|
THE ordination of Paul occasioned a great commotion in the Church
of Constantinople. During the life of Alexander, the Arians did
not act very openly; for the people by being attentive to him were well
governed and honored Divine things, and especially believed that the
unexpected occurrence which befell Arius, whom they believed met such
a death, was the Divine wrath, drawn down by the imprecations of
Alexander. After the death of this bishop, however, the people
became divided into two parties, and disputes and contests concerning
doctrines were openly carried on. The adherents of Arius desired the
ordination of Macedonius, while those who maintained that the Son is
consubstantial with the Farther wished to have Paul as their bishop;
and this latter party prevailed. After the ordination of Paul, the
emperor, who chanced to be away from home, returned to
Constantinople, and manifested as much displeasure at what had taken
place as though the bishopric had been conferred upon an unworthy man.
Through the machinations of the enemies of Paul a Synod was
convened, and he was expelled from the Church. It handed over the
Church of Constantinople to Eusebius, bishop of Nicomedia.
|
|