Church History 6.39.1–6.46.5
Greek text: Dindorf, Eusebii Opera 4 (Greek text: W. Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Leipzig: Teubner, 1871), digitized by the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0). Compare: Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, series 2, vol. 1 (1890).
Church 6, chapter 39
6.39.1Dindorf 4:279
Ἀλλὰ γὰρ Φίλιππον ἔτεσιν ἑπτὰ βασιλεύσαντα διαδέχεται Δέκιος, ὃς δὴ τοῦ πρὸς Φίλιππον ἔχθους ἕνεκα κατὰ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν ἐγείρει, ἐν ᾧ Φαβιανοῦ ἐπὶ Ῥώμης μαρτυρίῳ τελειωθέντος Κορνήλιος τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν διαδέχεται.
Alla gar Philippon etesin hepta basileusanta diadechetai Dekios, hos dē tou pros Philippon echthous heneka kata tōn ekklēsiōn egeirei, en hǭ Phabianou epi Rhōmēs martyriǭ teleiōthentos Kornēlios tēn episkopēn diadechetai.
When Philip had reigned seven years, he was succeeded by Decius, who, out of enmity toward Philip, raised a persecution against the churches. In it Fabian was perfected by martyrdom at Rome, and Cornelius succeeded to the episcopate.
Notes and citation
Summary: Decius began a persecution (250); Fabian of Rome was martyred and succeeded by Cornelius.
- The word “persecution” (διωγμὸν) is lost in the digital text after κατὰ τῶν.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread letter in the digital text): κατὰ τόν ἐκκλησιῶν → κατὰ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.1 (Dindorf 4:279; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-39-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.39.2Dindorf 4:279
ἐπὶ δὲ Παλαιστίνης Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ τῆς Ἱεροσολύμων ἐκκλησίας ἐπίσκοπος, αὖθις διὰ Χριστὸν ἐν τῇ Καισαρείᾳ ἡγεμονικοῖς παραστὰς δικαστηρίοις, καὶ ἐπὶ δευτέρᾳ διαπρέψας ὁμολογίᾳ, δεσμωτηρίου πειρᾶται, λιπαρῷ γήρει καὶ σεμνῇ πολιᾷ κατεστεμμένος.
epi de Palaistinēs Alexandros ho tēs Hierosolymōn ekklēsias episkopos, authis dia Christon en tę̄ Kaisareią hēgemonikois parastas dikastēriois, kai epi deuterą diaprepsas homologią, desmōtēriou peiratai, liparǭ gērei kai semnę̄ polią katestemmenos.
In Palestine, Alexander, bishop of the church of Jerusalem, again appeared for Christ's sake before the governor's courts at Caesarea, and after distinguishing himself in a second confession, underwent imprisonment, crowned with a ripe old age and venerable grey hairs.
Notes and citation
Summary: Alexander of Jerusalem, now very old, confessed again and was imprisoned.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.2 (Dindorf 4:279; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-39-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.39.3Dindorf 4:279–280
τούτου δὲ μετὰ τὴν ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμονικοῖς δικαστηρίοις λαμπρὰν καὶ περιφανῆ μαρτυρίαν ἐπὶ τῆς εἱρκτῆς κοιμηθέντος, Μαζαβάνης διάδοχος τῆς ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐπισκοπῆς ἀναδείκνυται.
toutou de meta tēn en tois hēgemonikois dikastēriois lampran kai periphanē martyrian epi tēs heirktēs koimēthentos, Mazabanēs diadochos tēs en Hierosolymois episkopēs anadeiknytai.
When he fell asleep in prison after his splendid and illustrious testimony before the governor's courts, Mazabanes was declared his successor in the episcopate at Jerusalem.
Notes and citation
Summary: Alexander died in prison and was succeeded by Mazabanes.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (missing letter in the digital text): ἀναδείκυται → ἀναδείκνυται.
Topics: Martyrdom, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.3 (Dindorf 4:279–280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-39-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.39.4Dindorf 4:280
τῷ δʼ Ἀλεξάνδρῳ παραπλησίως ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τοῦ Βαβύλα μετὰ τὴν ὁμολογίαν ἐν δεσμωτηρίῳ μεταλλάξαντος Φάβιος τῆς αὐτόθι προΐσταται ἐκκλησίας.
tǭ dʼ Alexandrǭ paraplēsiōs en Antiocheią tou Babyla meta tēn homologian en desmōtēriǭ metallaxantos Phabios tēs autothi proïstatai ekklēsias.
Like Alexander, Babylas at Antioch died in prison after his confession, and Fabius presided over the church there.
Notes and citation
Summary: Babylas of Antioch also died in prison and was succeeded by Fabius.
Topics: Martyrdom, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.4 (Dindorf 4:280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-39-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.39.5Dindorf 4:280
τὰ μὲν οὖν Ὠριγένει κατὰ τὸν διωγμὸν συμβάντα οἷα καὶ ὅσα, καὶ ὁποίας ἔτυχε τελευτῆς, τοῦ πονηροῦ δαίμονος ἐφαμίλλως τῷ ἀνδρὶ πανστρατιᾷ παραταξαμένου, πάσῃ τε μηχανῇ καὶ δυνάμει κατʼ αὐτοῦ στρατηγήσαντος, παρὰ πάντας τε τοὺς τηνικάδε πολεμηθέντας διαφερόντως ἐπισκήψαντος αὐτῷ, οἷά τε καὶ ὅσα διὰ τὸν Χριστοῦ λόγον ὁ ἀνὴρ ὑπέμεινε δεσμὰ καὶ βασάνους τὰς κατὰ τοῦ σώματος, τάς τε ὑπὸ σιδηρῷ κλοιῷ καὶ μυχοῖς εἱρκτῆς τιμωρίας, καὶ ὡς ἐπὶ πλείσταις ἡμέραις τοὺς πόδας ὑπὸ τέσσαρα τοῦ κολαστηρίου ξύλου παραταθεὶς διαστήματα κατασπώμενος πυρός τε ἀπειλὰς καὶ ὅσα ἄλλα πρὸς τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἐπενεχθέντα καρτερῶς ἤνεγκεν, οἵου τε τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν ἔτυχε τέλους, μηδαμῶς αὐτὸν ἀνελεῖν παντὶ σθένει τοῦ δικαστοῦ φιλονείκως ἐνστάντος, ὁποίας τε μετὰ ταύτα καταλείπει φωνὰς, καὶ αὐτὰς πλήρεις τοῖς ἀναλήψεως δεομένοις ὠφελείας, πλεῖσται ὅσαι τἀνδρὸς ἐπιστολαὶ τἀληθὲς ὁμοῦ καὶ ἀκριβὲς περιέχουσι.
ta men oun Ōrigenei kata ton diōgmon symbanta hoia kai hosa, kai hopoias etyche teleutēs, tou ponērou daimonos ephamillōs tǭ andri panstratią parataxamenou, pasę̄ te mēchanę̄ kai dynamei katʼ autou stratēgēsantos, para pantas te tous tēnikade polemēthentas diapherontōs episkēpsantos autǭ, hoia te kai hosa dia ton Christou logon ho anēr hypemeine desma kai basanous tas kata tou sōmatos, tas te hypo sidērǭ kloiǭ kai mychois heirktēs timōrias, kai hōs epi pleistais hēmerais tous podas hypo tessara tou kolastēriou xylou paratatheis diastēmata kataspōmenos pyros te apeilas kai hosa alla pros tōn echthrōn epenechthenta karterōs ēnenken, hoiou te ta katʼ auton etyche telous, mēdamōs auton anelein panti sthenei tou dikastou philoneikōs enstantos, hopoias te meta tauta kataleipei phōnas, kai autas plēreis tois analēpseōs deomenois ōpheleias, pleistai hosai tandros epistolai talēthes homou kai akribes periechousi.
What and how many things happened to Origen in the persecution, and what end he met — the evil demon arraying himself with all his forces against the man in rivalry, leading every device and power against him, and assailing him above all others who were attacked at that time; what and how many things the man endured for the word of Christ, bonds and bodily tortures, punishments under the iron collar and in the recesses of the prison; how for very many days he had his feet stretched four spaces in the stocks, and bore steadfastly threats of fire and all else inflicted by his enemies; what outcome his affairs had, the judge eagerly striving with all his might not to put him to death; and what words he left after this, full of help for those who need encouragement — all these are contained, truthfully and exactly, in the man's very many letters.
Notes and citation
Summary: Origen endured chains, the iron collar, and the stocks under Decius, the judge deliberately keeping him alive; his letters record it.
- Origen died a few years later, probably ca. 253/4.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.39.5 (Dindorf 4:280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-39-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
Church 6, chapter 40
6.40.1Dindorf 4:280
Τά γέ τοι κατὰ Διονύσιον ἐκ τῆς πρὸς Γερμανὸν ἐπιστολῆς αὐτοῦ παραθήσομαι, ἔνθα τοῦτον περὶ ἑαυτοῦ λέγων ἱστορεῖ τὸν τρόπον “ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ λαλῶ, καὶ “αὐτὸς οἶδεν ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι· οὐδὲ μίαν ἐπʼ ἐμαυ- “τοῦ βαλλόμενος οὐδὲ ἀθεεί πεποίημαι τὴν φυγήν. “
Ta ge toi kata Dionysion ek tēs pros Germanon epistolēs autou parathēsomai, entha touton peri heautou legōn historei ton tropon “egō de kai enōpion tou theou lalō, kai “autos oiden hoti ou pseudomai; oude mian epʼ emau- “tou ballomenos oude atheei pepoiēmai tēn phygēn. “
What concerns Dionysius I shall set out from his letter to Germanus, where he relates this about himself: “I speak before God, and he knows that I do not lie: I did not take flight on my own initiative nor without God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius of Alexandria: his flight in the persecution was by God's direction.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Germanus (to 6.40.9).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): ἀθεεὶ → ἀθεεί.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.1 (Dindorf 4:280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.2Dindorf 4:280–281
ἀλλὰ καὶ πρότερον τοῦ κατὰ Δέκιον προτεθέντος “διωγμοῦ Σαβῖνος αὐτῆς ὥρας φρουμεντάριον ἔπεμ- “ψεν εἰς ἀναζήτησίν μου, κἀγὼ μὲν τεσσάρων ἡμε- “ρῶν ἐπὶ τῆς οἰκίας ἔμεινα, τὴν ἄφιξιν τοῦ φρου- “μενταρίου προσδοκῶν. ὁ δὲ πάντα μὲν περιῆλθεν “ἀνερευνῶν, τοὺς ποταμοὺς, τὰς ὁδοὺς, τοὺς ἀγροὺς, “ἔνθα κρύπτεσθαί με ἢ βαδίζειν ὑπενόησεν, ἀορασίᾳ δὲ εἴχετο, μὴ εὑρίσκων τὴν οἰκίαν· οὐ γὰρ ἐπίστευ- “σεν οἴκοι με διωκόμενον ἔχειν.
alla kai proteron tou kata Dekion protethentos “diōgmou Sabinos autēs hōras phroumentarion epem- “psen eis anazētēsin mou, kagō men tessarōn hēme- “rōn epi tēs oikias emeina, tēn aphixin tou phrou- “mentariou prosdokōn. ho de panta men periēlthen “anereunōn, tous potamous, tas hodous, tous agrous, “entha kryptesthai me ē badizein hypenoēsen, aorasią de eicheto, mē heuriskōn tēn oikian; ou gar episteu- “sen oikoi me diōkomenon echein.
Even before, when the persecution under Decius was proclaimed, Sabinus at that very hour sent a frumentarius to search for me. I stayed at home four days, expecting the frumentarius to come. But he went round searching everywhere, the rivers, the roads, the fields, where he suspected I was hiding or walking, but was struck with blindness and did not find the house; for he did not believe that I, being pursued, would stay at home.
Notes and citation
Summary: The prefect's agent searched everywhere for Dionysius except his own house.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Sabinus was prefect of Egypt; a frumentarius was an imperial agent.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): τοὐ φρου- → τοῦ φρου-.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.2 (Dindorf 4:280–281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.3Dindorf 4:281
καὶ μόλις μετὰ τὴν τετάρτην ἡμέραν κελεύσαντός μοι μεταστῆναι “τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ παραδόξως ὁδοποιήσαντος ἐγώ τε “οἱ παῖδες καὶ πολλοὶ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἅμα “θομεν. καὶ ὅτι τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ προνοίας ἔργον ἐκεῖνο “γέγονε τὰ ἐξῆς ἐδήλωσεν, ἐν οἷς τάχα τισὶ γεγόναμεν χρήσιμοι.”
kai molis meta tēn tetartēn hēmeran keleusantos moi metastēnai “tou theou kai paradoxōs hodopoiēsantos egō te “hoi paides kai polloi tōn adelphōn hama “thomen. kai hoti tēs tou theou pronoias ergon ekeino “gegone ta exēs edēlōsen, en hois tacha tisi gegonamen chrēsimoi.”
And barely, after the fourth day, when God commanded me to depart and wonderfully made a way, I and the servants and many of the brothers went out together. That this was the work of God's providence what followed showed, in which we were perhaps of use to some.”
Notes and citation
Summary: On the fourth day God led Dionysius and his companions out safely.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Words at line beginnings (“and”, “went out”) are lost in the digital text.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.3 (Dindorf 4:281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.4Dindorf 4:281
εἶτά τινα μεταξὺ εἰπὼν τὰ μετὰ τὴν φυγὴν αὐτῷ συμβεβηκότα δηλοῖ, ταῦτα ἐπιφέρων “ἐγὼ μὲν γὰρ περὶ ἡλίου δυσμὰς ἅμα τοῖς “σὺν ἐμοὶ γενόμενος ὑπὸ τοῖς στρατιώταις εἰς Ταπό- “σιριν ἤχθην, ὁ δὲ Τιμόθεος κατὰ τὴν τοῦ θεοῦ “πρόνοιαν ἔτυχε μὴ παρὼν μηδὲ καταληφθείς. ἐλθὼν “δὲ ὕστερον ηὗρε τὸν οἶκον ἔρημον, καὶ φρουροῦν- “τας αὐτὸν ὑπηρέτας, ἡμᾶς δὲ ἐξηνδραποδισμένους.”
eita tina metaxy eipōn ta meta tēn phygēn autǭ symbebēkota dēloi, tauta epipherōn “egō men gar peri hēliou dysmas hama tois “syn emoi genomenos hypo tois stratiōtais eis Tapo- “sirin ēchthēn, ho de Timotheos kata tēn tou theou “pronoian etyche mē parōn mēde katalēphtheis. elthōn “de hysteron hēure ton oikon erēmon, kai phrouroun- “tas auton hypēretas, hēmas de exēndrapodismenous.”
Then, after saying some things in between, he tells what happened to him after the flight, adding this: “About sunset I was seized with those who were with me by the soldiers and taken to Taposiris; but Timothy, by the providence of God, happened not to be present and was not caught. Coming later, he found the house deserted and guarded by attendants, and us taken captive.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius was captured and taken to Taposiris; Timothy escaped.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.4 (Dindorf 4:281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.5Dindorf 4:281
καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερά φησι “καὶ τίς ὁ τῆς θαυμασίας ‘οἰκονομίας αὐτοῦ τρόπος; τὰ γὰρ ἀληθῆ λεχθήσεται. ‘ἀπηντᾶτό τις τῶν χωρικῶν ὑποφεύγοντι τῷ Τιμο- ‘θέῳ καὶ τεταραγμένῳ, καὶ τὴν αἰτίαν τῆς ἐπείξεως ἐπύθετο.
kai methʼ hetera phēsi “kai tis ho tēs thaumasias ‘oikonomias autou tropos? ta gar alēthē lechthēsetai. ‘apēntato tis tōn chōrikōn hypopheugonti tǭ Timo- ‘theǭ kai tetaragmenǭ, kai tēn aitian tēs epeixeōs epytheto.
And after other things he says: “And what was the manner of his wonderful dispensation? For the truth shall be told. One of the country people met Timothy as he fled in distress and asked the reason for his haste.
Notes and citation
Summary: A countryman met the fleeing Timothy and asked why he hurried.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.5 (Dindorf 4:281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.6Dindorf 4:281
ὁ δὲ τἀληθὲς ἐξεῖπε, κἀκεῖνος ἀκούσας ἀπῄει δὲ εὐωχησόμενος γάμους· διαπαννυχίζειν ‘γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἐν ταῖς τοιαύταις συνόδοις ἔθος) εἰσελ- “θὼν ἀπήγγειλε τοῖς κατακειμένοις· οἶ δὲ ὁρμῇ καθάπερ ἀπὸ συνθήματος πάντες ἐξανέστησαν, καὶ δρόμῳ φερόμενοι τάχιστα ἧκον, ἐπεισπεσόντες τε ἡμῖν ἠλάλαξαν, καὶ φυγῆς εὐθέως τῶν φρουρούντων ἡμὰς στρατιωτῶν γενομένης ἐπέστησαν ἡμῖν, ὡς εἴχομεν ἐπὶ τῶν ἀστρώτων σκιμπόδων κατακείμενοι.
ho de talēthes exeipe, kakeinos akousas apę̄ei de euōchēsomenos gamous; diapannychizein ‘gar autois en tais toiautais synodois ethos) eisel- “thōn apēngeile tois katakeimenois; oi de hormę̄ kathaper apo synthēmatos pantes exanestēsan, kai dromǭ pheromenoi tachista hēkon, epeispesontes te hēmin ēlalaxan, kai phygēs eutheōs tōn phrourountōn hēmas stratiōtōn genomenēs epestēsan hēmin, hōs eichomen epi tōn astrōtōn skimpodōn katakeimenoi.
