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GORDIANUS succeeded Maximinus as Roman emperor; and
Pontianus, who had been bishop of the church at Rome for six years,
was succeeded by Anteros. After he had held the office for a month,
Fabianus succeeded him. They say that Fabianus having come, after
the death of Anteros, with others from the country, was staying at
Rome, and that while there he was chosen to the office through a most
wonderful manifestation of divine and heavenly grace. For when all the
brethren had assembled to select by vote him who should succeed to the
episcopate of the church, several renowned and honorable men were in
the minds of many, but Fabianus, although present, was in the mind
of none. But they relate that suddenly a dove flying down lighted on
his head, resembling the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Saviour
in the form of a dove. Thereupon all the people, as if moved by one
Divine Spirit, with all eagerness and unanimity cried out that he was
worthy, and without delay they took him and placed him upon the
episcopal seat.
About that time Zebinus, bishop of Antioch died, and Babylas
succeeded him.
And in Alexandria Heraclas, having received the episcopal office
after Demetrius, was succeeded in the charge of the catechetical
school by Dionysius, who had also been one of Origen's pupils.
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