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AT this time the see of Alexandria was held by Cyril, brother's
son to Theophilus whom he succeeded; at the same time Jerusalem was
occupied by John in succession to Cyril whom we have formerly
mentioned. The Antiochenes were under the care of Alexander whose
life and conversation were of a piece with his episcopate. Before his
consecration he passed his time in ascetic training and in hard bodily
exercise. He was known as a noble champion, teaching by word and
confirming the word by deed. His predecessor was Porphyrius who
guided that church after Flavianus, and left behind him many memorials
of his loving character. He was also distinguished by intellectual
power. The holy Alexander was specially rich in self discipline and
philosophy; his life was one of poverty and self denial; his eloquence
was copious and his other gifts were innumerable; by his advice and
exhortation, the following of the great Eustathius which Paulinus,
and after him Evagrius, had not permitted to be restored, was united
to the rest of the body, and a festival was celebrated the like of
which none had ever seen before. The bishop gathered all the faithful
together, both clergy and laity, and marched with them to the
assembly. The procession was accompanied by musicians; one hymn was
sung by all in harmony, and thus he and his company went in procession
from the western postern to the great church, filling the whole forum
with people, and constituting a stream of thinking living beings like
the Orontes in its course.
When this was seen by the Jews, by the victims Of the Arian
plague, and by the insignificant remnant of Pagans, they set up a
groaning and wailing, and were distressed at seeing the rest of the
rivers discharging their waters into the Church. By Alexander the
name of the great John was first inscribed in the records of the
Church.
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