The Ecclesiastical History of Socrates Scholasticus

Contents (254 chapters)

Introduction.

1. 1. Sources and Literature.
2. 2. Life of Socrates.
3. 3. Socrates' Ecclesiastical History.
4. 4. History of Socrates' Work.

Book I

1. 5. Introduction to the Work.
2. 6. By what Means the Emperor Constantine became a Christian.
3. 7. While Constantine favors the Christians, Licinius, his Colleague, persecutes them.
4. 8. War arises between Constantine and Licinius on Account of the Christians.
5. 9. The Dispute of Arius with Alexander, his Bishop.
6. 10. Division begins in the Church from this Controversy; and Alexander Bishop of Alexandria excommunicates Arius and his Adherents.
7. 11. The Emperor Constantine being grieved at the Disturbance of the Churches, sends Hosius the Spaniard to Alexandria, exhorting the Bishop and Arius to Reconciliation and Unity.
8. 12. Of the Synod which was held at Nicæa in Bithynia, and the Creed there put forth.
9. 13. The Letter of the Synod, relative to its Decisions: and the Condemnation of Arius and those who agreed with him.
10. 14. The Emperor also summons to the Synod Acesius, Bishop of the Novatians.
11. 15. Of the Bishop Paphnutius.
12. 16. Of Spyridon, Bishop of the Cypriots.
13. 17. Of Eutychian the Monk.
14. 18. Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nicæa, who had been banished for agreeing in Opinion with Arius, having published their Recantation, and assented to the Creed, are reinstated in their Sees.
15. 19. After the Synod, on the Death of Alexander, Athanasius is constituted Bishop of Alexandria.
16. 20. The Emperor Constantine having enlarged the Ancient Byzantium, calls it Constantinople.
17. 21. The Emperor's Mother Helena having come to Jerusalem, searches for and finds the Cross of Christ, and builds a Church.
18. 22. The Emperor Constantine abolishes Paganism and erects many Churches in Different Places.
19. 23. In what Manner the Nations in the Interior of India were Christianized in the Times of Constantine.
20. 24. In what Manner the Iberians were converted to Christianity.
21. 25. Of Anthony the Monk.
22. 26. Manes, the Founder of the Manichæan Heresy, and on his Origin.
23. 27. Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nicæa, having recovered Confidence, endeavor to subvert the Nicene Creed, by plotting against Athanasius.
24. 28. Of the Synod held at Antioch, which deposed Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch, on whose account a Sedition broke out and almost ruined the City.
25. 29. Of the Presbyter who exerted himself for the Recall of Arius.
26. 30. Arius, on being recalled, presents a Recantation to the Emperor, and pretends to accept the Nicene Creed.
27. 31. Arius having returned to Alexandria with the Emperor's Consent, and not being received by Athanasius, the Partisans of Eusebius bring Many Charges against Athanasius before the Emperor.
28. 32. On Account of the Charges against Athanasius, the Emperor convokes a Synod of Bishops at Tyre.
29. 33. Of Arsenius, and his Hand which was said to have been cut off.
30. 34. Athanasius is found Innocent of what he was accused; his Accusers take to Flight.
31. 35. When the Bishops will not listen to Athanasius' Defense on the Second Charge, he betakes himself to the Emperor.
32. 36. On the Departure of Athanasius, those who composed the Synod vote his Deposition.
33. 37. The Members of the Synod proceed from Tyre to Jerusalem, and having celebrated the Dedication of the 'New Jerusalem,' receive Arius and his Followers into Communion.
34. 38. The Emperor summons the Synod to himself by Letter, in order that the Charges against Athanasius might be carefully examined before him.
35. 39. The Synod not having come to the Emperor, the Partisans of Eusebius accuse Athanasius of having threatened to divert the Corn supplied to Constantinople from Alexandria: the Emperor being exasperated at this banishes Athanasius into Gaul.
36. 40. Of Marcellus Bishop of Ancyra, and Asterius the Sophist.
37. 41. After the Banishment of Athanasius, Arius having been sent for by the Emperor, raises a Disturbance against Alexander Bishop of Constantinople.
38. 42. The Death of Arius.
39. 43. The Emperor falls sick and dies.
40. 44. The Funeral of the Emperor Constantine.