He told the truth, and the man, hearing it (he was on his way to a wedding feast, for it is their custom to spend the whole night at such gatherings), went in and reported it to those at table. They all rose up with one impulse as at a signal, came running at full speed, burst in on us shouting, and as the soldiers guarding us immediately fled, they stood over us, lying as we were on bare pallets.
Notes and citation
Summary: The wedding guests rushed to the place, the guards fled, and the villagers stood over the prisoners.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.6 (Dindorf 4:281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.7Dindorf 4:281–282
κἀγὼ μὲν, οἶδεν ὁ θεὸς, ὡς λῃστὰς εἶναι “πρότερον ἡγούμενος ἐπὶ σύλησιν καὶ ἁρπαγὴν “κομένους, μένων ἐπὶ τῆς εὐνῆς, ἧς ἤμην γυμνὸς ἐν “τῷ λινῷ ἐσθήματι, τὴν δὲ λοιπὴν ἐσθῆτα “μένην αὐτοῖς ὤρεγον, οἱ δὲ ἐξανίστασθαί τε ἐκέλευον καὶ τὴν ταχίστην ἐξιέναι.
kagō men, oiden ho theos, hōs lę̄stas einai “proteron hēgoumenos epi sylēsin kai harpagēn “komenous, menōn epi tēs eunēs, hēs ēmēn gymnos en “tǭ linǭ esthēmati, tēn de loipēn esthēta “menēn autois ōregon, hoi de exanistasthai te ekeleuon kai tēn tachistēn exienai.
And I — God knows — at first thinking they were robbers come for plunder and pillage, stayed on the bed where I was, naked but for my linen garment, and offered them the rest of my clothing lying beside me; but they bade me get up and go out as fast as possible.
Notes and citation
Summary: Thinking them robbers, Dionysius offered them his clothes, but they told him to leave quickly.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Words are lost in the digital text (“come”, “lying beside me”).
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.7 (Dindorf 4:281–282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.8Dindorf 4:282
καὶ τότε συνεὶς ἐφʼ ᾧ παρῆσαν ἀνέκραγον δεόμενος αὐτῶν καὶ “ἱκετεύων ἀπιέναι καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐᾶν, εἰ δὲ βούλονταί τι χρηστὸν ἐργάσασθαι, τοὺς ἀπάγοντάς με φθάσαι, “καὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοὺς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀποτεμεῖν ἠξίουν. “καὶ τοιαῦτα βοῶντος, ὡς ἴσασιν οἱ κοινωνοί μου καὶ “μέτοχοι πάντων γενόμενοι, ἀνίστασαν πρὸς βίαν, “κἀγὼ μὲν παρῆκα ἐμαυτὸν ὕπτιον εἰς τοὔδαφος, οἱ “δὲ διαλαβόντες χειρῶν καὶ ποδῶν σύροντες “γαγον.
kai tote syneis ephʼ hǭ parēsan anekragon deomenos autōn kai “hiketeuōn apienai kai hēmas ean, ei de boulontai ti chrēston ergasasthai, tous apagontas me phthasai, “kai tēn kephalēn autous tēn emēn apotemein ēxioun. “kai toiauta boōntos, hōs isasin hoi koinōnoi mou kai “metochoi pantōn genomenoi, anistasan pros bian, “kagō men parēka emauton hyption eis toudaphos, hoi “de dialabontes cheirōn kai podōn syrontes “gagon.
Then, understanding why they had come, I cried out, begging and entreating them to go away and leave us alone; and if they wished to do some good, I asked them to forestall those who were taking me away and cut off my head themselves. While I was shouting such things, as my companions, who shared in everything, know, they raised me up by force. I let myself fall on my back on the ground, but they took me by hands and feet, dragged me out and led me away.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius begged to be left to die, but they carried him off by force.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The digital text reads ἐὰν for ἐᾶν (“to leave”).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐὰν → καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐᾶν.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.8 (Dindorf 4:282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.40.9Dindorf 4:282
ἐπηκολούθουν δέ μοι οἱ τούτων πάντων “γενόμενοι μάρτυρες, Γάϊος, Φαῦστος, Πέτρος, Παῦ- “λος, οἳ καὶ ὑπολαβόντες με φοράδην ἐξήγαγον “πολιχνίου, καὶ ὄνῳ γυμνῷ ἐπιβιβάσαντες ἀπήγαγον.” ταῦτα περὶ ἑαυτοῦ ὁ Διονύσιος.
epēkolouthoun de moi hoi toutōn pantōn “genomenoi martyres, Gaïos, Phaustos, Petros, Pau- “los, hoi kai hypolabontes me phoradēn exēgagon “polichniou, kai onǭ gymnǭ epibibasantes apēgagon.” tauta peri heautou ho Dionysios.
Those who were witnesses of all these things followed me: Gaius, Faustus, Peter, Paul. They took me up and carried me out of the little town, and setting me on a bare-backed donkey led me away.” So Dionysius about himself.
Notes and citation
Summary: His companions carried him out of the town on a donkey.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray mark in the digital text): Γάι·ος → Γάϊος.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.40.9 (Dindorf 4:282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-40-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
Church 6, chapter 41
6.41.1Dindorf 4:282
Ὁ δʼ αὐτὸς ἐν τῇ πρὸς Φαβιανὸν Ἀντιοχέων ἐπίσκοπον τῶν κατὰ Δέκιον μαρτυρησάντων ἐν Ἀλεξανδρείᾳ τοὺς ἀγῶνας τοῦτον ἱστορεῖ τὸν τρόπον “οὐκ ἀπὸ τοῦ βασιλικοῦ προστάγματος ὁ διωγμὸς παρʼ ἡμῖν ἤρξατο, ἀλλὰ γὰρ ὅλον ἐνιαυτὸν προύλαβε, καὶ φθάσας ὁ “κακῶν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ μάντις καὶ ποιητὴς, ὅστις ἐκεῖνος ἦν, ἐκίνησε καὶ παρώρμησε καθʼ ἡμῶν τὰ πλήθη τῶν ἐθνῶν, εἰς τὴν ἐπιχώριον αὐτοὺς δεισιδαιμονίαν ἀναρριπίσας.
Ho dʼ autos en tę̄ pros Phabianon Antiocheōn episkopon tōn kata Dekion martyrēsantōn en Alexandreią tous agōnas touton historei ton tropon “ouk apo tou basilikou prostagmatos ho diōgmos parʼ hēmin ērxato, alla gar holon eniauton proulabe, kai phthasas ho “kakōn tę̄ polei tautę̄ mantis kai poiētēs, hostis ekeinos ēn, ekinēse kai parōrmēse kathʼ hēmōn ta plēthē tōn ethnōn, eis tēn epichōrion autous deisidaimonian anarripisas.
The same writer, in his letter to Fabian, bishop of the Antiochenes, relates the contests of those martyred at Alexandria under Decius thus: “The persecution among us did not begin with the imperial edict, but preceded it by a whole year. The prophet and maker of evils for this city, whoever he was, got in first and stirred and incited the multitudes of the pagans against us, fanning up their native superstition.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius: at Alexandria persecution began a year before Decius's edict, stirred up by a pagan prophet.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Fabius of Antioch (to 6.42.6). The edition reads Φαβιανόν (“Fabian”, the name of the bishop of Rome, 6.39.1); this is a variant in the text, not a digitization slip, and is kept as printed. The bishop of Antioch to whom Dionysius wrote was Fabius (6.39.4, 6.44.1), as other editions read here.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.1 (Dindorf 4:282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.2Dindorf 4:282
οἱ δὲ ἐρεθισθέντες ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ, καὶ πάσης ἐξουσίας εἰς ἀνοσιουργίαν λαβό- “μενοι, μόνην εὐσέβειαν τὴν θρησκείαν τῶν “ταύτην ὑπέλαβον, τὸ καθʼ ἡμῶν φονᾶν. “
hoi de erethisthentes hypʼ autou, kai pasēs exousias eis anosiourgian labo- “menoi, monēn eusebeian tēn thrēskeian tōn “tautēn hypelabon, to kathʼ hēmōn phonan. “
Aroused by him and seizing full licence for wickedness, they supposed that this alone was piety, the worship of the demons: to murder us.
Notes and citation
Summary: The mob made murdering Christians their form of worship.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The word “demons” (δαιμόνων) is lost in the digital text.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.2 (Dindorf 4:282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.3Dindorf 4:282–283
πρῶτον μὲν οὖν πρεσβύτην Μητρᾶν ὀνόματι συναρπάσαντες, καὶ κελεύσαντες ἄθεα λέγειν ῥή- “ματα, μὴ πειθόμενον, ξύλοις τε παίοντες τὸ σῶμα, ‘καὶ καλάμοις ὀξέσι τὸ πρόσωπον καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλ- “μοὺς κεντοῦντες, ἀγαγόντες εἰς τὸ προάστειον “λιθοβόλησαν.
prōton men oun presbytēn Mētran onomati synarpasantes, kai keleusantes athea legein rhē- “mata, mē peithomenon, xylois te paiontes to sōma, ‘kai kalamois oxesi to prosōpon kai tous ophthal- “mous kentountes, agagontes eis to proasteion “lithobolēsan.
First, then, they seized an old man named Metras and ordered him to speak blasphemous words; when he would not obey, they beat his body with clubs, stabbed his face and eyes with sharp reeds, led him out to the suburb, and stoned him.
Notes and citation
Summary: The old man Metras was tortured and stoned for refusing to blaspheme.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): πρῶτον μὲν οὑν → πρῶτον μὲν οὖν.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.3 (Dindorf 4:282–283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.4Dindorf 4:283
ἔπειτα πιστὴν γυναῖκα Κοΐνταν “καλουμένην ἐπὶ τὸ εἰδωλεῖον ἀγαγόντες “προσκυνεῖν· ἀποστρεφομένην δὲ καὶ βδελυττομένην “ἐκδήσαντες τῶν ποδῶν, διὰ πάσης τῆς πόλεως κατὰ “τοῦ τραχέος λιθοστρώτου σύροντες, προσαρασσομέ- “νην τοῖς μυλιαίοις λίθοις ἅμα καὶ μαστιγοῦντες, ἐπὶ τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγαγόντες κατέλευσαν τόπον.
epeita pistēn gynaika Koïntan “kaloumenēn epi to eidōleion agagontes “proskynein; apostrephomenēn de kai bdelyttomenēn “ekdēsantes tōn podōn, dia pasēs tēs poleōs kata “tou tracheos lithostrōtou syrontes, prosarassome- “nēn tois myliaiois lithois hama kai mastigountes, epi ton auton agagontes kateleusan topon.
Then they led a believing woman called Quinta to the idol temple and tried to compel her to worship; when she turned away in loathing, they tied her by the feet and dragged her through the whole city over the rough pavement, dashing her against the millstones and scourging her at the same time, and brought her to the same place and stoned her.
Notes and citation
Summary: Quinta refused to worship an idol and was dragged through the city and stoned.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A verb (“compelled”) is lost in the digital text.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.4 (Dindorf 4:283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.5Dindorf 4:283
εἶθʼ ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἅπαντες ὥρμησαν ἐπὶ τὰς τῶν θεοσε- “βῶν οἰκίας, καὶ οὓς ἐγνώριζον ἕκαστοι “ἐπισπεύδοντες ἦγον, ἐσύλων τε καὶ διήρπαζον, τὰ ‘μὲν τιμιώτερα τῶν κειμηλίων νοσφιζόμενοι, τὰ δὲ “εὐτελέστερα καὶ ὅσα ἐκ ξύλων πεποίητο, διαρριπτοῦντες καὶ κατακαίοντες ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς ἑαλωκυίας ὑπὸ πολεμίων πόλεως παρεῖχον θέαν.
eithʼ homothymadon hapantes hōrmēsan epi tas tōn theose- “bōn oikias, kai hous egnōrizon hekastoi “epispeudontes ēgon, esylōn te kai diērpazon, ta ‘men timiōtera tōn keimēliōn nosphizomenoi, ta de “eutelestera kai hosa ek xylōn pepoiēto, diarriptountes kai katakaiontes en tais hodois healōkuias hypo polemiōn poleōs pareichon thean.
Then with one accord they all rushed on the houses of the God-fearing, and each, falling upon those they knew as neighbours, carried them off, robbed and plundered them, taking the more valuable goods for themselves, scattering the cheaper things and whatever was made of wood and burning them in the streets, so that they presented the spectacle of a city taken by enemies.
Notes and citation
Summary: Mobs looted Christian homes and burned their goods like a sacked city.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.5 (Dindorf 4:283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.6Dindorf 4:283
ἐξέκλινον δὲ καὶ ὑπανεχώρουν οἱ ἀδελφοὶ, καὶ τὴν ἁρπαγὴν τῶν ὑπαρχόντων, ὁμοίως ἐκείνοις οἷς καὶ Παῦλος ἐμαρτύρησε, μετὰ χαρᾶς προσεδέξαντο. καὶ οὐκ οἶδʼ εἴ τις, πλὴν εἰ μή πού τις εἶς ἐμπεσὼν, μέχρι γε τούτου τὸν κύριον ἠρνήσατο.
exeklinon de kai hypanechōroun hoi adelphoi, kai tēn harpagēn tōn hyparchontōn, homoiōs ekeinois hois kai Paulos emartyrēse, meta charas prosedexanto. kai ouk oidʼ ei tis, plēn ei mē pou tis eis empesōn, mechri ge toutou ton kyrion ērnēsato.
The brothers gave way and withdrew, and accepted the plundering of their goods with joy, like those to whom Paul bore witness. And I do not know that anyone, except perhaps one who fell into their hands, has so far denied the Lord.
Heb 10:34 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The Christians accepted the loss of their goods with joy, and scarcely any denied the Lord.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Heb 10:34 (which Dionysius ascribes to Paul).
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.6 (Dindorf 4:283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.7Dindorf 4:283–284
ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν “θαυμασιωτάτην τότε παρθένον πρεσβῦτιν Ἀπολλωνίαν διαλαβόντες, τοὺς μὲν ὀδόντας ἅπαντας, κόπτοντες τὰς σιαγόνας, ἐξήλασαν, πυρὰν δὲ νήσαν- “τες πρὸ τῆς πόλεως ζῶσαν ἠπείλουν κατακαύσειν, “εἰ μὴ συνεκφωνήσειεν αὐτοῖς τὰ τῆς ἀσεβείας “κηρύγματα. ἡ δὲ ὑποπαραιτησαμένη βραχὺ καὶ “ἀνεθεῖσα συντόνως ἐπεπήδησεν εἰς τὸ πῦρ καὶ “καταπέφλεκται.
alla kai tēn “thaumasiōtatēn tote parthenon presbytin Apollōnian dialabontes, tous men odontas hapantas, koptontes tas siagonas, exēlasan, pyran de nēsan- “tes pro tēs poleōs zōsan ēpeiloun katakausein, “ei mē synekphōnēseien autois ta tēs asebeias “kērygmata. hē de hypoparaitēsamenē brachy kai “anetheisa syntonōs epepēdēsen eis to pyr kai “katapephlektai.
They also seized the most wonderful aged virgin Apollonia, broke her jaws and knocked out all her teeth, and piling a pyre before the city threatened to burn her alive if she did not join them in uttering their impious proclamations. She asked for a little time, and when released, leapt eagerly into the fire and was burned up.
Notes and citation
Summary: The aged virgin Apollonia had her teeth knocked out and leapt into the fire rather than blaspheme.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.7 (Dindorf 4:283–284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.8Dindorf 4:284
Σαραπίωνά τε καταλαβόντες “ἐφέστιον, σκληραῖς βασάνοις αἰκισάμενοι, καὶ πάντα “τὰ ἄρθρα διακλάσαντες, ἀπὸ τοῦ ὑπερῴου πρηνῆ “ κατέρριψαν. οὐδεμία δὲ ὁδὸς, οὐ λεωφόρος, οὐ στε- “νωπὸς ἡμῖν βάσιμος ἦν, οὐ νύκτωρ, οὐ μεθʼ ἡμέ- “ραν, ἀεὶ καὶ πανταχοῦ πάντων κεκραγότων, εἰ μὴ “τὰ δύσφημά τις ἀνυμνοίη ῥήματα, τοῦτον δεῖν σύρεσθαί τε καὶ πίμπρασθαι.
Sarapiōna te katalabontes “ephestion, sklērais basanois aikisamenoi, kai panta “ta arthra diaklasantes, apo tou hyperǭou prēnē “ katerripsan. oudemia de hodos, ou leōphoros, ou ste- “nōpos hēmin basimos ēn, ou nyktōr, ou methʼ hēme- “ran, aei kai pantachou pantōn kekragotōn, ei mē “ta dysphēma tis anymnoiē rhēmata, touton dein syresthai te kai pimprasthai.
