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The Ecclesiastical History of Socrates Scholasticus

Socrates Scholasticus

11h 50m read
Post-Nicene

The seven-book ecclesiastical history of Socrates Scholasticus, continuing Eusebius and covering the years 305–439: the Arian controversies, the great councils, and the rise and fall of bishops and emperors seen from Constantinople.

Table of Contents

1Book I1Introduction to the Work2By what Means the Emperor Constantine became a Christian3While Constantine favors the Christians, Licinius, his Colleague, persecutes them4War arises between Constantine and Licinius on Account of the Christians5The Dispute of Arius with Alexander, his Bishop6Division begins in the Church from this Controversy; and Alexander Bishop of Alexandria excommunicates Arius and his Adherents7The Emperor Constantine being grieved at the Disturbance of the Churches, sends Hosius the Spaniard to Alexandria, exhorting the Bishop and Arius to Reconciliation and Unity8Of the Synod which was held at Nicæa in Bithynia, and the Creed there put forth9The Letter of the Synod, relative to its Decisions: and the Condemnation of Arius and those who agreed with him10The Emperor also summons to the Synod Acesius, Bishop of the Novatians11Of the Bishop Paphnutius12Of Spyridon, Bishop of the Cypriots13Of Eutychian the Monk14Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nicæa, who had been banished for agreeing in Opinion with Arius, having published their Recantation, and assented to the Creed, are reinstated in their Sees15After the Synod, on the Death of Alexander, Athanasius is constituted Bishop of Alexandria16The Emperor Constantine having enlarged the Ancient Byzantium, calls it Constantinople17The Emperor's Mother Helena having come to Jerusalem, searches for and finds the Cross of Christ, and builds a Church18The Emperor Constantine abolishes Paganism and erects many Churches in Different Places19In what Manner the Nations in the Interior of India were Christianized in the Times of Constantine20In what Manner the Iberians were converted to Christianity21Of Anthony the Monk22Manes, the Founder of the Manichæan Heresy, and on his Origin23Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nicæa, having recovered Confidence, endeavor to subvert the Nicene Creed, by plotting against Athanasius24Of the Synod held at Antioch, which deposed Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch, on whose account a Sedition broke out and almost ruined the City25Of the Presbyter who exerted himself for the Recall of Arius26Arius, on being recalled, presents a Recantation to the Emperor, and pretends to accept the Nicene Creed27Arius having returned to Alexandria with the Emperor's Consent, and not being received by Athanasius, the Partisans of Eusebius bring Many Charges against Athanasius before the Emperor28On Account of the Charges against Athanasius, the Emperor convokes a Synod of Bishops at Tyre29Of Arsenius, and his Hand which was said to have been cut off30Athanasius is found Innocent of what he was accused; his Accusers take to Flight31When the Bishops will not listen to Athanasius' Defense on the Second Charge, he betakes himself to the Emperor32On the Departure of Athanasius, those who composed the Synod vote his Deposition33The Members of the Synod proceed from Tyre to Jerusalem, and having celebrated the Dedication of the 'New Jerusalem,' receive Arius and his Followers into Communion34The Emperor summons the Synod to himself by Letter, in order that the Charges against Athanasius might be carefully examined before him35The Synod not having come to the Emperor, the Partisans of Eusebius accuse Athanasius of having threatened to divert the Corn supplied to Constantinople from Alexandria: the Emperor being exasperated at this banishes Athanasius into Gaul36Of Marcellus Bishop of Ancyra, and Asterius the Sophist37After the Banishment of Athanasius, Arius having been sent for by the Emperor, raises a Disturbance against Alexander Bishop of Constantinople38The Death of Arius39The Emperor falls sick and dies40The Funeral of the Emperor Constantine2Book II1Introduction containing the Reason for the Author's Revision of his First and Second Books2Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia, and his Party, by again endeavoring to introduce the Arian Heresy, create Disturbances in the Churches3Athanasius, encouraged by the Letter of Constantine the Younger, returns to