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AT this time while Origen was conducting catechetical instruction at
Alexandria, a deed was done by him which evidenced an immature and
youthful mind, but at the same time gave the highest proof of faith and
continence. For he took the words, "There are eunuchs who have made
themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake," in too literal
ad extreme a sense. And in order to fulfill the Saviour's word, and
at the same time to take away from the unbelievers all opportunity for
scandal, for, although young, he met for the study of divine things
with women as well as men, he carried out in action the word of the
Saviour. He thought that this would not be known by many of his
acquaintances. But it was impossible for him, though desiring to do
so, to keep such an action secret. When Demetrius, who presided
over that parish, at last learned of this, he admired greatly the
daring nature of the act, and as he perceived his zeal and the
genuineness of his faith, he immediately exhorted him to courage, and
urged him the more to continue his work of catechetical instruction.
Such was he at that time. But soon afterward, seeing that he was
prospering, and becoming great and distinguished among all men, the
same Demetrius, overcome by human weakness, wrote of his deed as most
foolish to the bishops throughout the world. But the bishops of
Cesarea and Jerusalem, who were especially notable and distinguished
among the bishops of Palestine, considering Origen worthy in the
highest degree of the honor, ordained him a presbyter. Thereupon his
fame increased greatly, and his name became renowned everywhere, and
he obtained no small reputation for virtue and wisdom. But
Demetrius, having nothing else that he could say against him, save
this deed of his boyhood, accused him bitterly, and dared to include
with him in these accusations those who had raised him to the
presbyterate. These things, however, took place a little later.
But at this time Origen continued fearlessly the instruction in divine
things at Alexandria by day and night to all who came to him; devoting
his entire leisure without cessation to divine studies and to his
pupils.
Severus, having held the government for eighteen years, was succeeded
by his son,
Antoninus. Among those who had endured courageously the persecution
of that time, and had been preserved by the Providence of God through
the conflicts of confession, was Alexander, of whom we have spoken
already as bishop of the church in Jerusalem. On account of his
pre-eminence in the confession of Christ he was thought worthy of that
bishopric, while Narcissus, his predecessor, was still living.
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