They seized Serapion in his house, tormented him with harsh tortures, broke all his limbs, and threw him headlong from the upper storey. No road, no highway, no lane was passable for us, by night or by day; always and everywhere all were crying out that anyone who did not chant the blasphemous words must be dragged off and burned.
Notes and citation
Summary: Serapion was tortured and thrown from his roof; the streets were unsafe for Christians.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.8 (Dindorf 4:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.9Dindorf 4:284
καὶ ταῦτα “ἐπὶ πολὺ μὲν ἤκμασε τοῦτον τὸν τρόπον, διαδεξα- “μένη δὲ τοὺς ἀθλίους ἡ στάσις καὶ ὁ πόλεμος ὁ ἐμφύλιος τὴν καθʼ ἡμῶν ὠμότητα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ‘αὐτῶν ἔτρεψε. καὶ σμικρὸν μὲν προσανεπνεύσαμεν, “ἀσχολίαν τοῦ πρὸς ἡμᾶς θυμοῦ λαβόντων, εὐθέως δὲ ἡ τῆς βασιλείας ἐκείνης τῆς εὐμενεστέρας ἡμῖν “μεταβολὴ διήγγελται, καὶ πολὺς ὁ τῆς ἐφʼ ἡμὰς ‘ἀπειλῆς φόβος ἀνετείνετο.
kai tauta “epi poly men ēkmase touton ton tropon, diadexa- “menē de tous athlious hē stasis kai ho polemos ho emphylios tēn kathʼ hēmōn ōmotēta pros allēlous ‘autōn etrepse. kai smikron men prosanepneusamen, “ascholian tou pros hēmas thymou labontōn, eutheōs de hē tēs basileias ekeinēs tēs eumenesteras hēmin “metabolē diēngeltai, kai polys ho tēs ephʼ hēmas ‘apeilēs phobos aneteineto.
These things flourished in this way for a long time. But then faction and civil war overtook the wretches and turned their cruelty against us upon one another. We breathed again a little, since they had no leisure for their fury against us; but immediately the change of that reign which had been more kindly to us was announced, and great fear of threats against us was held over us.
Notes and citation
Summary: Civil strife gave a brief respite, until news of a new, hostile reign arrived.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The kinder reign was Philip's, succeeded by Decius.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.9 (Dindorf 4:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.10Dindorf 4:284
καὶ δὴ καὶ παρῆν “τὸ πρόσταγμα, αὐτοσχεδὸν ἐκεῖνο οἷον τὸ ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου ἀποφαῖνον τὸ φοβερώτατον, ὡς, εἰ δυνατὸν, σκανδαλίσαι καὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς. “
kai dē kai parēn “to prostagma, autoschedon ekeino hoion to hypo tou kyriou apophainon to phoberōtaton, hōs, ei dynaton, skandalisai kai tous eklektous. “
And indeed the edict came, very like what was foretold by our Lord, most terrible, so as, if possible, to cause even the elect to stumble.
Matt 24:24 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The edict arrived, terrible enough to make even the elect stumble.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Matt 24:24.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.10 (Dindorf 4:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.11Dindorf 4:284
πλὴν πάντες γε κατεπτήχεσαν, καὶ πολλοὶ μὲν “εὐθέως τῶν περιφανεστέρων οἱ μὲν ἀπήντων “τες, οἱ δὲ δημοσιεύοντες ὑπὸ τῶν πράξεων ἤγοντο, “οἱ δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν ἀμφʼ αὐτοῖς ἐφείλκοντο· ὀνομαστί τε καλούμενοι ταῖς ἀνάγνοις καὶ ἀνιέροις θυσίαις προσῄεσαν, οἱ μὲν ὠχριῶντες καὶ τρέμοντες, ὥσπερ οὐ θύσοντες, ἀλλʼ αὐτοὶ θύματα καὶ σφάγια τοῖς “εἰδώλοις ἐσόμενοι, ὡς ὑπὸ πολλοῦ τοῦ περιεστῶτος δήμου χλεύην αὐτοῖς ἐπιφέρεσθαι, καὶ δήλους μὲν εἶναι πρὸς πάντα δειλοὺς ὑπάρχοντας, καὶ πρὸς τὸ “τεθνάναι καὶ πρὸς τὸ θῦσαι·
plēn pantes ge kateptēchesan, kai polloi men “eutheōs tōn periphanesterōn hoi men apēntōn “tes, hoi de dēmosieuontes hypo tōn praxeōn ēgonto, “hoi de hypo tōn amphʼ autois epheilkonto; onomasti te kaloumenoi tais anagnois kai anierois thysiais prosę̄esan, hoi men ōchriōntes kai tremontes, hōsper ou thysontes, allʼ autoi thymata kai sphagia tois “eidōlois esomenoi, hōs hypo pollou tou periestōtos dēmou chleuēn autois epipheresthai, kai dēlous men einai pros panta deilous hyparchontas, kai pros to “tethnanai kai pros to thysai;
All indeed cowered. Many of the more prominent came forward at once, some through fear, others, holding public office, were led by their duties, others were dragged by those around them. Called by name, they approached the impure and unholy sacrifices, some pale and trembling, as if they were not to sacrifice but to be themselves the sacrifices and victims to the idols, so that the great crowd standing round mocked them, and it was plain that they were cowards in everything, both to die and to sacrifice.
Notes and citation
Summary: Many prominent Christians came forward to sacrifice, some trembling as if they were the victims.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A participle (“through fear”) is partly lost in the digital text.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.11 (Dindorf 4:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.12Dindorf 4:284–285
οἱ δέ τινες ἑτοι- “μότερον τοῖς βωμοῖς προσέτρεχον, ἰσχυριζόμενοι τῇ “θρασύτητι τὸ μηδὲ πρότερον Χριστιανοὶ γεγονέναι, “περὶ ὧν ἡ τοῦ κυρίου πρόρρησις ἀληθεστάτη, ὅτι “δυσκόλως σωθήσονται· τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν οἱ μὲν εἵποντο “τούτοις ἑκατέροις, οἱ δὲ ἔφευγον, οἱ δὲ ἡλίσκοντο. “
hoi de tines hetoi- “moteron tois bōmois prosetrechon, ischyrizomenoi tę̄ “thrasytēti to mēde proteron Christianoi gegonenai, “peri hōn hē tou kyriou prorrēsis alēthestatē, hoti “dyskolōs sōthēsontai; tōn de loipōn hoi men heiponto “toutois hekaterois, hoi de epheugon, hoi de hēliskonto. “
Others ran more readily to the altars, affirming boldly that they had never been Christians; of whom the Lord's prediction is most true, that they will hardly be saved. Of the rest, some followed one or the other of these, some fled, some were captured.
Mark 10:23 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Others eagerly sacrificed, denying they had ever been Christians; the rest fled or were arrested.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Mark 10:23.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread letter in the digital text): τοῦ κορίου → τοῦ κυρίου.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.12 (Dindorf 4:284–285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.13Dindorf 4:285
καὶ τούτων οἱ μὲν ἄχρι δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς “χωρήσαντες, καί τινες καὶ πλείονας ἡμέρας καθειρ- “χθέντες, εἶτα καὶ πρὶν ἐπὶ δικαστήριον ἐλθεῖν, “ἐξωμόσαντο, οἱ δὲ καὶ βασάνοις ἐπὶ ποσὸν ἐγκαρ- “τερήσαντες πρὸς τὸ ἑξῆς ἀπεῖπον.
kai toutōn hoi men achri desmōn kai phylakēs “chōrēsantes, kai tines kai pleionas hēmeras katheir- “chthentes, eita kai prin epi dikastērion elthein, “exōmosanto, hoi de kai basanois epi poson enkar- “terēsantes pros to hexēs apeipon.
Of these, some went as far as bonds and prison, and some were even shut up for many days, and then, before coming to court, forswore; others, having held out under tortures for a while, afterward gave up.
Notes and citation
Summary: Some arrested Christians denied after imprisonment or partial torture.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Fabius.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.13 (Dindorf 4:285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-13).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.14Dindorf 4:285
οἱ δὲ στερροὶ “καὶ μακάριοι στῦλοι τοῦ κυρίου, κραταιωθέντες ὑπʼ “αὐτοῦ, καὶ τῆς ἰσχυρᾶς ἐν ἑαυτοῖς πίστεως ἀξίαν “καὶ ἀνάλογον δύναμιν καὶ καρτερίαν λαβόντες, “θαυμαστοὶ γεγόνασιν αὐτοῦ τῆς βασιλείας μάρτυρες. “
hoi de sterroi “kai makarioi styloi tou kyriou, krataiōthentes hypʼ “autou, kai tēs ischyras en heautois pisteōs axian “kai analogon dynamin kai karterian labontes, “thaumastoi gegonasin autou tēs basileias martyres. “
But the firm and blessed pillars of the Lord, strengthened by him and receiving power and endurance worthy of and proportionate to the strong faith in them, became wonderful witnesses of his kingdom.
Notes and citation
Summary: But the steadfast became wonderful martyrs of Christ's kingdom.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): τῆς ἰσχυρὰς → τῆς ἰσχυρᾶς.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.14 (Dindorf 4:285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-14).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.15Dindorf 4:285
ὧν πρῶτος Ἰουλιανὸς, ἄνθρωπος ποδαγρὸς, μὴ “στῆναι, μὴ βαδίσαι δυνάμενος, σὺν ἑτέροις δύο τοῖς “φέρουσιν αὐτὸν προσήχθη, ὧν ὁ μὲν ἕτερος εὐθὺς “ἠρνήσατο, ὁ δʼ ἕτερος, Κρονίων ὀνόματι, ἐπίκλην “δὲ Εὔνους, καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ πρεσβύτης Ἰουλιανὸς, ὁμο- “λογήσαντες τὸν κύριον, διὰ πάσης τῆς πόλεως μεγί- “στης οὔσης, ὡς ἴστε, καμήλοις ἐποχούμενοι καὶ “μετέωροι μαστιγούμενοι, τέλος ἀσβέστῳ πυρὶ, περι- “κεχυμένου τοῦ δήμου παντὸς, κατεκάησαν.
hōn prōtos Ioulianos, anthrōpos podagros, mē “stēnai, mē badisai dynamenos, syn heterois dyo tois “pherousin auton prosēchthē, hōn ho men heteros euthys “ērnēsato, ho dʼ heteros, Kroniōn onomati, epiklēn “de Eunous, kai autos ho presbytēs Ioulianos, homo- “logēsantes ton kyrion, dia pasēs tēs poleōs megi- “stēs ousēs, hōs iste, kamēlois epochoumenoi kai “meteōroi mastigoumenoi, telos asbestǭ pyri, peri- “kechymenou tou dēmou pantos, katekaēsan.
The first of them was Julian, a man suffering from gout, unable to stand or walk, who was brought with two others who carried him. One of these denied at once; but the other, named Cronion, surnamed Eunus, and the old man Julian himself, having confessed the Lord, were carried on camels through the whole city, which is very large, as you know, and scourged as they were held up aloft, and finally burned in quicklime, the whole populace standing round.
Notes and citation
Summary: The gouty Julian and Cronion Eunus confessed, were paraded on camels, scourged, and burned in quicklime.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. “Quicklime” renders ἀσβέστῳ πυρί (literally “unquenchable fire”); the meaning is disputed.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.15 (Dindorf 4:285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-15).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.16Dindorf 4:285
στρα- “τιώτης τε αὐτοῖς ἀπαγομένοις παραστὰς καὶ τοῖς “ἐφυβρίζουσιν ἐναντιωθεὶς, ἐκβοησάντων ἐκείνων “προσαχθεὶς ὁ ἀνδρειότατος ὁπλομάχος τοῦ θεοῦ “Βησᾶς, κἀν τῷ μεγάλῳ πολέμῳ τῷ περὶ τῆς εὐσε- “βείας ἀριστεύσας, ἀπετμήθη τὴν κεφαλήν.
stra- “tiōtēs te autois apagomenois parastas kai tois “ephybrizousin enantiōtheis, ekboēsantōn ekeinōn “prosachtheis ho andreiotatos hoplomachos tou theou “Bēsas, kan tǭ megalǭ polemǭ tǭ peri tēs euse- “beias aristeusas, apetmēthē tēn kephalēn.
A soldier who stood by them as they were led away and opposed those who insulted them, when they cried out against him, was brought forward — Besas, the bravest warrior of God; and having excelled in the great war for piety, he was beheaded.
Notes and citation
Summary: The soldier Besas, who defended them, was beheaded.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.16 (Dindorf 4:285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-16).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.17Dindorf 4:285–286
καί “τις ἕτερος, τὸ μὲν γένος Λίβυς, τὴν δὲ προσηγορίαν “ἅμα καὶ τὴν εὐλογίαν ἀληθὴς Μάκαρ, προτροπῆς “αὐτῷ πολλῆς ὑπὸ τοῦ δικαστοῦ πρὸς ἄρνησιν γενο- “μένης, οὐχ ὑπαχθεὶς ζῶν καταπέφλεκται. Ἐπίμα- “χός τε μετʼ αὐτοὺς καὶ Ἀλέξανδρος μετὰ πολὺν ὃν “ἔμειναν δεσμῶται χρόνον, μυρίας διενεγκόντες ἀλγη- “ δόνας, ξυστῆρας, μάστιγας, πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ καὶ οὗτοι “διεχύθησαν.
kai “tis heteros, to men genos Libys, tēn de prosēgorian “hama kai tēn eulogian alēthēs Makar, protropēs “autǭ pollēs hypo tou dikastou pros arnēsin geno- “menēs, ouch hypachtheis zōn katapephlektai. Epima- “chos te metʼ autous kai Alexandros meta polyn hon “emeinan desmōtai chronon, myrias dienenkontes algē- “ donas, xystēras, mastigas, pyri asbestǭ kai houtoi “diechythēsan.
Another, a Libyan by race, truly Macar (“blessed”) in name and in blessing, though the judge urged him much to deny, was not won over and was burned alive. After them Epimachus and Alexander, after remaining in bonds a long time and enduring countless pains, scrapers and scourges, were also consumed in quicklime.
Notes and citation
Summary: Macar was burned alive; Epimachus and Alexander, after long imprisonment and torture, were burned too.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.17 (Dindorf 4:285–286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-17).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.18Dindorf 4:286
καὶ σὺν αὐτοῖς γυναῖκες τέσσαρες· “ Ἀμμωνάριόν τε ἁγία παρθένος, πάνυ φιλονείκως “αὐτὴν ἐπὶ πλεῖστον τοῦ δικαστοῦ βασανίσαντος, “ἅτε προαποφηναμένην ὅτι μηδὲν ὧν ἐκεῖνος “φθέγξαιτο, ἀληθεύσασα τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν ἀπήχθη· “ αἱ δὲ λοιπαὶ, ἡ σεμνοτάτη πρεσβῦτις Μερκουρία, “καὶ ἡ πολύπαις μὲν, οὐχ ὑπὲρ τὸν κύριον δὲ ‘πήσασα ἑαυτῆς τὰ τέκνα Διονυσία, καταιδεσθέντος “εἰς ἀνήνυτον ἔτι βασανίζειν καὶ ὑπὸ γυναικῶν ἡττᾶσθαι τοῦ ἡγεμόνος, σιδήρῳ τεθνᾶσι, μηκέτι “βασάνων πεῖραν λαβοῦσαι· τὰς γὰρ ὑπὲρ πασῶν “ἡ πρόμαχος Ἀμμωνάριον ἀναδέδεκτο
kai syn autois gynaikes tessares; “ Ammōnarion te hagia parthenos, pany philoneikōs “autēn epi pleiston tou dikastou basanisantos, “hate proapophēnamenēn hoti mēden hōn ekeinos “phthenxaito, alētheusasa tēn epangelian apēchthē; “ hai de loipai, hē semnotatē presbytis Merkouria, “kai hē polypais men, ouch hyper ton kyrion de ‘pēsasa heautēs ta tekna Dionysia, kataidesthentos “eis anēnyton eti basanizein kai hypo gynaikōn hēttasthai tou hēgemonos, sidērǭ tethnasi, mēketi “basanōn peiran labousai; tas gar hyper pasōn “hē promachos Ammōnarion anadedekto
And with them four women. Ammonarium, a holy virgin, the judge tortured very relentlessly for a long time, because she had declared beforehand that she would utter none of the things he commanded; she kept her promise and was led away. The others — the most venerable aged Mercuria, and Dionysia, mother of many children but not loving them more than the Lord — when the governor was ashamed to go on torturing without result and to be beaten by women, died by the sword, without undergoing tortures; for Ammonarium, their champion, had received them on behalf of all.
Matt 10:37 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Four women were martyred: Ammonarium after long torture, and Mercuria, Dionysia, and another by the sword.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The participle “loving more” (ἀγαπήσασα) is partly lost in the digital text; cf. Matt 10:37. The fourth woman is not named in this text.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.18 (Dindorf 4:286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-18).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.19Dindorf 4:286
Ἥρων δὲ καὶ Ἀτὴρ καὶ Ἰσίδωρος Αἰγύπτιοι καὶ “σὺν αὐτοῖς παιδάριον ὡς πεντεκαιδεκαέτης ὁ Διόσ- ‘κορος παρεδόθησαν· καὶ πρῶτον τὸ ‘λόγοις τε ἀπατᾶν ὡς εὐπαράγωγον, καὶ “καταναγκάζειν ὡς εὐένδοτον πειρωμένου, οὔτε ἐπείσθη οὔτε εἶξεν ὁ Διοσκόρος.