Book II

1. 45. Introduction containing the Reason for the Author's Revision of his First and Second Books.
2. 46. Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia, and his Party, by again endeavoring to introduce the Arian Heresy, create Disturbances in the Churches.
3. 47. Athanasius, encouraged by the Letter of Constantine the Younger, returns to Alexandria.
4. 48. On the Death of Eusebius Pamphilus, Acacius succeeds to the Bishopric of Cæsarea.
5. 49. The Death of Constantine the Younger.
6. 50. Alexander, Bishop of Constantinople, when at the Point of Death proposes the Election either of Paul or of Macedonius as his Successor.
7. 51. The Emperor Constantius ejects Paul after his Election to the Bishopric, and sending for Eusebius of Nicomedia, invests him with the Bishopric of Constantinople.
8. 52. Eusebius having convened Another Synod at Antioch in Syria, causes a New Creed to be promulgated.
9. 53. Of Eusebius of Emisa.
10. 54. The Bishops assembled at Antioch, on the Refusal of Eusebius of Emisa to accept the Bishopric of Alexandria, ordain Gregory, and change the Language of the Nicene Creed.
11. 55. On the Arrival of Gregory at Alexandria, tended by a Military Escort, Athanasius flees.
12. 56. The People of Constantinople restore Paul to his See after the Death of Eusebius, while the Arians elect Macedonius.
13. 57. Paul is again ejected from the Church by Constantius, in consequence of the Slaughter of Hermogenes, his General.
14. 58. The Arians remove Gregory from the See of Alexandria, and appoint George in his Place.
15. 59. Athanasius and Paul going to Rome, and having obtained Letters from Bishop Julius, recover their respective Dioceses.
16. 60. The Emperor Constantius, through an Order to Philip the Prætorian Prefect, secures the Exile of Paul, and the Installation of Macedonius in his See.
17. 61. Athanasius, intimidated by the Emperor's Threats, returns to Rome again.
18. 62. The Emperor of the West requests his Brother to send him Three Persons who could give an Account of the Deposition of Athanasius and Paul. Those who are sent publish Another Form of the Creed.
19. 63. Of the Creed sent by the Eastern Bishops to those in Italy, called the Lengthy Creed.
20. 64. Of the Council at Sardica.
21. 65. Defense of Eusebius Pamphilus.
22. 66. The Council of Sardica restores Paul and Athanasius to their Sees; and on the Eastern Emperor's Refusal to admit them, the Emperor of the West threatens him with War.
23. 67. Constantius, being Afraid of his Brother's Threats, recalls Athanasius by Letter, and sends him to Alexandria.
24. 68. Athanasius, passing through Jerusalem on his Return to Alexandria, is received into Communion by Maximus: and a Synod of Bishops, convened in that City, confirms the Nicene Creed.
25. 69. Of the Usurpers Magnentius and Vetranio.
26. 70. After the Death of Constans, the Western Emperor, Paul and Athanasius are again ejected from their Sees: the Former on his Way into Exile is slain; but the Latter escapes by Flight.
27. 71. Macedonius having possessed himself of the See of Constantinople inflicts much Injury on those who differ from him.
28. 72. Athanasius' Account of the Deeds of Violence committed at Alexandria by George the Arian.
29. 73. Of the Heresiarch Photinus.
30. 74. Creeds published at Sirmium in Presence of the Emperor Constantius.
31. 75. Of Hosius, Bishop of Cordova.
32. 76. Overthrow of the Usurper Magnentius.
33. 77. Of the Jews inhabiting Dio-Cæsarea in Palestine.
34. 78. Of Gallus Cæsar.
35. 79. Of Aëtius the Syrian, Teacher of Eunomius.
36. 80. Of the Synod at Milan.
37. 81. Of the Synod at Ariminum, and the Creed there published.
38. 82. Cruelty of Macedonius, and Tumults raised by him.
39. 83. Of the Synod at Seleucia, in Isauria.
40. 84. Acacius, Bishop of Cæsarea, dictates a new Form of Creed in the Synod at Seleucia.
41. 85. On the Emperor's Return from the West, the Acacians assemble at Constantinople, and confirm the Creed of Ariminum, after making Some Additions to it.
42. 86. On the Deposition of Macedonius, Eudoxius obtains the Bishopric of Constantinople.
43. 87. Of Eustathius Bishop of Sebastia.
44. 88. Of Meletius Bishop of Antioch.
45. 89. The Heresy of Macedonius.
46. 90. Of the Apollinarians, and their Heresy.
47. 91. Successes of Julian; Death of the Emperor Constantius.