Alexandria4On the Death of Eusebius Pamphilus, Acacius succeeds to the Bishopric of Cæsarea5The Death of Constantine the Younger6Alexander, Bishop of Constantinople, when at the Point of Death proposes the Election either of Paul or of Macedonius as his Successor7The Emperor Constantius ejects Paul after his Election to the Bishopric, and sending for Eusebius of Nicomedia, invests him with the Bishopric of Constantinople8Eusebius having convened Another Synod at Antioch in Syria, causes a New Creed to be promulgated9Of Eusebius of Emisa10The Bishops assembled at Antioch, on the Refusal of Eusebius of Emisa to accept the Bishopric of Alexandria, ordain Gregory, and change the Language of the Nicene Creed11On the Arrival of Gregory at Alexandria, tended by a Military Escort, Athanasius flees12The People of Constantinople restore Paul to his See after the Death of Eusebius, while the Arians elect Macedonius13Paul is again ejected from the Church by Constantius, in consequence of the Slaughter of Hermogenes, his General14The Arians remove Gregory from the See of Alexandria, and appoint George in his Place15Athanasius and Paul going to Rome, and having obtained Letters from Bishop Julius, recover their respective Dioceses16The Emperor Constantius, through an Order to Philip the Prætorian Prefect, secures the Exile of Paul, and the Installation of Macedonius in his See17Athanasius, intimidated by the Emperor's Threats, returns to Rome again18The Emperor of the West requests his Brother to send him Three Persons who could give an Account of the Deposition of Athanasius and Paul. Those who are sent publish Another Form of the Creed19Of the Creed sent by the Eastern Bishops to those in Italy, called the Lengthy Creed20Of the Council at Sardica21Defense of Eusebius Pamphilus22The Council of Sardica restores Paul and Athanasius to their Sees; and on the Eastern Emperor's Refusal to admit them, the Emperor of the West threatens him with War23Constantius, being Afraid of his Brother's Threats, recalls Athanasius by Letter, and sends him to Alexandria24Athanasius, passing through Jerusalem on his Return to Alexandria, is received into Communion by Maximus: and a Synod of Bishops, convened in that City, confirms the Nicene Creed25Of the Usurpers Magnentius and Vetranio26After the Death of Constans, the Western Emperor, Paul and Athanasius are again ejected from their Sees: the Former on his Way into Exile is slain; but the Latter escapes by Flight27Macedonius having possessed himself of the See of Constantinople inflicts much Injury on those who differ from him28Athanasius' Account of the Deeds of Violence committed at Alexandria by George the Arian29Of the Heresiarch Photinus30Creeds published at Sirmium in Presence of the Emperor Constantius31Of Hosius, Bishop of Cordova32Overthrow of the Usurper Magnentius33Of the Jews inhabiting Dio-Cæsarea in Palestine34Of Gallus Cæsar35Of Aëtius the Syrian, Teacher of Eunomius36Of the Synod at Milan37Of the Synod at Ariminum, and the Creed there published38Cruelty of Macedonius, and Tumults raised by him39Of the Synod at Seleucia, in Isauria40Acacius, Bishop of Cæsarea, dictates a new Form of Creed in the Synod at Seleucia41On the Emperor's Return from the West, the Acacians assemble at Constantinople, and confirm the Creed of Ariminum, after making Some Additions to it42On the Deposition of Macedonius, Eudoxius obtains the Bishopric of Constantinople43Of Eustathius Bishop of Sebastia44Of Meletius Bishop of Antioch45The Heresy of Macedonius46Of the Apollinarians, and their Heresy47Successes of Julian; Death of the Emperor Constantius3Book III1Of Julian; his Lineage and Education; his Elevation to the Throne; his Apostasy to Paganism2Of the Sedition excited at Alexandria, and how George was slain3The Emperor Indignant at the Murder of George, rebukes the Alexandrians by Letter4On the Death of George, Athanasius returns to Alexandria, and takes Possession of his See5Of Lucifer and Eusebius6Lucifer goes to Antioch and consecrates Paulinus7By the Co-operation of Eusebius and Athanasius a Synod is held at Alexandria, wherein the Trinity is declared to be Consubstantial8Quotations from Athanasius' 'Defense of his Flight.'9After the Synod of Alexandria, Eusebius proceeding to Antioch finds the Catholics at Variance on Account of Paulinus' Consecration; and having exerted himself in vain to reconcile them, he departs; Indignation of Lucifer and Origin of a Sect called after him10Of Hilary