Hērōn de kai Atēr kai Isidōros Aigyptioi kai “syn autois paidarion hōs pentekaidekaetēs ho Dios- ‘koros paredothēsan; kai prōton to ‘logois te apatan hōs euparagōgon, kai “katanankazein hōs euendoton peirōmenou, oute epeisthē oute eixen ho Dioskoros.
Hero, Ater, and Isidore, Egyptians, and with them Dioscorus, a boy of about fifteen, were handed over. And first, when the judge tried to deceive the lad with words as easily led, and to compel him by force as easily yielding, Dioscorus neither was persuaded nor gave way.
Notes and citation
Summary: Hero, Ater, Isidore, and the fifteen-year-old Dioscorus were tried; Dioscorus resisted both persuasion and force.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. Words are lost in the digital text (“the judge … the lad”).
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.19 (Dindorf 4:286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-19).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.20Dindorf 4:286
τοὺς δὲ λοιποὺς “ἀγριώτατα καταξήνας, ἐγκαρτερήσαντας πυρὶ καὶ ‘τούτους παραδέδωκε, τὸν δὲ Διόσκορον ἐλλαμπρυνάμενόν τε δημοσίᾳ, καὶ σοφώτατα πρὸς τὰς ἰδίας πεύσεις ἀποκρινάμενον θαυμάσας παρῆκεν, ὑπέρθεσιν φήσας εἰς μετάνοιαν αὐτῷ διὰ τὴν ἡλικίαν “ἐπιμετρεῖν. καὶ νῦν ὁ θεοπρεπέστατος σὺν ἡμῖν “ἐστι Διοσκόρος, εἰς μακρότερον τὸν ἀγῶνα καὶ διαρκέστερον μείνας τὸν ἆθλον.
tous de loipous “agriōtata kataxēnas, enkarterēsantas pyri kai ‘toutous paradedōke, ton de Dioskoron ellamprynamenon te dēmosią, kai sophōtata pros tas idias peuseis apokrinamenon thaumasas parēken, hyperthesin phēsas eis metanoian autǭ dia tēn hēlikian “epimetrein. kai nyn ho theoprepestatos syn hēmin “esti Dioskoros, eis makroteron ton agōna kai diarkesteron meinas ton athlon.
The rest he tore most savagely and, when they held out, handed them too over to the fire; but Dioscorus, who had distinguished himself in public and answered his private questions most wisely, he released in admiration, saying that he granted him a delay for repentance because of his age. And now the most godly Dioscorus is with us, waiting for a longer contest and a more lasting struggle.
Notes and citation
Summary: The others were burned; Dioscorus was released because of his youth and remained with Dionysius.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.20 (Dindorf 4:286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-20).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.21Dindorf 4:286–287
Νεμεσίων δέ τις, κἀκεῖνος Αἰγύπτιος, ἐσυκοφαντήθη μὲν ὡς δὴ σύνοικος λῃστῶν, ἀπολυσάμενος δὲ ταύτην παρὰ τῷ “ἑκατοντάρχῳ τὴν ἀλλοτριωτάτην κατʼ αὐτοῦ διαβολὴν, καταμηνυθεὶς ὡς Χριστιανὸς ἧκε δεσμώτης “ἐπὶ τὸν ἡγούμενον. ὁ δὲ ἀδικώτατος διπλαῖς αὐτὸν “ ἢ τοὺς λῃστὰς ταῖς τε βασάνοις καὶ ταῖς μάστιξι “λυμηνάμενος, μεταξὺ τῶν λῃστῶν κατέφλεξε, τιμη- “θέντα τὸν μακάριον τῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ παραδείγματι. “
Nemesiōn de tis, kakeinos Aigyptios, esykophantēthē men hōs dē synoikos lę̄stōn, apolysamenos de tautēn para tǭ “hekatontarchǭ tēn allotriōtatēn katʼ autou diabolēn, katamēnytheis hōs Christianos hēke desmōtēs “epi ton hēgoumenon. ho de adikōtatos diplais auton “ ē tous lę̄stas tais te basanois kai tais mastixi “lymēnamenos, metaxy tōn lę̄stōn katephlexe, timē- “thenta ton makarion tǭ tou Christou paradeigmati. “
A certain Nemesion, also an Egyptian, was falsely accused of living with robbers; but when he had cleared himself before the centurion of this most unlikely slander, he was denounced as a Christian and came in bonds before the governor. The most unjust man tortured and scourged him twice as much as the robbers, and burned him between the robbers, so that the blessed man was honoured with the likeness of Christ.
Luke 23:33 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Nemesion, cleared of robbery but denounced as a Christian, was burned between robbers, like Christ.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. Luke 23:33.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread letter in the digital text): λῃστῶκ → λῃστῶν.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.21 (Dindorf 4:286–287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-21).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.22Dindorf 4:287
ἀθρόον δέ τι σύνταγμα στρατιωτικὸν, Ἄμμων “καὶ Ζήνων καὶ Πτολεμαῖος καὶ Ἰγγένης, καὶ σὺν “ αὐτοῖς πρεσβύτης Θεόφιλος, εἱστήκεισαν πρὸ τοῦ “δικαστηρίου· κρινομένου δή τινος ὡς Χριστιανοῦ ‘καὶ πρὸς ἄρνησιν ἤδη ῥέποντος ἐπρίοντο οὗτοι “παρεστηκότες, καὶ τοῖς τε προσώποις ἐνένευον, καὶ “τὰς χεῖρας ἀνέτεινον, καὶ συνεσχηματίζοντο τοῖς σώμασιν.
athroon de ti syntagma stratiōtikon, Ammōn “kai Zēnōn kai Ptolemaios kai Ingenēs, kai syn “ autois presbytēs Theophilos, heistēkeisan pro tou “dikastēriou; krinomenou dē tinos hōs Christianou ‘kai pros arnēsin ēdē rhepontos eprionto houtoi “parestēkotes, kai tois te prosōpois eneneuon, kai “tas cheiras aneteinon, kai syneschēmatizonto tois sōmasin.
A whole band of soldiers, Ammon, Zeno, Ptolemy, and Ingenes, and with them an old man Theophilus, were standing before the tribunal. When someone being tried as a Christian was already inclining toward denial, they, standing by, gnashed their teeth, made signs with their faces, stretched out their hands, and gestured with their bodies.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christian soldiers at the tribunal signalled to a wavering defendant to stand firm.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.22 (Dindorf 4:287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-22).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.41.23Dindorf 4:287
ἐπιστροφῆς δὲ πάντων πρὸς αὐτοὺς γενομένης, πρίν τινας αὐτῶν ἄλλους λαβέσθαι, “φθάσαντες ἐπὶ τὸ βάθρον ἀνέδραμον, εἶναι Χρι- “στιανοὶ λέγοντες, ὡς τόν τε ἡγεμόνα καὶ τοὺς συνέδρους ἐμφόβους γενέσθαι, καὶ τοὺς μὲν κρινομένους “εὐθαρσεστάτους ἐφʼ οἶς πείσονται φαίνεσθαι, “δὲ δικάζοντας ἀποδειλιᾶν. καὶ οὗτοι μὲν ἐκ δικα- ‘στηρίων ἐνεπόμπευσαν καὶ ἠγαλλιάσαντο τῇ μαρ- “τυρίᾳ, θριαμβεύοντος αὐτοὺς ἐνδόξως τοῦ θεοῦ.”
epistrophēs de pantōn pros autous genomenēs, prin tinas autōn allous labesthai, “phthasantes epi to bathron anedramon, einai Chri- “stianoi legontes, hōs ton te hēgemona kai tous synedrous emphobous genesthai, kai tous men krinomenous “eutharsestatous ephʼ ois peisontai phainesthai, “de dikazontas apodeilian. kai houtoi men ek dika- ‘stēriōn enepompeusan kai ēgalliasanto tę̄ mar- “tyrią, thriambeuontos autous endoxōs tou theou.”
When all turned toward them, before anyone else could seize them, they ran up to the platform first, saying that they were Christians, so that the governor and his assessors were afraid, and those on trial appeared most courageous in the face of what they were about to suffer, while the judges were cowed. And these went in procession from the courts and exulted in their testimony, God leading them gloriously in triumph.”
2 Cor 2:14 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The soldiers declared themselves Christians, alarming the court, and went joyfully to martyrdom.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. 2 Cor 2:14.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): ἐνδόξως τοὐ θεοῦ → ἐνδόξως τοῦ θεοῦ.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.41.23 (Dindorf 4:287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-41-23).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
Church 6, chapter 42
6.42.1Dindorf 4:287
“ Ἄλλοι δὲ πλεῖστοι “κατὰ πόλεις καὶ κώμας ὑπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν διεσπάσθη- “σαν, ὧν ἑνὸς παραδείγματος ἕνεκεν “μαι. Ἰσχυρίων ἐπετρόπευέ τινι τῶν ἀρχόντων μισθῷ. τοῦτον ὁ μισθοδότης ἐκέλευσε θῦσαι, μὴ πειθόμενον ὕβριζεν, ἐμμένοντα προεπηλάκιζεν· ὑφι- “σταμένου, βακτηρίαν μεγίστην λαβὼν, διὰ τῶν ἐν- ‘τέρων καὶ τῶν σπλάγχνων διώσας ἀπέκτεινε.
“ Alloi de pleistoi “kata poleis kai kōmas hypo tōn ethnōn diespasthē- “san, hōn henos paradeigmatos heneken “mai. Ischyriōn epetropeue tini tōn archontōn misthǭ. touton ho misthodotēs ekeleuse thysai, mē peithomenon hybrizen, emmenonta proepēlakizen; hyphi- “stamenou, baktērian megistēn labōn, dia tōn en- ‘terōn kai tōn splanchnōn diōsas apekteine.
“Very many others were torn apart by the pagans in cities and villages, of whom I shall mention one as an example. Ischyrion was employed as steward for one of the magistrates. His employer ordered him to sacrifice; when he would not obey, he insulted him; when he persisted, he abused him; and when he held out, he took a very large stake, drove it through his bowels and entrails, and killed him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Many were killed in towns and villages, such as Ischyrion, impaled by his employer.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The digital text reads κόλεις for πόλεις; a verb (“I shall mention”) is partly lost.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread letter in the digital text): κόλεις → πόλεις.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.1 (Dindorf 4:287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-42-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.42.2Dindorf 4:287–288
τί δεῖ λέγειν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ἐν ἐρημίαις καὶ ὄρεσι “ πλανηθέντων, ὑπὸ λιμοῦ καὶ δίψης καὶ κρύους καὶ ‘νόσων καὶ λῃστῶν καὶ θηρίων διεφθαρμένων; ὧν “οἱ περιγενόμενοι τῆς ἐκείνων εἰσὶν ἐκλογῆς καὶ “νίκης μάρτυρες. ἓν δὲ καὶ τούτων εἰς δήλωσιν “ἔργον παραθήσομαι.
ti dei legein to plēthos tōn en erēmiais kai oresi “ planēthentōn, hypo limou kai dipsēs kai kryous kai ‘nosōn kai lę̄stōn kai thēriōn diephtharmenōn? hōn “hoi perigenomenoi tēs ekeinōn eisin eklogēs kai “nikēs martyres. hen de kai toutōn eis dēlōsin “ergon parathēsomai.
What need is there to speak of the multitude who wandered in deserts and mountains and perished from hunger and thirst and cold and disease and robbers and wild beasts? Those who survived are witnesses of their election and victory. I shall set out one deed of these too as an illustration.
Heb 11:38 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Many fugitives died in deserts and mountains from hunger, exposure, robbers, and beasts.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria; cf. Heb 11:38.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.2 (Dindorf 4:287–288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-42-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.42.3Dindorf 4:288
Χαιρήμων ἦν ὑπεργήρως “τῆς Νείλου καλουμένης ἐπίσκοπος πόλεως. “εἰς τὸ Ἀράβιον ὄρος ἅμα τῇ συμβίῳ ἑαυτοῦ φυγὼν “οὐκ ἐπανελήλυθεν, οὐδὲ ἐδυνήθησαν ἰδεῖν οὐκέτι “καίτοι πολλὰ διερευνησάμενοι οἷ ἀδελφοὶ οὔτε αὐτοὺς οὔτε τὰ σώματα.
Chairēmōn ēn hypergērōs “tēs Neilou kaloumenēs episkopos poleōs. “eis to Arabion oros hama tę̄ symbiǭ heautou phygōn “ouk epanelēlythen, oude edynēthēsan idein ouketi “kaitoi polla diereunēsamenoi hoi adelphoi oute autous oute ta sōmata.
Chaeremon was a very old man, bishop of the city called Nilopolis. He fled with his wife to the Arabian mountain and did not return; and the brothers, though they searched much, could no longer find either them or their bodies.
Notes and citation
Summary: The aged bishop Chaeremon fled with his wife to the Arabian mountains and was never found.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. A married bishop is mentioned without comment.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution, Church office, Marriage
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.3 (Dindorf 4:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-42-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.42.4Dindorf 4:288
πολλοὶ δὲ οἶ κατʼ αὐτὸ τὸ “Ἀραβικὸν ὄρος ἐξανδραποδισθέντες ὑπὸ “Σαρακηνῶν, οἱ μὲν μόλις ἐπὶ πολλοῖς χρήμασιν “ἐλυτρώθησαν, οἶ δὲ μέχρι καὶ νῦν οὐδέπω. καὶ ταῦτα διεξῆλθον οὐ μάτην, ἀδελφὲ, ἀλλʼ ἔνα εἰδῇς “ὅσα καὶ ἡλίκα δεινὰ παρʼ ἡμῖν συνέβη· ὧν οἶ μᾶλλον πεπειραμένοι πλείονα ἂν εἰδεῖεν.’
polloi de oi katʼ auto to “Arabikon oros exandrapodisthentes hypo “Sarakēnōn, hoi men molis epi pollois chrēmasin “elytrōthēsan, oi de mechri kai nyn oudepō. kai tauta diexēlthon ou matēn, adelphe, allʼ ena eidę̄s “hosa kai hēlika deina parʼ hēmin synebē; hōn oi mallon pepeiramenoi pleiona an eideien.’
Many on that same Arabian mountain were enslaved by the barbarous Saracens; some were ransomed with difficulty for large sums, others not even yet. I have related these things not in vain, brother, but so that you may know how many and how great the terrors were that happened among us; those who experienced them more would know more.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Others were enslaved by Saracens; Dionysius tells this so the extent of the sufferings may be known.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The word “barbarous” is partly lost in the digital text.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.4 (Dindorf 4:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-42-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.42.5Dindorf 4:288
εἶτα τούτοις ἐπιφέρει μετὰ βραχέα λέγων ‘αὐτοὶ τοίνυν οἶ “θεῖοι μάρτυρες παρʼ ἡμῖν, οἷ νῦν τοῦ “πάρεδροι καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ κοινωνοὶ καὶ “μέτοχοι τῆς κρίσεως αὐτοῦ καὶ συνδικάζοντες αὐτῷ, “τῶν παραπεπτωκότων ἀδελφῶν τινὰς ὑπευθύνους “τοῖς τῶν θυσιῶν ἐγκλήμασι γενομένους προσελά- “βοντο, καὶ τὴν ἐπιστροφὴν καὶ μετάνοιαν αὐτῶν “ἰδόντες, δεκτήν τε γενέσθαι δυναμένην τῷ μὴ βου- “λομένῳ καθόλου τὸν θάνατον τοῦ ἁμαρτωλοῦ ὡς “τὴν μετάνοιαν δοκιμάσαντες, εἰσεδέξαντο καὶ συνή- “γαγον καὶ συνέστησαν, καὶ προσευχῶν αὐτοῖς καὶ “ἑστιάσεων ἐκοινώνησαν.
eita toutois epipherei meta brachea legōn ‘autoi toinyn oi “theioi martyres parʼ hēmin, hoi nyn tou “paredroi kai tēs basileias autou koinōnoi kai “metochoi tēs kriseōs autou kai syndikazontes autǭ, “tōn parapeptōkotōn adelphōn tinas hypeuthynous “tois tōn thysiōn enklēmasi genomenous prosela- “bonto, kai tēn epistrophēn kai metanoian autōn “idontes, dektēn te genesthai dynamenēn tǭ mē bou- “lomenǭ katholou ton thanaton tou hamartōlou hōs “tēn metanoian dokimasantes, eisedexanto kai synē- “gagon kai synestēsan, kai proseuchōn autois kai “hestiaseōn ekoinōnēsan.
Then shortly after he adds: “These divine martyrs among us, who now sit beside Christ as assessors and share his kingdom and partake of his judgment and judge with him, took up some of the brothers who had fallen away and become liable to the charge of sacrificing. Seeing their conversion and repentance, and judging it such as could be accepted by him who does not at all desire the death of the sinner but his repentance, they received them, gathered them in, united them with themselves, and shared with them in prayers and meals.