Book III

1. 92. Of Julian; his Lineage and Education; his Elevation to the Throne; his Apostasy to Paganism.
2. 93. Of the Sedition excited at Alexandria, and how George was slain.
3. 94. The Emperor Indignant at the Murder of George, rebukes the Alexandrians by Letter.
4. 95. On the Death of George, Athanasius returns to Alexandria, and takes Possession of his See.
5. 96. Of Lucifer and Eusebius.
6. 97. Lucifer goes to Antioch and consecrates Paulinus.
7. 98. By the Co-operation of Eusebius and Athanasius a Synod is held at Alexandria, wherein the Trinity is declared to be Consubstantial.
8. 99. Quotations from Athanasius' 'Defense of his Flight.'
9. 100. After the Synod of Alexandria, Eusebius proceeding to Antioch finds the Catholics at Variance on Account of Paulinus' Consecration; and having exerted himself in vain to reconcile them, he departs; Indignation of Lucifer and Origin of a Sect called after him.
10. 101. Of Hilary Bishop of Poictiers.
11. 102. The Emperor Julian extracts Money from the Christians.
12. 103. Of Maris Bishop of Chalcedon; Julian forbids Christians from entering Literary Pursuits.
13. 104. Of the Outrages committed by the Pagans against the Christians.
14. 105. Flight of Athanasius.
15. 106. Martyrs at Merum in Phrygia, under Julian.
16. 107. Of the Literary Labors of the Two Apollinares and the Emperor's Prohibition of Christians being instructed in Greek Literature.
17. 108. The Emperor preparing an Expedition against the Persians, arrives at Antioch, and being ridiculed by the Inhabitants, he retorts on them by a Satirical Publication entitled 'Misopogon, or the Beard-Hater.'
18. 109. The Emperor consulting an Oracle, the Demon gives no Response, being awed by the Nearness of Babylas the Martyr.
19. 110. Wrath of the Emperor, and Firmness of Theodore the Confessor.
20. 111. The Jews instigated by the Emperor attempt to rebuild their Temple, and are frustrated in their Attempt by Miraculous Interposition.
21. 112. The Emperor's Invasion of Persia, and Death.
22. 113. Jovian is proclaimed Emperor.
23. 114. Refutation of what Libanius the Sophist said concerning Julian.
24. 115. The Bishops flock around Jovian, each attempting to draw him to his own Creed.
25. 116. The Macedonians and Acacians meet at Antioch, and proclaim their Assent to the Nicene Creed.
26. 117. Death of the Emperor Jovian.