Bishop of Poictiers11The Emperor Julian extracts Money from the Christians12Of Maris Bishop of Chalcedon; Julian forbids Christians from entering Literary Pursuits13Of the Outrages committed by the Pagans against the Christians14Flight of Athanasius15Martyrs at Merum in Phrygia, under Julian16Of the Literary Labors of the Two Apollinares and the Emperor's Prohibition of Christians being instructed in Greek Literature17The Emperor preparing an Expedition against the Persians, arrives at Antioch, and being ridiculed by the Inhabitants, he retorts on them by a Satirical Publication entitled 'Misopogon, or the Beard-Hater.'18The Emperor consulting an Oracle, the Demon gives no Response, being awed by the Nearness of Babylas the Martyr19Wrath of the Emperor, and Firmness of Theodore the Confessor20The Jews instigated by the Emperor attempt to rebuild their Temple, and are frustrated in their Attempt by Miraculous Interposition21The Emperor's Invasion of Persia, and Death22Jovian is proclaimed Emperor23Refutation of what Libanius the Sophist said concerning Julian24The Bishops flock around Jovian, each attempting to draw him to his own Creed25The Macedonians and Acacians meet at Antioch, and proclaim their Assent to the Nicene Creed26Death of the Emperor Jovian4Book IV1After Jovian's Death, Valentinian is proclaimed Emperor, and takes his Brother Valens as Colleague in the Empire; Valentinian holds the Orthodox Faith, but Valens is an Arian2Valentinian goes into the West; Valens remains at Constantinople, and grants the Request of the Macedonians to hold a Synod, but persecutes the Adherents of the 'Homoousion.'3While Valens persecutes the Orthodox Christians in the East, a Usurper arises at Constantinople named Procopius: and at the Same Time an Earthquake and Inundation take Place and injure Several Cities4The Macedonians hold a Synod at Lampsacus, during a Period of Both Secular and Ecclesiastical Agitation; and after confirming the Antiochian Creed, and anathematizing that promulgated at Ariminum, they again ratify the Deposition of Acacius and Eudoxius5Engagement between Valens and Procopius near Nacolia in Phrygia; after which the Usurper is betrayed by his Chief Officers, and with them put to Death6After the Death of Procopius Valens constrains those who composed the Synod, and All Christians, to profess Arianism7Eunomius supersedes Eleusius the Macedonian in the See of Cyzicus, His Origin and Imitation of Aëtius, whose Amanuensis he had been8Of the Oracle found inscribed an a Stone, when the Walls of Chalcedon were demolished by Order of the Emperor Valens9Valens persecutes the Novatians, because they accepted the Orthodox Faith10Birth of Valentinian the Younger11Hail of Extraordinary Size; and Earthquakes in Bithynia and the Hellespont12The Macedonians, pressed by the Emperor's Violence toward them, send a Deputation to Liberius Bishop of Rome, and subscribe the Nicene Creed13Eunomius separates from Eudoxius; a Disturbance is raised at Alexandria by Eudoxius, and Athanasius flees into Voluntary Exile again, but in Consequence of the Clamors of the People the Emperor recalls and re-establishes him in his See14The Arians ordain Demophilus after the Death of Eudoxius at Constantinople; but the Orthodox Party constitute Evagrius his Successor15The Emperor banishes Evagrius and Eustathius. The Arians persecute the Orthodox16Certain Presbyters burnt in a Ship by Order of Valens. Famine in Phrygia17The Emperor Valens, while at Antioch, again persecutes the Adherents of the 'Homoousion.'18Events at Edessa: Constancy of the Devout Citizens, and Courage of a Pious Woman19Slaughter of Many Persons by Valens an Account of their Names, in Consequence of a Heathen Prediction20Death of Athanasius, and Elevation of Peter to His See21The Arians are allowed by the Emperor to imprison Peter and to set Lucius over the See of Alexandria22Silence of Sabinus on the Misdeeds of the Arians; Flight of Peter to Rome; Massacre of the Solitaries at the Instigation of the Arians23The Deeds of Some Holy Persons who devoted themselves to a Solitary Life24Assault upon the Monks, and Banishment of their Superiors, who exhibit Miraculous Power25Of Didymus the Blind Man26Of Basil of Cæsarea, and Gregory of Nazianzus27Of Gregory Thaumaturgus (the Wonder-Worker)28Of Novatus and his Followers. The Novatians of Phrygia alter the Time of keeping Easter, following Jewish Usage29Damasus ordained Bishop of Rome. Sedition and Loss of Life caused