Ezek 33:11 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 19:28 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The martyrs, now judging with Christ, had received back repentant lapsed Christians into communion.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, alluding to Ezek 33:11 and to the martyrs judging with Christ (1 Cor 6:2; Matt 19:28). The word “Christ” is lost in the digital text.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.5 (Dindorf 4:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-42-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.42.6Dindorf 4:288–289
τί οὖν ἡμῖν, ἀδελφοὶ, “περὶ τούτων συμβουλεύετε; τί ἡμῖν πρακτέον; σύμ- “ψηφοι καὶ ὁμογνώμονες αὐτοῖς καταστῶμεν, καὶ κρίσιν αὐτῶν καὶ τὴν χάριν φυλάξωμεν, καὶ τοῖς ἐλεηθεῖσιν ὑπʼ αὐτῶν χρηστευσώμεθα, ἢ τὴν κρίσιν “αὐτῶν ἄδικον ποιησώμεθα, καὶ δοκιμαστὰς αὐτοὺς “τῆς ἐκείνων γνώμης ἐπιστήσωμεν, καὶ τὴν χρηστότητα λυπήσωμεν, καὶ τὴν τάξιν ἀνασκευάσωμεν; ταῦτα δὲ εἰκότως ὁ Διονύσιος παρατέθειται, τὸν περὶ τῶν ἐξησθενηκότων κατὰ τὸν τοῦ διωγμοῦ καιρὸν ἀνακινῶν λόγον.
ti oun hēmin, adelphoi, “peri toutōn symbouleuete? ti hēmin prakteon? sym- “psēphoi kai homognōmones autois katastōmen, kai krisin autōn kai tēn charin phylaxōmen, kai tois eleētheisin hypʼ autōn chrēsteusōmetha, ē tēn krisin “autōn adikon poiēsōmetha, kai dokimastas autous “tēs ekeinōn gnōmēs epistēsōmen, kai tēn chrēstotēta lypēsōmen, kai tēn taxin anaskeuasōmen? tauta de eikotōs ho Dionysios paratetheitai, ton peri tōn exēsthenēkotōn kata ton tou diōgmou kairon anakinōn logon.
What then do you advise us, brothers, about these? What must we do? Shall we agree with them and be of one mind, and preserve their judgment and grace, and be kind to those to whom they showed mercy? Or shall we declare their judgment unjust, set ourselves up as judges of their opinion, grieve their kindness, and overturn their order?” Dionysius fittingly set these things out, raising the question of those who had grown weak in the time of persecution.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius asks whether the church should uphold the martyrs' mercy to the lapsed or overturn it.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Martyrdom, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.42.6 (Dindorf 4:288–289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-42-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
Church 6, chapter 43
6.43.1Dindorf 4:289
Ἐπειδήπερ τῇ κατὰ τούτων ἀρθεὶς ὑπερηφανίᾳ Νοουάτος, τῆς Ῥωμαίων ἐκκλησίας πρεσβύτερος, ὡς μηκέτʼ οὔσης αὐτοῖς σωτηρίας ἐλπίδος, μηδʼ εἰ πάντα τὰ εἰς ἐπιστροφὴν γνησίαν καὶ καθαρὰν ἐξομολόγησιν ἐπιτελοῖεν, ἰδίας αἱρέσεως τῶν κατὰ λογισμοῦ φυσίωσιν Καθαροὺς ἑαυτοὺς ἀποφηνάντων ἀρχηγὸς καθίσταται.
Epeidēper tę̄ kata toutōn artheis hyperēphanią Noouatos, tēs Rhōmaiōn ekklēsias presbyteros, hōs mēketʼ ousēs autois sōtērias elpidos, mēdʼ ei panta ta eis epistrophēn gnēsian kai katharan exomologēsin epiteloien, idias haireseōs tōn kata logismou physiōsin Katharous heautous apophēnantōn archēgos kathistatai.
For Novatus, a presbyter of the church of the Romans, lifted up by arrogance against them, as though there were no longer hope of salvation for them, not even if they did everything for genuine conversion and pure confession, became the leader of a heresy of his own, that of those who in the pride of their reasoning called themselves Cathari.
Notes and citation
Summary: Novatian, a Roman presbyter, denied the lapsed any hope and founded the sect of the “Pure.”
- Eusebius and his Greek sources call Novatian “Novatus” (Νοουάτος). “Cathari” means “the Pure.” Eusebius's hostile description is his own.
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.1 (Dindorf 4:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.2Dindorf 4:289
ἐφʼ ᾧ συνόδου μεγίστης ἐπὶ Ῥώμης συγκροτηθείσης, ἑξήκοντα μὲν τὸν ἀριθμὸν ἐπισκόπων, πλειόνων δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον πρεσβυτέρων τε καὶ διακόνων, ἰδίως τε κατὰ τὰς λοιπὰς ἐπαρχίας τῶν κατὰ χώραν ποιμένων περὶ τοῦ πρακτέου διασκεψαμένων, δόγμα παρίσταται τοῖς πᾶσι τὸν μὲν Νοουάτον ἅμα τοῖς αὐτῷ συνεπαρθεῖσι τούς τε συνευδοκεῖν τῇ μισαδέλφῳ καὶ ἀπανθρωποτάτῃ γνώμῃ τἀνδρὸς προαιρουμένους ἐν ἀλλοτρίοις τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἡγεῖσθαι, τοὺς δὲ τῇ συμφορᾷ περιπεπτωκότας τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἰᾶσθαι καὶ θεραπεύειν τοῖς τῆς μετανοίας φαρμάκοις.
ephʼ hǭ synodou megistēs epi Rhōmēs synkrotētheisēs, hexēkonta men ton arithmon episkopōn, pleionōn dʼ eti mallon presbyterōn te kai diakonōn, idiōs te kata tas loipas eparchias tōn kata chōran poimenōn peri tou prakteou diaskepsamenōn, dogma paristatai tois pasi ton men Noouaton hama tois autǭ synepartheisi tous te syneudokein tę̄ misadelphǭ kai apanthrōpotatę̄ gnōmę̄ tandros proairoumenous en allotriois tēs ekklēsias hēgeisthai, tous de tę̄ symphorą peripeptōkotas tōn adelphōn iasthai kai therapeuein tois tēs metanoias pharmakois.
On this account a very great synod was assembled at Rome, of sixty bishops and a still greater number of presbyters and deacons, while the pastors in the other provinces deliberated separately in their regions about what should be done. A decree was passed by all: that Novatus, together with those who joined him in his arrogance and those who chose to agree with the man's brother-hating and most inhuman opinion, should be reckoned as strangers to the church; but that the brothers who had fallen into misfortune should be healed and treated with the medicines of repentance.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Roman synod of sixty bishops excommunicated Novatian and ruled that the lapsed be restored through penance.
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.2 (Dindorf 4:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.3Dindorf 4:289
ἦλθον δʼ οὖν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐπιστολαὶ Κορνηλίου Ῥωμαίων ἐπισκόπου πρὸς τὸν τῆς Ἀντιοχέων ἐκκλησίας Φάβιον, δηλοῦσαι τὰ περὶ τῆς Ῥωμαίων συνόδου καὶ τὰ δόξαντα πᾶσι τοῖς κατὰ τὴν Ἰταλίαν καὶ Ἀφρικὴν καὶ τὰς αὐτόθι χώρας· καὶ ἄλλαι πάλιν Ῥωμαϊκῇ φωνῇ συντεταγμέναι Κυπριανοῦ καὶ τῶν ἅμʼ αὐτῷ κατὰ τὴν Ἀφρικὴν, διʼ ὧν τὸ καὶ αὐτοὺς συνευδοκεῖν τῷ δεῖν τυγχάνειν ἐπικουρίας τοὺς πεπειρασμένους ἐφαίνετο, καὶ τῷ χρῆναι εὐλόγως τῆς καθολικῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐκκήρυκτον ποιήσασθαι τὸν τῆς αἱρέσεως ἀρχηγὸν, πάντας τε ὁμοίως τοὺς συναπαγομένους αὐτῷ.
ēlthon dʼ oun eis hēmas epistolai Kornēliou Rhōmaiōn episkopou pros ton tēs Antiocheōn ekklēsias Phabion, dēlousai ta peri tēs Rhōmaiōn synodou kai ta doxanta pasi tois kata tēn Italian kai Aphrikēn kai tas autothi chōras; kai allai palin Rhōmaïkę̄ phōnę̄ syntetagmenai Kyprianou kai tōn hamʼ autǭ kata tēn Aphrikēn, diʼ hōn to kai autous syneudokein tǭ dein tynchanein epikourias tous pepeirasmenous ephaineto, kai tǭ chrēnai eulogōs tēs katholikēs ekklēsias ekkērykton poiēsasthai ton tēs haireseōs archēgon, pantas te homoiōs tous synapagomenous autǭ.
There have come down to us letters of Cornelius, bishop of the Romans, to Fabius of the church of the Antiochenes, which tell of the Roman synod and of what was decided by all those in Italy and Africa and the regions there; and others again, composed in Latin, of Cyprian and those with him in Africa, which showed that they too agreed that those who had been tempted should receive help, and that the leader of the heresy, and all who were carried away with him, should rightly be put out of the catholic church.
Notes and citation
Summary: Letters of Cornelius and of Cyprian confirm that the lapsed should be helped and Novatian excommunicated.
Extrabiblical texts: Cyprian, Ep. (Letters; allusion); Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; allusion)
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.3 (Dindorf 4:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.4Dindorf 4:289–290
ταύταις ἄλλη τις ἐπιστολὴ συνῆπτο τοῦ Κορνηλίου περὶ τῶν κατὰ τὴν σύνοδον ἀρεσάντων, καὶ πάλιν ἑτέρα περὶ τῶν κατὰ Νοουάτον πραχθέντων, ἀφʼ ἧς καὶ μέρη παραθέσθαι οὐδὲν ἂν κωλύοι, ὅπως εἰδεῖεν τὰ κατʼ αὐτὸν οἱ τῇδε ἐντυγχάνοντες τῇ γραφῆ.
tautais allē tis epistolē synēpto tou Kornēliou peri tōn kata tēn synodon aresantōn, kai palin hetera peri tōn kata Noouaton prachthentōn, aphʼ hēs kai merē parathesthai ouden an kōlyoi, hopōs eideien ta katʼ auton hoi tę̄de entynchanontes tę̄ graphē.
To these was joined another letter of Cornelius about the decisions of the synod, and again another about the doings of Novatus, from which nothing would prevent our quoting parts, so that those who read this work may know about him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Eusebius will quote Cornelius's letter about Novatian.
- The digital text has “ἑτέρ(??)”; the reading ἑτέρα (“another”) is certain from the context.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (unread characters in the digital text; the reading is certain from the context): ἑτέρ(??) → ἑτέρα.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; allusion)
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.4 (Dindorf 4:289–290; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.5Dindorf 4:290
τὸν δὴ οὖν Φάβιον ἀναδιδάσκων ὁποῖός τις ὁ Νοουάτος ἐγεγόνει τὸν τρόπον αὐτὰ δὴ ταῦτα γράφει ὁ Κορνήλιος “ἵνα δὲ γνῷς ὅτι πρόπαλαι ὀρεγόμενος “ἐπισκοπῆς ὁ θαυμάσιος οὗτος καὶ κρύπτων ἐν “ἑαυτῷ τὴν προπετῆ ταύτην αὐτοῦ ἐπιθυμίαν ἐλάν- “θανεν, ἐπικαλύμματι τῆς αὐτοῦ ἀπονοίας τῷ ἀρχὰς σὺν αὐτῷ τοὺς ὁμολογητὰς ἐσχηκέναι χρώμενος, εἰπεῖν βούλομαι.
ton dē oun Phabion anadidaskōn hopoios tis ho Noouatos egegonei ton tropon auta dē tauta graphei ho Kornēlios “hina de gnǭs hoti propalai oregomenos “episkopēs ho thaumasios houtos kai kryptōn en “heautǭ tēn propetē tautēn autou epithymian elan- “thanen, epikalymmati tēs autou aponoias tǭ archas syn autǭ tous homologētas eschēkenai chrōmenos, eipein boulomai.
Informing Fabius what sort of man Novatus was, Cornelius writes these very words: “That you may know that this remarkable man had long desired the episcopate, and kept this rash desire of his hidden within himself, using as a cloak for his folly the fact that he had the confessors with him from the beginning, I wish to tell you.
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius: Novatian long coveted the episcopate, hiding his ambition behind the confessors' support.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch (to 6.43.20).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread word in the digital text): κρύπτων ἑ “ἑαυτῷ → κρύπτων ἐν “ἑαυτῷ.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.5 (Dindorf 4:290; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.6Dindorf 4:290
Μάξιμος, πρεσβύτερος “τῶν παρʼ ἡμῖν, καὶ Οὐρβανὸς, δὶς τὴν ἐξ ὁμολογίας “δόξαν ἀρίστην καρπωσάμενοι, Σιδώνιός τε καὶ Κε- “λερῖνος, ἀνὴρ ὃς πάσας βασάνους διὰ τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ “ἔλεον καρτερικώτατα διενέγκας, καὶ τῇ ῥώμῃ τῆς “αὐτοῦ πίστεως τὸ ἀσθενὲς τῆς σαρκὸς ἐπιρρώσας, “κατὰ κράτος νενίκηκε τὸν ἀντικείμενον — οὗτοι δὴ “οὖν οἱ ἄνδρες κατανοήσαντες αὐτὸν, καὶ καταφω- “ράσαντες τὴν ἐν αὐτῷ πανουργίαν τε καὶ παλιμβο- “λίαν, τάς τε ἐπιορκίας καὶ ψευδολογίας, καὶ τὴν “ἀκοινωνησίαν αὐτοῦ καὶ λυκοφιλίαν, ἐπανῆλθον εἰς τὴν ἁγίαν ἐκκλησίαν, καὶ ἅπαντα αὐτοῦ τὰ τεχνά- “σματα καὶ πονηρεύματα, ἃ ἐκ πολλοῦ ἔχων ἐν ἑαυτῷ “ὑπεστέλλετο, παρόντων ἱκανῶν τοῦτο μὲν ἐπισκό- “πων, τοῦτο δὲ πρεσβυτέρων καὶ λαϊκῶν ἀνδρῶν ‘παμπόλλων, ἐξήγγειλαν ἀποδυρόμενοι καὶ μεταγι- “νώσκοντες ἐφʼ οἷς πεισθέντες τῷ δολερῷ καὶ κα- “κοήθει θηρίῳ πρὸς ὀλίγον χρόνον τῆς ἐκκλησίας “ἀπελείφθησαν.”
Maximos, presbyteros “tōn parʼ hēmin, kai Ourbanos, dis tēn ex homologias “doxan aristēn karpōsamenoi, Sidōnios te kai Ke- “lerinos, anēr hos pasas basanous dia ton tou theou “eleon karterikōtata dienenkas, kai tę̄ rhōmę̄ tēs “autou pisteōs to asthenes tēs sarkos epirrōsas, “kata kratos nenikēke ton antikeimenon — houtoi dē “oun hoi andres katanoēsantes auton, kai kataphō- “rasantes tēn en autǭ panourgian te kai palimbo- “lian, tas te epiorkias kai pseudologias, kai tēn “akoinōnēsian autou kai lykophilian, epanēlthon eis tēn hagian ekklēsian, kai hapanta autou ta techna- “smata kai ponēreumata, ha ek pollou echōn en heautǭ “hypestelleto, parontōn hikanōn touto men episko- “pōn, touto de presbyterōn kai laïkōn andrōn ‘pampollōn, exēngeilan apodyromenoi kai metagi- “nōskontes ephʼ hois peisthentes tǭ dolerǭ kai ka- “koēthei thēriǭ pros oligon chronon tēs ekklēsias “apeleiphthēsan.”
Maximus, one of our presbyters, and Urban, who twice gained the highest glory of confession, and Sidonius, and Celerinus, a man who by the mercy of God most steadfastly endured all tortures, and by the strength of his faith strengthened the weakness of the flesh and mightily overcame the adversary — these men, having come to know him and detected his craftiness and duplicity, his perjuries and lies, his unsociability and wolfish friendship, returned to the holy church; and in the presence of many bishops, presbyters, and very many laymen, they announced all his tricks and wickedness, which he had long kept hidden within himself, lamenting and repenting that, persuaded by the treacherous and malicious beast, they had for a short time left the church.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Confessors who had joined Novatian returned to the church and exposed his deceit.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): λαικόν ἀνδρῶν → λαϊκῶν ἀνδρῶν.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.6 (Dindorf 4:290; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.7Dindorf 4:290–291
εἶτα μετὰ βραχέα φησίν “ἀμή- “χανον ὅσην, ἀγαπητὲ ἀδελφὲ, τροπὴν καὶ “ἐν βραχεῖ καιρῷ ἐθεασάμεθα ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ γεγενημένην. “ὁ γάρ τοι λαμπρότατος καὶ διʼ ὅρκων φοβερῶν ‟τινῶν πιστούμενος τὸ μηδʼ ὅλως ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγε- ‟σθαι, αἰφνίδιον ἐπίσκοπος ὥσπερ ἐκ μαγγάνου τινὸς ‟εἰς τὸ μέσον ῥιφεὶς ἀναφαίνεται.
eita meta brachea phēsin “amē- “chanon hosēn, agapēte adelphe, tropēn kai “en brachei kairǭ etheasametha epʼ autou gegenēmenēn. “ho gar toi lamprotatos kai diʼ horkōn phoberōn ‟tinōn pistoumenos to mēdʼ holōs episkopēs orege- ‟sthai, aiphnidion episkopos hōsper ek manganou tinos ‟eis to meson rhipheis anaphainetai.