Book IV

1. 118. After Jovian's Death, Valentinian is proclaimed Emperor, and takes his Brother Valens as Colleague in the Empire; Valentinian holds the Orthodox Faith, but Valens is an Arian.
2. 119. Valentinian goes into the West; Valens remains at Constantinople, and grants the Request of the Macedonians to hold a Synod, but persecutes the Adherents of the 'Homoousion.'
3. 120. While Valens persecutes the Orthodox Christians in the East, a Usurper arises at Constantinople named Procopius: and at the Same Time an Earthquake and Inundation take Place and injure Several Cities.
4. 121. The Macedonians hold a Synod at Lampsacus, during a Period of Both Secular and Ecclesiastical Agitation; and after confirming the Antiochian Creed, and anathematizing that promulgated at Ariminum, they again ratify the Deposition of Acacius and Eudoxius.
5. 122. Engagement between Valens and Procopius near Nacolia in Phrygia; after which the Usurper is betrayed by his Chief Officers, and with them put to Death.
6. 123. After the Death of Procopius Valens constrains those who composed the Synod, and All Christians, to profess Arianism.
7. 124. Eunomius supersedes Eleusius the Macedonian in the See of Cyzicus, His Origin and Imitation of Aëtius, whose Amanuensis he had been.
8. 125. Of the Oracle found inscribed an a Stone, when the Walls of Chalcedon were demolished by Order of the Emperor Valens.
9. 126. Valens persecutes the Novatians, because they accepted the Orthodox Faith.
10. 127. Birth of Valentinian the Younger.
11. 128. Hail of Extraordinary Size; and Earthquakes in Bithynia and the Hellespont.
12. 129. The Macedonians, pressed by the Emperor's Violence toward them, send a Deputation to Liberius Bishop of Rome, and subscribe the Nicene Creed.
13. 130. Eunomius separates from Eudoxius; a Disturbance is raised at Alexandria by Eudoxius, and Athanasius flees into Voluntary Exile again, but in Consequence of the Clamors of the People the Emperor recalls and re-establishes him in his See.
14. 131. The Arians ordain Demophilus after the Death of Eudoxius at Constantinople; but the Orthodox Party constitute Evagrius his Successor.
15. 132. The Emperor banishes Evagrius and Eustathius. The Arians persecute the Orthodox.
16. 133. Certain Presbyters burnt in a Ship by Order of Valens. Famine in Phrygia.
17. 134. The Emperor Valens, while at Antioch, again persecutes the Adherents of the 'Homoousion.'
18. 135. Events at Edessa: Constancy of the Devout Citizens, and Courage of a Pious Woman.
19. 136. Slaughter of Many Persons by Valens an Account of their Names, in Consequence of a Heathen Prediction.
20. 137. Death of Athanasius, and Elevation of Peter to His See.
21. 138. The Arians are allowed by the Emperor to imprison Peter and to set Lucius over the See of Alexandria.
22. 139. Silence of Sabinus on the Misdeeds of the Arians; Flight of Peter to Rome; Massacre of the Solitaries at the Instigation of the Arians.
23. 140. The Deeds of Some Holy Persons who devoted themselves to a Solitary Life.
24. 141. Assault upon the Monks, and Banishment of their Superiors, who exhibit Miraculous Power.
25. 142. Of Didymus the Blind Man.
26. 143. Of Basil of Cæsarea, and Gregory of Nazianzus.
27. 144. Of Gregory Thaumaturgus (the Wonder-Worker).
28. 145. Of Novatus and his Followers. The Novatians of Phrygia alter the Time of keeping Easter, following Jewish Usage.
29. 146. Damasus ordained Bishop of Rome. Sedition and Loss of Life caused by the Rivalry of Ursinus.
30. 147. Dissension about a Successor to Auxentius, Bishop of Milan. Ambrose, Governor of the Province, going to appease the Tumult, is by General Consent and with the Approval of the Emperor Valentinian elected to the Bishopric of that Church.
31. 148. Death of Valentinian.
32. 149. The Emperor Valens, appeased by the Oration of Themistius the Philosopher, abates his Persecution of the Christians.
33. 150. The Goths, under the Reign of Valens, embrace Christianity.
34. 151. Admission of the Fugitive Goths into the Roman Territories, which caused the Emperor's Overthrow, and eventually the Ruin of the Roman Empire.
35. 152. Abatement of Persecution against the Christians because of the War with the Goths.
36. 153. The Saracens, under Mavia their Queen, embrace Christianity; and Moses, a Pious Monk, is consecrated their Bishop.
37. 154. After the Departure of Valens from Antioch, the Alexandrians expel Lucius, and restore Peter, who had come with Letters from Damasus Bishop of Rome.
38. 155. The Emperor Valens is ridiculed by the People on Account of the Goths; undertakes an Expedition against them and is slain in an Engagement near Adrianople.

