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ATHANASIUS, bishop of the church of Alexandria, died about
this period, after having completed his high-priesthood in about forty
six years. The Arians having received early intelligence of his
death, Euzoius, president of the Arians at Antioch, and Magnus,
the chief treasurer, were sent by the emperor, and lost no time in
seizing and imprisoning Peter, whom Athanasius had appointed to
succeed him in the bishopric; and they forthwith transferred the
government of the church to Lucius.
Hence those in Egypt suffered more grievously than those in other
places, and misfortunes piled upon misfortunes oppressed the members of
the Catholic Church; for as soon as Lucius settled in Alexandria,
he attempted to take possession of the churches; he met with opposition
from the people, and the clergy and holy virgins i were accused as
originators of the sedition. Some made their escape as if the city had
fallen into the hands of an enemy; others were seized and imprisoned.
Some of the prisoners were afterwards dragged from the dungeons to be
torn with hooks and thongs, while others were burned by means of
flaming torches. It seemed wonderful how they could possibly survive
the tortures to which they were subjected. Banishment or even death
itself would have been preferable to such sufferings. Peter, the
bishop, made his escape from prison; and embarking on board a ship,
proceeded to Rome, the bishop of which church held the same sentiments
as himself. Thus the Arians, although not many in number, remained
in possession of the churches. At the same time, an edict was issued
by the emperor, enacting that as many of the followers of the Nicene
doctrines should be ejected from Alexandria and the rest of Egypt, as
might be directed by Lucius. Euzoius, having thus accomplished all
his designs, returned to Antioch.
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