Then shortly after he says: “How great a change, beloved brother, we have seen take place in him in a short time! For this most illustrious man, who pledged with terrible oaths that he did not desire the episcopate at all, suddenly appears a bishop, as if thrown into our midst by some magic device.
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius: Novatian, who swore he did not want to be bishop, suddenly appeared as one.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread letter in the digital text): “ὑ γάρ τοι → “ὁ γάρ τοι.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.7 (Dindorf 4:290–291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.8Dindorf 4:291
οὗτος γάρ τοι ‟ὁ δογματιστὴς, ὁ τῆς ἐκκλησιαστικῆς ἐπιστήμης “ὑπερασπιστὴς, ὁπηνίκα παρασπᾶσθαί τε καὶ ὑφαρ- “πάζειν τὴν μὴ δοθεῖσαν αὐτῷ ἄνωθεν ἐπισκοπὴν ‟ἐπεχείρει, δύο δύο ἑαυτῷ κοινωνοὺς ἀπεγνωκότας ‟ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίας ἐπελέξατο ὡς ἂν εἰς βραχύ τι ‟μέρος καὶ ἐλάχιστον τῆς Ἰταλίας ἀποστείλῃ, κάκεῖ- ‟θὲν ἐπισκόπους τρεῖς, ἀνθρώπους ἀγροίκους καὶ ‟ἁπλουστάτους, πλαστῇ τινι ἐπιχειρήσει ἐξαπατήσῃ, ‟διαβεβαιούμενος καὶ διισχυριζόμενος δεῖν αὐτοὺς ‟ἐν τάχει παραγενέσθαι εἰς Ῥώμην, ὡς δῆθεν πάσα ‟ἡτισδηποτοῦν διχοστασία γεγονυῖα σὺν καὶ ἑτέροις ‟ἐπισκόποις καὶ αὐτῶν μεσιτευόντων διαλυθῇ.
houtos gar toi ‟ho dogmatistēs, ho tēs ekklēsiastikēs epistēmēs “hyperaspistēs, hopēnika paraspasthai te kai hyphar- “pazein tēn mē dotheisan autǭ anōthen episkopēn ‟epecheirei, dyo dyo heautǭ koinōnous apegnōkotas ‟heautōn sōtērias epelexato hōs an eis brachy ti ‟meros kai elachiston tēs Italias aposteilę̄, kakei- ‟then episkopous treis, anthrōpous agroikous kai ‟haploustatous, plastę̄ tini epicheirēsei exapatēsę̄, ‟diabebaioumenos kai diischyrizomenos dein autous ‟en tachei paragenesthai eis Rhōmēn, hōs dēthen pasa ‟hētisdēpotoun dichostasia gegonuia syn kai heterois ‟episkopois kai autōn mesiteuontōn dialythę̄.
For this dogmatist, this champion of the church's knowledge, when he undertook to seize and snatch away the episcopate not given him from above, chose for himself two companions who had given up their own salvation, to send them to a small and insignificant part of Italy, and to deceive three bishops there, rustic and very simple men, by some fabricated scheme, affirming and insisting that they must come quickly to Rome, so that whatever dissension had arisen might be resolved through their mediation together with other bishops.
Notes and citation
Summary: Novatian lured three simple rural bishops to Rome on a false pretext.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (doubled letter in the digital text; repeated word in the digital text; stray letter in the digital text): ἐπελέξατο ὡς ὡς ἂν → ἐπελέξατο ὡς ἂν; Ῥώμηην → Ῥώμην; ἡτισδηκποτοῦν → ἡτισδηποτοῦν.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.8 (Dindorf 4:291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.9Dindorf 4:291
οὓς “παραγενομένους, ἄτε δὴ, ὡς ἔφθημεν λέγοντες, ‟ἀνθρώπους ἁπλουστέρους περὶ τὰς τῶν πονηρῶν μηχανάς τε καὶ ῥᾳδιουργίας, συγκλεισθέντας ὑπό “τινων ὁμοίων αὐτῷ τεταγμένων ἀνθρώπων, ὥρᾳ “δεκάτῃ μεθύοντας καὶ κραιπαλῶντας μετὰ βίας “ἠνάγκασεν εἰκονικῇ τινι καὶ ματαίᾳ χειρεπιθεσίᾳ ‟ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτῶ δοῦναι, ἣν ἐνέδρᾳ καὶ πανουργίᾳ, ‟μὴ ἐπιβάλλουσαν αὐτῷ, ἐκδικεῖ.
hous “paragenomenous, ate dē, hōs ephthēmen legontes, ‟anthrōpous haplousterous peri tas tōn ponērōn mēchanas te kai rhądiourgias, synkleisthentas hypo “tinōn homoiōn autǭ tetagmenōn anthrōpōn, hōrą “dekatę̄ methyontas kai kraipalōntas meta bias “ēnankasen eikonikę̄ tini kai mataią cheirepithesią ‟episkopēn autō dounai, hēn enedrą kai panourgią, ‟mē epiballousan autǭ, ekdikei.
When they arrived, being, as we said before, too simple for the devices and knavery of wicked men, they were shut up by certain men like himself whom he had arranged, and at the tenth hour, drunk and sick with debauch, he compelled them by force to give him the episcopate by a counterfeit and vain laying on of hands — an episcopate which he claims by treachery and craft, though it does not belong to him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Novatian had the drunken bishops ordain him by force in a sham ceremony.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome; a hostile account.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): ‟μή ἐπιβάλλουσαν → ‟μὴ ἐπιβάλλουσαν.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.9 (Dindorf 4:291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.10Dindorf 4:291
ἐξ ὣν εἷς μετʼ οὐ πολὺ ἐπανῆλθεν εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, ἀποδυρό- “μενος καὶ ἐξομολογούμενος τὸ ἑαυτοῦ ἁμάρτημα, ‟καὶ ἐκοινωνήσαμεν ὡς λαϊκῷ, ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ δεηθέντος “παντὸς τοῦ παρόντος λαοῦ. καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν δὲ ἐπι- “σκόπων διαδόχους εἰς τοὺς τόπους, ἐν οἷς ἦσαν, χειρο- ‘τονήσαντες ἀπεστάλκαμεν.
ex hōn heis metʼ ou poly epanēlthen eis tēn ekklēsian, apodyro- “menos kai exomologoumenos to heautou hamartēma, ‟kai ekoinōnēsamen hōs laïkǭ, hyper autou deēthentos “pantos tou parontos laou. kai tōn loipōn de epi- “skopōn diadochous eis tous topous, en hois ēsan, cheiro- ‘tonēsantes apestalkamen.
One of them not long after returned to the church, lamenting and confessing his sin; and we admitted him to communion as a layman, all the people present interceding for him. And we ordained successors for the other bishops and sent them to the places where they were.
Notes and citation
Summary: One of the bishops repented and was received as a layman; the others were replaced.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray mark in the digital text): ὡς λαι·κῷ → ὡς λαϊκῷ.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.10 (Dindorf 4:291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.11Dindorf 4:291–292
ὁ ἐκδικητὴς οὖν τοῦ ‟εὐαγγελίου οὐκ ἠπίστατο ἕνα ἐπίσκοπον δεῖν εἶναι ἐν καθολικῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, ἐν ᾗ οὐκ ἠγνόει πῶς γάρ;) “πρεσβυτέρους εἶναι τεσσαράκοντα ἓξ, διακόνους “ἑπτὰ, ὑποδιακόνους ἑπτὰ, ἀκολούθους δύο καὶ “τεσσαράκοντα, ἐξορκιστὰς δὲ καὶ ἀναγνώστας ἅμα “πυλωροῖς δύο καὶ πεντήκοντα, χήρας σὺν θλιβομέ- “νοις ὑπὲρ τὰς χιλίας πεντακοσίας, οὓς πάντας ‟τοῦ δεσπότου χάρις καὶ φιλανθρωπία διατρέφει. ‟
ho ekdikētēs oun tou ‟euangeliou ouk ēpistato hena episkopon dein einai en katholikę̄ ekklēsią, en hę̄ ouk ēgnoei pōs gar?) “presbyterous einai tessarakonta hex, diakonous “hepta, hypodiakonous hepta, akolouthous dyo kai “tessarakonta, exorkistas de kai anagnōstas hama “pylōrois dyo kai pentēkonta, chēras syn thlibome- “nois hyper tas chilias pentakosias, hous pantas ‟tou despotou charis kai philanthrōpia diatrephei. ‟
This avenger of the gospel, then, did not know that there should be one bishop in a catholic church, in which he was not ignorant (how could he be?) that there are forty-six presbyters, seven deacons, seven subdeacons, forty-two acolytes, fifty-two exorcists, readers, and doorkeepers, and more than fifteen hundred widows and persons in distress, all of whom the grace and kindness of the Master nourishes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius: there can be only one bishop in a catholic church, and Rome's has 46 presbyters, 7 deacons, and over 1,500 widows and needy.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome; a valuable record of the Roman clergy about 251.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread letter in the digital text): ἠπίστατο ἴνα ἐπίσκοπον → ἠπίστατο ἕνα ἐπίσκοπον.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.11 (Dindorf 4:291–292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.12Dindorf 4:292
ὂν οὐδὲ τοσοῦτο πλῆθος καὶ οὕτως ἀναγκαῖον ἐν ‟τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, διὰ τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ προνοίας πλούσιός ῾τε καὶ πληθύων ἀριθμὸς μετὰ μεγίστου καὶ ἄνα ‟ριθμήτου λαοῦ, ἀπὸ τῆς τοιαύτης ἀνεκαλέσατο τε ‘καὶ ἀπαγορεύσεως ἐνέτρεψέ τε καὶ ἀνεκαλέσατο εἰς ‟τὴν ἐκκλησίαν.”
on oude tosouto plēthos kai houtōs anankaion en ‟tę̄ ekklēsią, dia tēs tou theou pronoias plousios ῾te kai plēthyōn arithmos meta megistou kai ana ‟rithmētou laou, apo tēs toiautēs anekalesato te ‘kai apagoreuseōs enetrepse te kai anekalesato eis ‟tēn ekklēsian.”
Yet not even so great a multitude, so necessary in the church, a number rich and growing by the providence of God, together with a very great and innumerable people, turned him back from such desperation and failure and recalled him to the church.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Not even this great church could recall Novatian from his course.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. The digital text is garbled here (words repeated and lost); the sense is clear.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.12 (Dindorf 4:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.13Dindorf 4:292
καὶ αὖθις μεθʼ ἕτερα τούτοις προστίθησι ταῦτα· ‟φέρε δὴ ἑξῆς εἴπωμεν τίσιν ‟ἔργοις ἢ τίσι πολιτείαις τεθαρρηκὼς ἀντεποιήθη ‟τῆς ἐπισκοπῆς. ἆρά γε διὰ τὸ ἐξ ἀρχῆς ἐν τῇ ἐκ- ‘κλησίᾳ ἀνεστράφθαι, καὶ πολλοὺς ἀγῶνας ὑπὲρ ‟αὐτῆς ἠγωνίσθαι, καὶ ἐν κινδύνοις πολλοῖς τε καὶ μεγάλοις ἕνεκα τῆς θεοσεβείας γεγονέναι; ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔστιν·
kai authis methʼ hetera toutois prostithēsi tauta; ‟phere dē hexēs eipōmen tisin ‟ergois ē tisi politeiais tetharrēkōs antepoiēthē ‟tēs episkopēs. ara ge dia to ex archēs en tę̄ ek- ‘klēsią anestraphthai, kai pollous agōnas hyper ‟autēs ēgōnisthai, kai en kindynois pollois te kai megalois heneka tēs theosebeias gegonenai? allʼ ouk estin;
And again, after other things, he adds this: “Come, let us say next on what works or conduct he relied in laying claim to the episcopate. Was it because he had been brought up in the church from the beginning, fought many contests on her behalf, and been in many great dangers for the sake of piety? No, it is not.
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius asks what merit Novatian had to claim the episcopate: none of long service or suffering.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.13 (Dindorf 4:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-13).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.14Dindorf 4:292
ᾧ γε ἀφορμὴ τοῦ πιστεῦσαι γέγονεν ὁ ‟σατανᾶς, φοιτήσας εἰς αὐτὸν καὶ οἰκήσας ἐν αὐτῷ χρόνον ἱκανόν. ὃς βοηθούμενος ὑπὸ τῶν ἐπορκιστῶν, νόσῳ περιπεσὼν χαλεπῇ, καὶ ἀποθανεῖσθαι ὅσον οὐδέπω νομιζόμενος, ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ κλίνῃ, ᾗ ἔκειτο, περιχυθεὶς ἔλαβεν· εἴ γε χρὴ λέγειν τὸν τοιοῦτον εἰληφέναι.
hǭ ge aphormē tou pisteusai gegonen ho ‟satanas, phoitēsas eis auton kai oikēsas en autǭ chronon hikanon. hos boēthoumenos hypo tōn eporkistōn, nosǭ peripesōn chalepę̄, kai apothaneisthai hoson oudepō nomizomenos, en autę̄ tę̄ klinę̄, hę̄ ekeito, perichytheis elaben; ei ge chrē legein ton toiouton eilēphenai.
For him the occasion of believing was Satan, who entered into him and dwelt in him a considerable time. Being helped by the exorcists, he fell into a severe illness and, being thought about to die, received baptism by affusion on the very bed on which he lay — if indeed such a one can be said to have received it.
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius: Novatian came to faith through exorcism and was baptized by pouring on his sickbed, a doubtful baptism.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius. “Received by affusion” renders περιχυθεὶς ἔλαβεν (clinical baptism by pouring).
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.14 (Dindorf 4:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-14).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.15Dindorf 4:292
οὐ μὴν οὐδὲ τῶν λοιπῶν ῾ἔτυχε διαφυγὼν τὴν νόσον, ὧν χρὴ μεταλαμβάνειν κατὰ τὸν τῆς ἐκκλησίας κανόνα, τοῦ τε σφραγισθῆναι ὑπὸ τοῦ ἐπισκόπου. τούτων δὲ μὴ τυχὼν πῶς ἂν τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἔτυχε;”
ou mēn oude tōn loipōn ῾etyche diaphygōn tēn noson, hōn chrē metalambanein kata ton tēs ekklēsias kanona, tou te sphragisthēnai hypo tou episkopou. toutōn de mē tychōn pōs an tou hagiou pneumatos etyche?”
Nor, when he had escaped the illness, did he receive the other things which one ought to partake of according to the rule of the church, namely to be sealed by the bishop. And not having received these, how could he have received the Holy Spirit?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Novatian never received the bishop's sealing, and so, Cornelius argues, not the Spirit.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. The sealing is the post-baptismal anointing or laying on of hands by the bishop.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Baptism, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.15 (Dindorf 4:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-15).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.16Dindorf 4:292–293
καὶ πάλιν μετὰ βραχέα φησίν ‟ὁ διὰ δειλίαν καὶ φιλοζωίαν ἐν τῷ ‘καιρῷ τῆς διώξεως πρεσβύτερον εἶναι ἑαυτὸν ἀρνησάμενος. ἀξιούμενος γὰρ καὶ παρακαλούμενος ὑπὸ ‟τῶν διακόνων, ἵνʼ ἐξελθὼν τοῦ οἰκίσκου, ἐν ᾧ ‟καθεῖρξεν ἑαυτὸν, βοηθήσῃ τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὅσα ‘θέμις καὶ ὅσα δυνατὸν πρεσβυτέρῳ ‟ἀδελφοῖς καὶ ἐπικουρίας δεομένοις βοηθεῖν, τοσοῦ- ‟τον ἀπέσχε τοῦ πειθαρχῆσαι παρακαλοῦσι τοῖς δια- ‘κόνοις ὡς καὶ χαλεπαίνοντα ἀπιέναι καὶ “τεσθαι· μὴ γὰρ ἔτι βούλεσθαι πρεσβύτερος εἶναι “ἔφη· ἑτέρας γὰρ εἶναι φιλοσοφίας ἐραστής.”
kai palin meta brachea phēsin ‟ho dia deilian kai philozōian en tǭ ‘kairǭ tēs diōxeōs presbyteron einai heauton arnēsamenos. axioumenos gar kai parakaloumenos hypo ‟tōn diakonōn, hinʼ exelthōn tou oikiskou, en hǭ ‟katheirxen heauton, boēthēsę̄ tois adelphois hosa ‘themis kai hosa dynaton presbyterǭ ‟adelphois kai epikourias deomenois boēthein, tosou- ‟ton apesche tou peitharchēsai parakalousi tois dia- ‘konois hōs kai chalepainonta apienai kai “testhai; mē gar eti boulesthai presbyteros einai “ephē; heteras gar einai philosophias erastēs.”
