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Dioscorus, Ammonius, and the other monks, having discovered the
machinations of Theophilus, retired to Jerusalem, and thence
proceeded to Scythopolis; for they thought that it would be an
advantageous residence there for them on account of the many palms,
whose leaves are used by the monks for their customary work. Dioscorus
and Ammonius were accompanied hither by about eighty other monks. In
the meantime, Theophilus sent messengers to Constantinople, to
prefer complaints against them, and to oppose any petitions that they
might lay before the emperor. On being informed of this fact,
Ammonius and the monks embarked for Constantinople, and took Isidore
with them; and they requested that their cause might be tried in the
presence of the emperor and of the bishop; for they thought that, by
reason of his boldness, John, who was careful to do right, would be
able to help them in their rights. John, although he received them
with kindness, and treated them with honor, and did not forbid them to
pray in the church, refused to admit them to participation in the
mysteries, for it was not lawful to do this before the investigation.
He wrote to Theophilus, desiring him to receive them back into
communion, as their sentiments concerning the Divine nature were
orthodox; requesting him, if he regarded their orthodoxy as doubtful,
to send some one to act as their accuser. Theophilus returned no reply
to this epistle. Some time subsequently, Ammonius and his companions
presented themselves before the wife of the emperor, as she was riding
out, and complained of the machinations of Theophilus against them.
She knew what had been plotted against them; and she stood up in honor
of them; and, leaning forward from her royal chariot, she nodded,
and said to them, "Pray for the emperor, for me, for our children,
and for the empire. For my part, I shall shortly cause a council to
be convened, to which Theophilus shall be summoned." A false report
having prevailed in Alexandria, that John had received Dioscorus and
his companions into communion, and had afforded them every aid and
encouragement in his power, Theophilus began to reflect upon what
measures it would be possible to adopt in order to eject John from his
episcopate.
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