CHAPTER XXIV

LETTER OF CONCILIATION FROM VALENS AND URSACIUS TO THE GREAT ATHANASIUS. RESTORATION OF THE OTHER EASTERN BISHOPS. EJECTION OF MACEDONIUS AND ACCESSION OF PAUL

“The bishops Ursacius and Valens, to Athanasius our beloved brother in the Lord.

“WE take the opportunity of the departure of Museus, our brother and fellow presbyter, to write by him to you, O beloved brother, and hope that our letter will find you in good health. You will afford us great encouragement if you will write us a reply to this letter. Know that we are at peace, and in ecclesiastical communion with you.”

When Athanasius had returned from the West to Egypt, Paul, Marcellus, Asclepas, and Lucius, who had been recalled by the emperor from exile, were reinstated in their churches. Immediately on the return of Paul to Constantinople, Macedonius retired from public life, and held private assemblies. There was a great tumult at Ancyra on the deposition of Basil and the reinstallation of Marcellus. The other bishops were reinstated in their churches without difficulty.