And again shortly after he says: “He who in the time of persecution, through cowardice and love of life, denied that he was a presbyter. For when he was asked and urged by the deacons to come out of the chamber in which he had shut himself up and help the brothers, as far as is lawful and possible for a presbyter to help brothers in danger and in need of aid, he was so far from obeying the deacons who urged him that he even went away angry and departed; for he said he no longer wished to be a presbyter, being a lover of another philosophy.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius: in the persecution Novatian refused to help the brethren, saying he no longer wished to be a presbyter.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome. Words at line beginnings are lost in the digital text (e.g. “in danger”, “departed”).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (repeated word in the digital text): κόνοις ὡς ὡς καὶ → κόνοις ὡς καὶ.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Heresy, Church office, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.16 (Dindorf 4:292–293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-16).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.17Dindorf 4:293
ὑπερβὰς δʼ ὀλίγα τούτοις πάλιν ἐπιφέρει λέγων ‟καταλιπὼν ‟γὰρ ὁ λαμπρὸς οὗτος τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, ἐν ᾗ πιστεύσας κατηξιώθη τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου κατὰ ‟χάριν τοῦ ἐπισκόπου τοῦ ἐπιθέντος αὐτῷ χεῖρα εἰς “πρεσβυτερίου κλῆρον, ὃς διακωλυόμενος ὑπὸ παντὸς ‟τοῦ κλήρου, ἀλλὰ καὶ λαικῶν πολλῶν, ἐπεὶ μὴ ἐξὸν ‟ἦν τὸν ἐπὶ κλίνης διὰ νόσον περιχυθέντα, ὥσπερ ‟καὶ οὗτος, εἰς κλῆρόν τινα γενέσθαι, ἠξίωσε συγχωρηθῆναι αὐτῷ τοῦτον μόνον χειροτονῆσαι.”
hyperbas dʼ oliga toutois palin epipherei legōn ‟katalipōn ‟gar ho lampros houtos tēn ekklēsian tou theou, en hę̄ pisteusas katēxiōthē tou presbyteriou kata ‟charin tou episkopou tou epithentos autǭ cheira eis “presbyteriou klēron, hos diakōlyomenos hypo pantos ‟tou klērou, alla kai laikōn pollōn, epei mē exon ‟ēn ton epi klinēs dia noson perichythenta, hōsper ‟kai houtos, eis klēron tina genesthai, ēxiōse synchōrēthēnai autǭ touton monon cheirotonēsai.”
Passing over a few things, he adds again: “For this illustrious man forsook the church of God, in which, after believing, he was deemed worthy of the presbyterate by the favour of the bishop who laid his hand on him for the order of presbyter; who, when the whole clergy and many laymen objected, since it was not lawful for one who had been baptized by affusion on his bed because of illness, as this man was, to be admitted to any order, asked that he be allowed to ordain this one man only.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Novatian was ordained presbyter only by the bishop's special favour, over objections to his clinical baptism.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Topics: Church office, Baptism
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.17 (Dindorf 4:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-17).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.18Dindorf 4:293
εἶτʼ ἄλλο τι χείριστον τούτοις προστίθησι τῶν τοῦ ἀνδρὸς ἀτοπημάτων, λέγων οὕτως ‘ποιήσας γὰρ τὰς προσ- “φορὰς, καὶ διανέμων ἑκάστῳ τὸ μέρος καὶ ἐπιδιδοὺς ‟τοῦτο, ὀμνύειν ἀντὶ τοῦ εὐλογεῖν τοὺς ταλαιπώρους ῾ἀνθρώπους ἀναγκάζει, κατέχων ἀμφοτέραις ταῖς ‘χερσὶ τὰς τοῦ λαβόντος, καὶ μὴ ἀφεὶς ἔστʼ ἂν ‟ὀμνύοντες εἴπωσι ταῦτα τοῖς γὰρ ἐκείνου χρήσομαι λόγοις)· ὄμοσόν μοι κατὰ τοῦ σώματος καὶ τοῦ “αἵματος τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μηδέποτέ ‟με καταλιπεῖν καὶ ἐπιστρέψαι πρὸς Κορνήλιον.
eitʼ allo ti cheiriston toutois prostithēsi tōn tou andros atopēmatōn, legōn houtōs ‘poiēsas gar tas pros- “phoras, kai dianemōn hekastǭ to meros kai epididous ‟touto, omnyein anti tou eulogein tous talaipōrous ῾anthrōpous anankazei, katechōn amphoterais tais ‘chersi tas tou labontos, kai mē apheis estʼ an ‟omnyontes eipōsi tauta tois gar ekeinou chrēsomai logois); omoson moi kata tou sōmatos kai tou “haimatos tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou mēdepote ‟me katalipein kai epistrepsai pros Kornēlion.
Then he adds another, the worst of the man's absurdities, saying thus: “For when he has made the offerings, and is distributing to each his portion, as he gives it he compels the wretched people to swear instead of giving thanks, holding the hands of the recipient in both his own and not letting go until they have sworn, saying these words (for I shall use his own): ‘Swear to me by the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ never to forsake me and turn to Cornelius.’
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius: at communion Novatian made people swear by Christ's body and blood never to return to Cornelius.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome; a hostile account. “Giving thanks” (εὐλογεῖν) may mean saying the blessing or “Amen” at reception.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray syllable in the digital text): ὀμνύοντες ἐς εἴπωσι → ὀμνύοντες εἴπωσι.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.18 (Dindorf 4:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-18).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.19Dindorf 4:293
καὶ ὁ ἄθλιος ἄνθρωπος οὐ πρότερον γεύεται, εἰ μὴ πρότερον αὐτῷ καταράσαιτο. καὶ ἀντὶ τοῦ ῾εἰπεῖν λαμβάνοντα τὸν ἄρτον ἐκεῖνον τὸ ἀμήν ῾οὐκ- ‟ἔτι ἀνήξω πρὸς Κορνήλιον λέγει.”
kai ho athlios anthrōpos ou proteron geuetai, ei mē proteron autǭ katarasaito. kai anti tou ῾eipein lambanonta ton arton ekeinon to amēn ῾ouk- ‟eti anēxō pros Kornēlion legei.”
And the unhappy man does not taste until he has first called down a curse on himself; and instead of saying ‘Amen’ as he takes that bread, he says, ‘I will not go back to Cornelius.’”
Notes and citation
Summary: Instead of “Amen” at communion, the recipient had to say, “I will not go back to Cornelius.”
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.19 (Dindorf 4:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-19).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.20Dindorf 4:293–294
καὶ μεθʼ ἕτερα πάλιν ταῦτά φησιν “ἤδη δὲ ἴσθι γεγυμνῶσθαι ‟καὶ ἔρημον γεγονέναι, καταλιμπανόντων αὐτὸν καθʼ “ἡμέραν ἑκάστην τῶν ἀδελφῶν, καὶ εἰς τὴν ἐκκλη- ‟σίαν ἐπανερχομένων. ὃν καὶ Μωυσῆς ὁ μακάριος μάρτυς, ὁ παρʼ ἡμῖν ἔναγχος μαρτυρήσας καλήν “τινα καὶ θαυμαστὴν μαρτυρίαν, ἔτι ὢν ἐν κόσμῳ, “κατιδὼν αὐτοῦ τὴν θρασύτητα καὶ τὴν ἀπόνοιαν, ‟ἀκοινώνητον ἐποίησε σὺν τοῖς πέντε πρεσβυτέροις ῾τοῖς ἅμα αὐτῷ ἀποσχίσασιν ἑαυτοὺς τῆς ἐκκλησίας.”
kai methʼ hetera palin tauta phēsin “ēdē de isthi gegymnōsthai ‟kai erēmon gegonenai, katalimpanontōn auton kathʼ “hēmeran hekastēn tōn adelphōn, kai eis tēn ekklē- ‟sian epanerchomenōn. hon kai Mōysēs ho makarios martys, ho parʼ hēmin enanchos martyrēsas kalēn “tina kai thaumastēn martyrian, eti ōn en kosmǭ, “katidōn autou tēn thrasytēta kai tēn aponoian, ‟akoinōnēton epoiēse syn tois pente presbyterois ῾tois hama autǭ aposchisasin heautous tēs ekklēsias.”
And after other things again he says: “Know now that he is stripped and deserted, the brothers leaving him every day and returning to the church. Moses, too, the blessed martyr, who recently bore among us a noble and wonderful testimony, while he was still in the world, seeing his audacity and folly, excommunicated him together with the five presbyters who with him had cut themselves off from the church.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Novatian's followers were leaving him; the martyr Moses had excommunicated him and five presbyters.
- Quotation from Cornelius of Rome.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.20 (Dindorf 4:293–294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-20).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.21Dindorf 4:294
καὶ ἐπὶ τέλει δὲ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς τῶν ἐπὶ Ῥώμης παραγενομένων ἐπισκόπων τῆς τε τοῦ Νοουάτου κατεγνωκότων ἀβελτερίας κατάλογον πεποίηται, ὁμοῦ τά τε ὀνόματα καὶ ἧς ὁ καθεῖς αὐτῶν προηγεῖτο παροικίας ἐπισημαινόμενος.
kai epi telei de tēs epistolēs tōn epi Rhōmēs paragenomenōn episkopōn tēs te tou Noouatou kategnōkotōn abelterias katalogon pepoiētai, homou ta te onomata kai hēs ho katheis autōn proēgeito paroikias episēmainomenos.
At the end of the letter he gives a list of the bishops who came to Rome and condemned the stupidity of Novatus, together with their names and the community each of them presided over.
Notes and citation
Summary: Cornelius lists the bishops who condemned Novatian at Rome.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; allusion)
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.21 (Dindorf 4:294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-21).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.43.22Dindorf 4:294
τῶν τε μὴ παραγενομένων μὲν ἐπὶ τῆς Ῥώμης, συνευδοκησάντων δὲ διὰ γραμμάτων τῇ τῶν προειρημένων ψήφῳ, τὰς προσηγορίας ὁμοῦ καὶ τὰς πόλεις ὅθεν ἕκαστος ὁρμώμενος ἐπέστελλε μνημονεύει. ταῦτα μὲν ὁ Κορνήλιος Φαβίῳ Ἀντιοχείας ἐπισκόπῳ δηλῶν ἔγραφε.
tōn te mē paragenomenōn men epi tēs Rhōmēs, syneudokēsantōn de dia grammatōn tę̄ tōn proeirēmenōn psēphǭ, tas prosēgorias homou kai tas poleis hothen hekastos hormōmenos epestelle mnēmoneuei. tauta men ho Kornēlios Phabiǭ Antiocheias episkopǭ dēlōn egraphe.
He also mentions the names of those who were not present at Rome but agreed by letter with the vote of those mentioned, together with the cities from which each wrote. These things Cornelius wrote to inform Fabius, bishop of Antioch.
Notes and citation
Summary: He also names bishops who agreed by letter.
Extrabiblical texts: Cornelius of Rome, Cornelius (Cornelius of Rome, Letter to Fabius of Antioch; allusion)
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.43.22 (Dindorf 4:294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-43-22).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
Church 6, chapter 44
6.44.1Dindorf 4:294
Τῷ δʼ αὐτῷ τούτῳ Φαβίῳ ὑποκατακλινομένῳ πως τῷ σχίσματι καὶ Διονύσιος ὁ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἐπιστείλας, πολλά τε καὶ ἄλλα περὶ μετανοίας ἐν τοῖς πρὸς αὐτὸν γράμμασι διελθὼν, τῶν τε κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ἔναγχος τότε μαρτυρησάντων τοὺς ἀγῶνας διιὼν, μετὰ τῆς ἄλλης ἱστορίας πρᾶγμά τι μεστὸν θαύματος διηγεῖται, ὃ καὶ αὐτὸ ἀναγκαῖον τῇδε παραδοῦναι τῇ γραφῇ, οὕτως ἔχον
Tǭ dʼ autǭ toutǭ Phabiǭ hypokataklinomenǭ pōs tǭ schismati kai Dionysios ho katʼ Alexandreian episteilas, polla te kai alla peri metanoias en tois pros auton grammasi dielthōn, tōn te katʼ Alexandreian enanchos tote martyrēsantōn tous agōnas diiōn, meta tēs allēs historias pragma ti meston thaumatos diēgeitai, ho kai auto anankaion tę̄de paradounai tę̄ graphę̄, houtōs echon
To this same Fabius, who was somewhat inclined toward the schism, Dionysius of Alexandria also wrote; and in his letter to him, after discussing much else about repentance and describing the contests of those recently martyred at Alexandria, he tells, with the rest of his account, a story full of wonder, which must also be handed down in this work. It is as follows:
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius wrote to Fabius, who leaned toward Novatian, and told a wonderful story.
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.1 (Dindorf 4:294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-44-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.44.2Dindorf 4:294–295
ἕν δέ σοι τοῦτο παράδειγμα παρʼ ‟ἡμῖν συμβεβηκὸς ἐκθήσομαι. Σαραπίων τις ἦν ‟παρʼ ἡμῖν πιστὸς γέρων, ἀμέμπτως μὲν τὸν πολὺν “διαβιώσας χρόνον, ἐν δὲ τῷ πειρασμῷ πεσών. οὗτος ‘πολλάκις ἐδεῖτο, καὶ οὐδεὶς προσεῖχεν αὐτῷ, καὶ ‟γὰρ ἐτεθύκει· ἐν νόσῳ δὲ γενόμενος τριῶν ἐξῆς ἡμερῶν ἄφωνος καὶ ἀναίσθητος διετέλεσε.
hen de soi touto paradeigma parʼ ‟hēmin symbebēkos ekthēsomai. Sarapiōn tis ēn ‟parʼ hēmin pistos gerōn, amemptōs men ton polyn “diabiōsas chronon, en de tǭ peirasmǭ pesōn. houtos ‘pollakis edeito, kai oudeis proseichen autǭ, kai ‟gar etethykei; en nosǭ de genomenos triōn exēs hēmerōn aphōnos kai anaisthētos dietelese.
“I shall set out for you this one example that happened among us. There was among us a certain Serapion, a faithful old man, who had lived blamelessly for a long time but had fallen in the trial. He often begged, and no one paid attention to him, for he had sacrificed. Falling ill, he continued speechless and unconscious for three days in succession.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius: Serapion, an old believer who had sacrificed, often asked for pardon in vain and then fell gravely ill.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Fabius (to 6.44.6).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): αὐτῷ, καἰ → αὐτῷ, καὶ.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.2 (Dindorf 4:294–295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-44-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.44.3Dindorf 4:295
βραχὺ δὲ ἀνασφήλας τῇ τετάρτῃ προσεκαλέσατο τὸν θυγατριδοῦν, καὶ “μέχρι τίνος, φησὶν, ὠ τέκνον, με κατέχετε; δέομαι, σπεύσατε, καί με θᾶττον ἀπολύσατε, τῶν πρεσβυτέρων μοί τινα κάλεσον.” καὶ ταῦτα εἰπὼν πάλιν ἦν ἄφωνος.
brachy de anasphēlas tę̄ tetartę̄ prosekalesato ton thygatridoun, kai “mechri tinos, phēsin, ō teknon, me katechete? deomai, speusate, kai me thatton apolysate, tōn presbyterōn moi tina kaleson.” kai tauta eipōn palin ēn aphōnos.
Recovering a little on the fourth day, he called his grandson and said, ‘How long, child, will you hold me back? I beg you, hurry and release me quickly. Call one of the presbyters for me.’ And saying this he was again speechless.
Notes and citation
Summary: On the fourth day Serapion asked for a presbyter to release him.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.3 (Dindorf 4:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-44-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.44.4Dindorf 4:295
ἔδραμεν ὁ παῖς ἐπὶ τὸν πρεσβύτερον· νὺξ δὲ ἦν, κἀκεῖνος ἠσθένει. ἀφικέσθαι μὲν οὖν οὐκ ἐδυνήθη, ἐντολῆς δὲ ὑπʼ ἐμοῦ δεδομένης, τοὺς ἀπαλλαττομένους τοῦ βίου, εἰ δέοιντο, καὶ μάλιστα εἰ καὶ πρότερον ἱκετεύσαντες τύχοιεν, ἀφίεσθαι, ἵνʼ εὐέλπιδες ἀπαλλάττωνται, βραχὺ τῆς εὐχαριστίας ἔδωκεν τῷ παιδαρίῳ, ἀποβρέξαι κελεύσας καὶ τῷ πρεσβύτῃ κατὰ τοῦ στόματος ἐπιστάξαι.
edramen ho pais epi ton presbyteron; nyx de ēn, kakeinos ēsthenei. aphikesthai men oun ouk edynēthē, entolēs de hypʼ emou dedomenēs, tous apallattomenous tou biou, ei deointo, kai malista ei kai proteron hiketeusantes tychoien, aphiesthai, hinʼ euelpides apallattōntai, brachy tēs eucharistias edōken tǭ paidariǭ, apobrexai keleusas kai tǭ presbytę̄ kata tou stomatos epistaxai.
