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ABOUT the same time another disturbance in addition to those we
have recorded, was raised at Constantinople on the following account.
Alexander, who had presided over the churches in that city, and had
strenuously opposed Arius, departed this life, having occupied the
bishopric for twenty-three years and lived ninety-eight years in all,
without having ordained any one to succeed him. But he had enjoined
the proper persons to choose one of the two whom he named; that is to
say, if they desired one who was competent to teach, and of eminent
piety, they should elect Paul, whom he had himself ordained
presbyter, a man young indeed in years, but of advanced intelligence
and prudence; but if they wished a man of venerable aspect, and
external show only of sanctity, they might appoint Macedonius, who
had long been a deacon among them and was aged. Hence there arose a
great contest respecting the choice of a bishop which troubled the
church exceedingly; for ever since the people were divided into two
parties, one of which favored the tenets of Arius, while the other
held what the Nicene Synod had defined, those who held the doctrine
of consubstantiality always had the advantage during the life of
Alexander, the Arians disagreeing among themselves and perpetually
conflicting in opinion. But after the death of that prelate, the
issue of the struggle became doubtful, the defenders of the orthodox
faith insisting on the ordination of Paul, and all the Arian party
espousing the cause of Macedonius. Paul therefore was ordained bishop
in the church called Irene, which is situated near the great church of
Sophia; whose election appeared to be more in accordance with the
suffrage of the deceased.
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