusalem, in order to consecrate the temple. But before they entered upon this duty, the emperor deemed it necessary that the disputes which prevailed among the bishops who had been convened at Tyre should be adjusted, and that they should cast aside all cause of discord and trouble when they consecrated the temple. When the bishops arrived at Jerusalem the temple was therefore consecrated, as likewise numerous ornaments and gifts, which were sent by the emperor, and are still preserved in the sacred edifice; their magnificence and costliness is such that they cannot be looked upon without exciting wonder. Since that period, the anniversary of the consecration has been celebrated with great pomp by the church of Jerusalem; the festival continues eight days, baptism is administered, and people from every region under the sun resort to Jerusalem during this festival, and visit the sacred places.