The boy ran to the presbyter. It was night, and he was sick. He could not come; but since an order had been given by me that those departing this life, if they asked, and especially if they had formerly entreated, should be absolved, so that they might depart with good hope, he gave the boy a little of the eucharist, telling him to soak it and let it drop into the old man's mouth.
Notes and citation
Summary: The sick presbyter sent a portion of the eucharist, to be moistened and given to Serapion, following Dionysius's instruction to absolve the dying.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria. The digital text repeats βρέξαι.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (repeated syllables in the digital text): ἀποβρέξαι βρέξαι → ἀποβρέξαι.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Eucharist, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.4 (Dindorf 4:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-44-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.44.5Dindorf 4:295
ἐπανῆκεν ὁ παῖς φέρων· ἐγγύς τε γενομένου, πρὶν εἰσελθεῖν, ἀνενέγκας πάλιν ὁ Σαραπίων, ἧκες, ἔφη, τέκνον; καὶ ὁ μὲν πρεσβύτερος ἐλθεῖν οὐκ ἠδυνήθη, σὺ δὲ ποίησον ταχέως τὸ προσταχθὲν, καὶ ἀπάλλαττέ με. ἀπέβρεξεν ὁ παῖς καὶ ἅμα τε ἐνέχεε τῷ στόματι καὶ μικρὸν ἐκεῖνος καταβροχθίσας εὐθέως ἀπέδωκε τὸ πνεῦμα.
epanēken ho pais pherōn; engys te genomenou, prin eiselthein, anenenkas palin ho Sarapiōn, hēkes, ephē, teknon? kai ho men presbyteros elthein ouk ēdynēthē, sy de poiēson tacheōs to prostachthen, kai apallatte me. apebrexen ho pais kai hama te enechee tǭ stomati kai mikron ekeinos katabrochthisas eutheōs apedōke to pneuma.
The boy returned bringing it; and when he was near, before he went in, Serapion revived again and said, ‘You have come, child? The presbyter could not come; but do quickly what you were told, and let me go.’ The boy soaked it and at the same time poured it into his mouth, and when he had swallowed a little, he immediately gave up the spirit.
Notes and citation
Summary: Serapion received the eucharist and died at once.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Eucharist
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.5 (Dindorf 4:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-44-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.44.6Dindorf 4:295
ἆρʼ οὐκ ἐναργῶς διετηρήθη καὶ παρέμεινεν, ἕως λυθῇ, καὶ τῆς ἁμαρτίας ἐξαλειφθείσης ἐπὶ πολλοῖς οἷς ἔπραξε καλοῖς ὁμολογηθῆναι δυνηθῇ;” ταῦτα ὁ Διονύσιος.
arʼ ouk enargōs dietērēthē kai paremeinen, heōs lythę̄, kai tēs hamartias exaleiphtheisēs epi pollois hois epraxe kalois homologēthēnai dynēthę̄?” tauta ho Dionysios.
Was he not plainly preserved, and did he not remain until he was released, and, his sin blotted out, could be acknowledged for the many good things he had done?” So Dionysius.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius: God evidently kept Serapion alive until he was absolved.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Eucharist
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.44.6 (Dindorf 4:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-44-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
Church 6, chapter 45
6.45.1Dindorf 4:295–296
Ἴδωμεν δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς ὁποῖα καὶ τῷ Νοουάτῳ διεχάραξε, ταράττοντι τηνικάδε τὴν Ῥωμαίων ἀδελφότητα. ἐπειδὴ οὖν τῆς ἀποστασίας καὶ τοῦ σχίσματος πρόφασιν ἐποιεῖτο τῶν ἀδελφῶν τινας, ὡς δὴ πρὸς αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τοῦτʼ ἐλθεῖν ἐκβεβιασμένος, ὅρα τίνα τρόπον αὐτῷ γράφει· ‟Διονύσιος ‟Νοουάτῳ τῷ ἀδελφῷ χαίρειν. εἰ ἄκων, ὡς φῄς, ‘ἤχθης, δείξεις, ἐὰν ἀναχωρήσῃς ἑκών. ἔδει μὲν γὰρ ‟καὶ πᾶν ὁτιοῦν παθεῖν ὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ διακόψαι τὴν ἐκ- “κλησίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἦν οὐκ ἀδοξοτέρα τῆς ἕνεκεν ‟τοῦ μὴ εἰδωλολατρῆσαι γινομένης ἡ ἕνεκεν τοῦ μὴ σχίσαι μαρτυρία, κατʼ ἐμὲ δὲ καὶ μείζων. ἐκεῖ μὲν ‟γὰρ ὑπὲρ μιᾶς τις τῆς ἑαυτοῦ ψυχῆς, ἐνταῦθα δὲ ‟ὑπὲρ ὅλης τῆς ἐκκλησίας μαρτυρεῖ. καὶ νῦν δὲ εἰ ‟πείσαις ἢ βιάσαιο τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς εἰς ὁμόνοιαν ἐλ- ‟θεῖν, μεῖζον ἔσται σοι τοῦ σφάλματος τὸ κατόρθωμα, ‟καὶ τὸ μὲν οὐ λογισθήσεται, τὸ δὲ ἐπαινεθήσεται. ‟εἰ δὲ ἀπειθούντων ἀδυνατοίης, σώζων σῶζε τὴν ‟σεαυτοῦ ψυχήν. ἐρρῶσθαί σε ἐχόμενον τῆς εἰρήνης ῾ἐν κυρίῳ εὔχομαι.” ταῦτα καὶ πρὸς τὸν Νοουάτον.
Idōmen de ho autos hopoia kai tǭ Noouatǭ diecharaxe, tarattonti tēnikade tēn Rhōmaiōn adelphotēta. epeidē oun tēs apostasias kai tou schismatos prophasin epoieito tōn adelphōn tinas, hōs dē pros autōn epi toutʼ elthein ekbebiasmenos, hora tina tropon autǭ graphei; ‟Dionysios ‟Noouatǭ tǭ adelphǭ chairein. ei akōn, hōs phę̄s, ‘ēchthēs, deixeis, ean anachōrēsę̄s hekōn. edei men gar ‟kai pan hotioun pathein hyper tou mē diakopsai tēn ek- “klēsian tou theou, kai ēn ouk adoxotera tēs heneken ‟tou mē eidōlolatrēsai ginomenēs hē heneken tou mē schisai martyria, katʼ eme de kai meizōn. ekei men ‟gar hyper mias tis tēs heautou psychēs, entautha de ‟hyper holēs tēs ekklēsias martyrei. kai nyn de ei ‟peisais ē biasaio tous adelphous eis homonoian el- ‟thein, meizon estai soi tou sphalmatos to katorthōma, ‟kai to men ou logisthēsetai, to de epainethēsetai. ‟ei de apeithountōn adynatoiēs, sōzōn sōze tēn ‟seautou psychēn. errōsthai se echomenon tēs eirēnēs ῾en kyriǭ euchomai.” tauta kai pros ton Noouaton.
Let us see also what the same man wrote to Novatus, who was then troubling the brotherhood of the Romans. Since he made some of the brothers his pretext for the apostasy and schism, as though he had been forced by them to come to this, see how he writes to him: “Dionysius to Novatus his brother, greeting. If you were led on unwillingly, as you say, you will show it if you withdraw willingly. For one ought to suffer anything whatever rather than divide the church of God; and martyrdom to avoid schism would be no less glorious than that incurred to avoid idolatry — in my judgment, even greater. For there one bears witness for one's own single soul, here for the whole church. And even now, if you persuade or compel the brothers to come to concord, your right action will be greater than your fault; the one will not be reckoned, the other will be praised. But if you are powerless because they disobey, save, save your own soul. I pray that you may be well, holding fast to peace in the Lord.” This he wrote to Novatus.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius urged Novatian to end the schism: dying to avoid schism is a greater martyrdom than dying to avoid idolatry.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Novatian. The digital text reads ἐγών for ἑκών (“willingly”).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (misread letter in the digital text; wrong accent in the digital text): ἀναχωρήσῃς ἐγών → ἀναχωρήσῃς ἑκών; καὶ πὰν ὁτιοῦν → καὶ πᾶν ὁτιοῦν.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.45.1 (Dindorf 4:295–296; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-45-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
Church 6, chapter 46
6.46.1Dindorf 4:296
Γράφει δὲ καὶ τοῖς κατʼ Αἴγυπτον ἐπιστολὴν περὶ μετανοίας, ἐν ᾗ τὰ δόξαντα αὐτῷ περὶ τῶν ὑποπεπτωκότων παρατέθειται, τάξεις παραπτωμάτων διαγράψας.
Graphei de kai tois katʼ Aigypton epistolēn peri metanoias, en hę̄ ta doxanta autǭ peri tōn hypopeptōkotōn paratetheitai, taxeis paraptōmatōn diagrapsas.
He also wrote to those in Egypt a letter on repentance, in which he set out his opinions about those who had fallen, describing degrees of lapses.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius wrote to the Egyptians on repentance, distinguishing degrees of lapse.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); allusion)
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.1 (Dindorf 4:296; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-46-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.46.2Dindorf 4:296
καὶ πρὸς Κόνωνα ( τῆς Ερμουπολιτῶν δὲ παροικίας ἐπίσκοπος ἦν οὗτος) ἰδία τις περὶ μετανοίας αὐτοῦ φέρεται γραφὴ, καὶ ἄλλη ἐπιστρεπτικὴ πρὸς τὸ κατʼ Ἀλεξάνδρειαν ποίμνιον αὐτοῦ. ἐν τούτοις ἐστὶ καὶ ἡ περὶ μαρτυρίου πρὸς τὸν Ὠριγένην γραφεῖσα, καὶ τοῖς κατὰ Λαοδίκειαν ἀδελφοῖς, ὧν προΐστατο Θηλυμίδρης ἐπίσκοπος. καὶ τοῖς κατὰ Ἀρμενίαν ὡσαύτως περὶ μετανοίας ἐπιστέλλει, ὧν ἐπεσκόπευε Μερουζάνης.
kai pros Konōna ( tēs Ermoupolitōn de paroikias episkopos ēn houtos) idia tis peri metanoias autou pheretai graphē, kai allē epistreptikē pros to katʼ Alexandreian poimnion autou. en toutois esti kai hē peri martyriou pros ton Ōrigenēn grapheisa, kai tois kata Laodikeian adelphois, hōn proïstato Thēlymidrēs episkopos. kai tois kata Armenian hōsautōs peri metanoias epistellei, hōn epeskopeue Merouzanēs.
There is also extant a personal writing of his on repentance to Conon (he was bishop of the community of Hermopolis), and another admonitory one to his flock at Alexandria. Among these is also the one on martyrdom written to Origen, and one to the brothers at Laodicea, over whom Thelymidres presided as bishop. He also writes likewise on repentance to those in Armenia, whose bishop was Meruzanes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Other letters of Dionysius: to Conon, to Alexandria, to Origen on martyrdom, to Laodicea, and to Armenia.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (stray mark and missing bracket in the digital text; stray mark in the digital text): κ·αὶ πρὸς Κόνωνα → καὶ πρὸς Κόνωνα (; προί·στατο → προΐστατο.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); allusion)
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.2 (Dindorf 4:296; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-46-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.46.3Dindorf 4:296–297
πρὸς ἅπασι τούτοις καὶ Κορνηλίῳ τῷ κατὰ Ῥώμην γράφει, δεξάμενος αὐτοῦ τὴν κατὰ τοῦ Νοουάτου ἐπιστολὴν, ᾧ καὶ σημαίνει δηλῶν ἑαυτὸν παρακεκλῆσθαι ὑπό τε Ἑλένου τοῦ ἐν Ταρσῷ τῆς Κιλικίας ἐπισκόπου καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν τῶν σὺν αὐτῷ, Φιρμιλλιανοῦ τε τοῦ ἐν Καππαδοκίᾳ καὶ τοῦ κατὰ Παλαιστίνην Θεοκτίστου, ὡς ἂν ἐπὶ τὴν σύνοδον ἀπαντήσοι τὴν κατὰ Ἀντιόχειαν, ἔνθα τοῦ Νοουάτου κρατύνειν τινὲς ἐπεχείρουν τὸ σχίσμα.
pros hapasi toutois kai Kornēliǭ tǭ kata Rhōmēn graphei, dexamenos autou tēn kata tou Noouatou epistolēn, hǭ kai sēmainei dēlōn heauton parakeklēsthai hypo te Helenou tou en Tarsǭ tēs Kilikias episkopou kai tōn loipōn tōn syn autǭ, Phirmillianou te tou en Kappadokią kai tou kata Palaistinēn Theoktistou, hōs an epi tēn synodon apantēsoi tēn kata Antiocheian, entha tou Noouatou kratynein tines epecheiroun to schisma.
Besides all these he writes also to Cornelius of Rome, having received his letter against Novatus, and indicates to him that he had been invited by Helenus, bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, and the others with him, Firmilian in Cappadocia and Theoctistus in Palestine, to attend the synod at Antioch, where some were attempting to strengthen the schism of Novatus.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius told Cornelius he had been invited to a synod at Antioch on the Novatianist schism.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (wrong accent in the digital text): λοιπόν τῶν → λοιπῶν τῶν; καὶ τοὺ κατὰ → καὶ τοῦ κατὰ.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); allusion)
Topics: Heresy, Church office
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.3 (Dindorf 4:296–297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-46-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.46.4Dindorf 4:297
πρὸς τούτοις ἐπιστέλλει μηνυθῆναι αὐτῷ Φάβιον μὲν κεκοιμῆσθαι, Δημητριανὸν δὲ διάδοχον ἐκείνου τῆς κατʼ Ἀντιόχειαν ἐπισκοπῆς καθεστάναι. γράφει δὲ καὶ περὶ τοῦ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις αὐτοῖς ῥήμασι φάσκων ‟ὁ μὲν γὰρ “μακάριος Ἀλέξανδρος ἐν φρουρᾷ γενόμενος μακα- “ρίως ἀνεπαύσατο.”
pros toutois epistellei mēnythēnai autǭ Phabion men kekoimēsthai, Dēmētrianon de diadochon ekeinou tēs katʼ Antiocheian episkopēs kathestanai. graphei de kai peri tou en Hierosolymois autois rhēmasi phaskōn ‟ho men gar “makarios Alexandros en phrourą genomenos maka- “riōs anepausato.”
In addition he writes that he had been informed that Fabius had fallen asleep and that Demetrianus had been appointed his successor in the episcopate at Antioch. He writes also about the bishop in Jerusalem, saying in these words: “For the blessed Alexander, having been put in prison, went blessedly to his rest.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius reports Fabius's death, Demetrianus's succession at Antioch, and Alexander's death in prison.
- Quotation from Dionysius of Alexandria, Letter to Cornelius.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); quotation)
Topics: Church office, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.4 (Dindorf 4:297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-46-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.
6.46.5Dindorf 4:297
ἐξῆς ταύτῃ καὶ ἑτέρα τις ἐπιστολὴ τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμᾐ τοῦ Διονυσίου φέρεται διακονικὴ διὰ Ἱππολύτου. τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἄλλην περὶ εἰρήνης διατυποῦται, καὶ ὡσαύτως περὶ μετανοίας, καὶ αὖ πάλιν ἄλλην τοῖς ἐκεῖσε ὁμολογηταῖς, ἔτι τῇ τοῦ Νοουάτου συμφερομένοις γνώμῃ. τοῖς δὲ αὐτοῖς τούτοις ἑτέρας δύο μεταθεμένοις ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ἐπιστέλλει. καὶ ἄλλοις δὲ πλείοσιν ὁμοίως διὰ γραμμάτων ὁμιλήσας ποικίλας τοῖς ἔτι νῦν σπουδὴν περὶ τοὺς λόγους αὐτοῦ ποιουμένοις καταλέλοιπεν ὠφελείας.
exēs tautę̄ kai hetera tis epistolē tois en Rhōmę̄ tou Dionysiou pheretai diakonikē dia Hippolytou. tois autois allēn peri eirēnēs diatypoutai, kai hōsautōs peri metanoias, kai au palin allēn tois ekeise homologētais, eti tę̄ tou Noouatou sympheromenois gnōmę̄. tois de autois toutois heteras dyo metathemenois epi tēn ekklēsian epistellei. kai allois de pleiosin homoiōs dia grammatōn homilēsas poikilas tois eti nyn spoudēn peri tous logous autou poioumenois kataleloipen ōpheleias.
Next to this there is extant another letter of Dionysius to those in Rome, a diaconal one, sent by Hippolytus. To the same he writes another on peace, and likewise on repentance, and yet another to the confessors there who still agreed with the opinion of Novatus. To these same, when they had come over to the church, he writes two others. And having conversed likewise by letter with many others, he has left varied benefits to those who still study his writings.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dionysius wrote several letters to Rome, including to the Novatianist confessors before and after their return.
- “Diaconal” probably means a letter on service or one carried by a deacon; the sense is uncertain.
Extrabiblical texts: Dionysius of Alexandria (Dionysius of Alexandria (letters and fragments); allusion)
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.46.5 (Dindorf 4:297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/eusebius-historia/6-39-1/#p-6-46-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Dindorf, Eusebii Caesariensis Opera 4 (Teubner, 1871); made independently of existing English translations.