Fourth Century Christianity

(1.5.5) Of those whose names are mentioned in this letter, Eusebius was bishop of Caesarea, Theodotus of Laodicea, Paulinus of Tyre, Athanasius of Anazarbus, Gregory of Berytus, and Aetius of Lydda (Lydda is now called Diospolis). Arius prided himself on having these men agree with him. He names as his adversaries Philogonius, bishop of Antioch, Hellanicus of Tripolis, and Macarius of Jerusalem. He spread false slander against them for saying that the Son is eternal, existing before all ages, of equal honor and of the same substance with the Father.

(1.7.14) Most members of the council [of Nicaea] worked to bring peace by embracing sound doctrine. There were, however, a few previously mentioned individuals who opposed these doctrines, and sided with Arius. Among them were Menophantus of Ephesus, Patrophilus of Scythopolis, Theognis, who was bishop of Nicaea, Narcissus of Neronias, which is a town of the second Cilicia, and is now called Irenopolis; also Theonas of Marmarice, and Secundus of Ptolemais in Egypt*.

They drew up a creed of their faith, and presented it to the council. As soon as it was read, it was torn to pieces and declared spurious and false. A great uproar arose against them, and so many insults were hurled at them, accusing them of violating the true religion, that all of them except Secundus and Theonas stood up and took the lead in publicly renouncing Arius. Once this impious man [Arius] was expelled from the Church, the assembly unanimously composed a confession of faith which is accepted to this day, and as soon as it was signed, the council was adjourned.

*According to Philostorgius, Secundus was bishop of Ptolemais in Libya, unless this is a different Secundus.

1.5.5: NPNF², vol. 3, pp. 41-42 adapted by AJW

1.7.14: NPNF², vol. 3, p. 44 adapted by AJW

References for Map of Early Arian Supporters:

Philostorgius I

Philostorgius II

Theodoret

Arius’ letter

Translation and introduction by AJW

Introduction by AJW

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