by the Rivalry of Ursinus30Dissension about a Successor to Auxentius, Bishop of Milan. Ambrose, Governor of the Province, going to appease the Tumult, is by General Consent and with the Approval of the Emperor Valentinian elected to the Bishopric of that Church31Death of Valentinian32The Emperor Valens, appeased by the Oration of Themistius the Philosopher, abates his Persecution of the Christians33The Goths, under the Reign of Valens, embrace Christianity34Admission of the Fugitive Goths into the Roman Territories, which caused the Emperor's Overthrow, and eventually the Ruin of the Roman Empire35Abatement of Persecution against the Christians because of the War with the Goths36The Saracens, under Mavia their Queen, embrace Christianity; and Moses, a Pious Monk, is consecrated their Bishop37After the Departure of Valens from Antioch, the Alexandrians expel Lucius, and restore Peter, who had come with Letters from Damasus Bishop of Rome38The Emperor Valens is ridiculed by the People on Account of the Goths; undertakes an Expedition against them and is slain in an Engagement near Adrianople5Book V1After the Death of Valens the Goths again attack Constantinople, and are repulsed by the Citizens, aided by Some Saracen Auxiliaries2The Emperor Gratian recalls the Orthodox Bishops, and expels the Heretics from the Churches. He takes Theodosius as his Colleague in the Empire3The Principal Bishops who flourished at that Time4The Macedonians, who had subscribed the 'Homoousian' Doctrine, return to their Former Error5Events at Antioch in Connection with Paulinus and Meletius6Gregory of Nazianzus is transferred to the See of Constantinople. The Emperor Theodosius falling Sick at Thessalonica, after his Victory over the Barbarians, is there baptized by Ascholius the Bishop7Gregory, finding Some Dissatisfaction about his Appointment, abdicates the Episcopate of Constantinople. The Emperor orders Demophilus the Arian Bishop either to assent to the 'Homoousion,' or leave the City. He chooses the Latter8A Synod consisting of One Hundred and Fifty Bishops meets at Constantinople. The Decrees passed. Ordination of Nectarius9The Body of Paul, Bishop of Constantinople, is honorably transferred from his Place of Exile. Death of Meletius10The Emperor orders a Convention composed of All the Various Sects. Arcadius is proclaimed Augustus. The Novatians permitted to hold their Assemblies in the City of Constantinople: Other Heretics driven out11The Emperor Gratian is slain by the Treachery of the Usurper Maximus. From Fear of him Justina ceases persecuting Ambrose12While the Emperor Theodosius is engaged in Military Preparations against Maximus, his Son Honorius is born. He then proceeds to Milan in Order to encounter the Usurper13The Arians excite a Tumult at Constantinople14Overthrow and Death of the Usurper Maximus15Of Flavian Bishop of Antioch16Demolition of the Idolatrous Temples at Alexandria, and the Consequent Conflict between the Pagans and Christians17Of the Hieroglyphics found in the Temple of Serapis18Reformation of Abuses at Rome by the Emperor Theodosius19Of the Office of Penitentiary Presbyters and its Abolition20Divisions among the Arians and Other Heretics21Peculiar Schism among the Novatians22The Author's Views respecting the Celebration of Easter, Baptism, Fasting, Marriage, the Eucharist, and Other Ecclesiastical Rites23Further Dissensions among the Arians at Constantinople. The Psathyrians24The Eunomians divide into Several Factions25The Usurper Eugenius compasses the Death of Valentinian the Younger. Theodosius obtains a Victory over him26Illness and Death of Theodosius the Elder6Book VI1On the Death of Theodosius his Two Sons divide the Empire. Rufinus is slain at the Feet of Arcadius2Death of Nectarius and Ordination of John3Birth and Education of John Bishop of Constantinople4Of Serapion the Deacon on whose Account John becomes Odious to his Clergy5John draws down upon Himself the Displeasure of Many Persons of Rank and Power. Of the Eunuch Eutropius6Gaïnas the Goth attempts to usurp the Sovereign Power; after filling Constantinople with Disorder, he is slain7Dissension between Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria and the Monks of the Desert. Condemnation of Origen's Books8The Arians and the Supporters of the 'Homoousion' hold Nocturnal Assemblies and sing Antiphonal Hymns, a Species of Composition ascribed to Ignatius, surnamed Theophorus. Conflict between the Two Parties9Dispute