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THE Arians, having been deprived of their churches in
Constantinople during the reign Theodosius, held their churches
without the walls of the city. They previously assembled by night in
the public porticoes, and were divided into bands, so that they sang
antiphonally, for they had composed certain refrains which flected
their own dogma, and at the break of day marched in procession,
singing these hymns, to the places in which they held their churches.
They proceeded in this manner on all solemn festivals, and on the
first and last days of the week. The sentiments propounded in these
odes were such as were likely to engender disputes. As, for
instance, the following: "Where are those who say that the Three
Persons constitute one Power?" Other similar acrimonious
observations were interspersed throughout their compositions. John was
fearful lest any of his own church people should be led astray by
witnessing these exhibitions, and therefore commanded them to sing
hymns in the same manner. The orthodox became more distinguished, and
in a short time surpassed the opposing heretics in number and
processions; for they had silver crosses and lighted wax tapers borne
before them. The eunuch of the empress was appointed to regulate these
processions, to pay the cost of whatever might be required, and to
prepare hymns. Hence the Arians, impelled either by jealousy or
revenge, attacked the members of the Catholic Church. Much
bloodshed ensued on both sides. Briso (for this was the name of the
imperial eunuch) was wounded on the forehead by a stone that was cast
at him. The resentment of the emperor was kindled, and he put a stop
to the Arian assemblies. Having commenced the custom of singing hymns
in the manner and from the cause above stated, the members of the
Catholic Church did not discontinue the practice, but have retained
it to the present day. The institution of these processions and his
services in the Church endeared John to the people; but he was hated
by the clergy and the powerful on account of his free boldness, for he
never failed to rebuke the clergy when he detected them in acts of
injustice, nor to exhort the powerful to return to the practice of
virtue when they abused their wealth, committed impiety, or yielded to
voluptuousness.
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