between Theophilus and Peter leading to an Attempt on the Part of the Former to depose John Bishop of Constantinople10Epiphanius Bishop of Cyprus convenes a Synod to condemn the Books of Origen11Of Severian and Antiochus: their Disagreement from John12Epiphanius, in order to gratify Theophilus, performs Ordinations at Constantinople without John's Permission13The Author's Defence of Origen14Epiphanius is asked to meet John; on refusing he is admonished concerning his Anticanonical Proceedings; alarmed at this he leaves Constantinople15John is expelled from his Church by a Synod held at Chalcedon on account of his Dispraise of Women16Sedition on Account of John Chrysostom's Banishment. He is recalled17Conflict between the Constantinopolitans and Alexandrians on Account of Heraclides; Flight of Theophilus and the Bishops of his Party18Of Eudoxia's Silver Statue. On account of it John is exiled a Second Time19Ordination of Arsacius as John's Successor. Indisposition of Cyrinus Bishop of Chalcedon20Death of Arsacius, and Ordination of Atticus21John dies in Exile22Of Sisinnius Bishop of the Novatians. His Readiness at Repartee23Death of the Emperor Arcadius7Book VII1Anthemius the Prætorian Prefect administers the Government of the East in Behalf of Young Theodosius2Character and Conduct of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople3Of Theodosius and Agapetus Bishops of Synada4A Paralytic Jew healed by Atticus in Baptism5The Presbyter Sabbatius, formerly a Jew, separates from the Novatians6The Leaders of Arianism at this Time7Cyril succeeds Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria8Propagation of Christianity among the Persians by Maruthas Bishop of Mesopotamia9The Bishops of Antioch and Rome10Rome taken and sacked by Alaric11The Bishops of Rome12Of Chrysanthus Bishop of the Novatians at Constantinople13Conflict between the Christians and Jews at Alexandria: and breach between the Bishop Cyril and the Prefect Orestes14The Monks of Nitria come down and raise a Sedition against the Prefect of Alexandria15Of Hypatia the Female Philosopher16The Jews commit Another Outrage upon the Christians and are punished17Miracle performed by Paul Bishop of the Novatians at the Baptism of a Jewish Impostor18Renewal of Hostilities between the Romans and Persians after the Death of Isdigerdes King of the Persians19Of Palladius the Courier20A Second Overthrow of the Persians by the Romans21Kind Treatment of the Persian Captives by Acacius Bishop of Amida22Virtues of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger23After the Death of the Emperor Honorius John usurps the Sovereignty at Rome. He is destroyed through the Prayers of Theodosius the Younger24Valentinian a Son of Constantius and Placidia, Aunt of Theodosius, is proclaimed Emperor25Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He registers John's Name in the Diptychs. His Fore-knowledge of his Own Death26Sisinnius is chosen to succeed Atticus27Voluminous Productions of Philip, a Presbyter of Side28Proclus ordained Bishop of Cyzicus by Sisinnius, but rejected by the People29Nestorius of Antioch promoted to the See of Constantinople. His Persecution of the Heretics30The Burgundians embrace Christianity under Theodosius the Younger31Nestorius harasses the Macedonians32Of the Presbyter Anastasius, by whom the Faith of Nestorius was perverted33Desecration of the Altar of the Great Church by Runaway Slaves34Synod at Ephesus against Nestorius. His Deposition35Maximian elected to the Episcopate of Constantinople, though Some wished Proclus to take that Place36The Author's Opinion of the Validity of Translations from One See to Another37Miracle performed by Silvanus Bishop of Troas formerly of Philippopolis38Many of the Jews in Crete embrace the Christian Faith39Preservation of the Church of the Novatians from Fire40Proclus succeeds Maximian Bishop of Constantinople41Excellent Qualities of Proclus42Panegyric of the Emperor Theodosius Younger43Calamities of the Barbarians who had been the Usurper John's Allies44Marriage of the Emperor Valentinian with Eudoxia the Daughter of Theodosius45The Body of John Chrysostom transferred to Constantinople, and placed in the Church of the Apostles by the Emperor at the Instigation of Proclus46Death of Paul Bishop of the Novatians, and Election of Marcian as his Successor47The Empress Eudocia goes to Jerusalem; sent there by the Emperor Theodosius48Thalassius is ordained Bishop of Cæsarea in Cappadocia