Book V

1. 156. Introduction.
2. 157. After the Death of Valens the Goths again attack Constantinople, and are repulsed by the Citizens, aided by Some Saracen Auxiliaries.
3. 158. The Emperor Gratian recalls the Orthodox Bishops, and expels the Heretics from the Churches. He takes Theodosius as his Colleague in the Empire.
4. 159. The Principal Bishops who flourished at that Time.
5. 160. The Macedonians, who had subscribed the 'Homoousian' Doctrine, return to their Former Error.
6. 161. Events at Antioch in Connection with Paulinus and Meletius.
7. 162. Gregory of Nazianzus is transferred to the See of Constantinople. The Emperor Theodosius falling Sick at Thessalonica, after his Victory over the Barbarians, is there baptized by Ascholius the Bishop.
8. 163. Gregory, finding Some Dissatisfaction about his Appointment, abdicates the Episcopate of Constantinople. The Emperor orders Demophilus the Arian Bishop either to assent to the 'Homoousion,' or leave the City. He chooses the Latter.
9. 164. A Synod consisting of One Hundred and Fifty Bishops meets at Constantinople. The Decrees passed. Ordination of Nectarius.
10. 165. The Body of Paul, Bishop of Constantinople, is honorably transferred from his Place of Exile. Death of Meletius.
11. 166. The Emperor orders a Convention composed of All the Various Sects. Arcadius is proclaimed Augustus. The Novatians permitted to hold their Assemblies in the City of Constantinople: Other Heretics driven out.
12. 167. The Emperor Gratian is slain by the Treachery of the Usurper Maximus. From Fear of him Justina ceases persecuting Ambrose.
13. 168. While the Emperor Theodosius is engaged in Military Preparations against Maximus, his Son Honorius is born. He then proceeds to Milan in Order to encounter the Usurper.
14. 169. The Arians excite a Tumult at Constantinople.
15. 170. Overthrow and Death of the Usurper Maximus.
16. 171. Of Flavian Bishop of Antioch.
17. 172. Demolition of the Idolatrous Temples at Alexandria, and the Consequent Conflict between the Pagans and Christians.
18. 173. Of the Hieroglyphics found in the Temple of Serapis.
19. 174. Reformation of Abuses at Rome by the Emperor Theodosius.
20. 175. Of the Office of Penitentiary Presbyters and its Abolition.
21. 176. Divisions among the Arians and Other Heretics.
22. 177. Peculiar Schism among the Novatians.
23. 178. The Author's Views respecting the Celebration of Easter, Baptism, Fasting, Marriage, the Eucharist, and Other Ecclesiastical Rites.
24. 179. Further Dissensions among the Arians at Constantinople. The Psathyrians.
25. 180. The Eunomians divide into Several Factions.
26. 181. The Usurper Eugenius compasses the Death of Valentinian the Younger. Theodosius obtains a Victory over him.
27. 182. Illness and Death of Theodosius the Elder.

Book VI

1. 183. Introduction.
2. 184. On the Death of Theodosius his Two Sons divide the Empire. Rufinus is slain at the Feet of Arcadius.
3. 185. Death of Nectarius and Ordination of John.
4. 186. Birth and Education of John Bishop of Constantinople.
5. 187. Of Serapion the Deacon on whose Account John becomes Odious to his Clergy.
6. 188. John draws down upon Himself the Displeasure of Many Persons of Rank and Power. Of the Eunuch Eutropius.
7. 189. Gaïnas the Goth attempts to usurp the Sovereign Power; after filling Constantinople with Disorder, he is slain.
8. 190. Dissension between Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria and the Monks of the Desert. Condemnation of Origen's Books.
9. 191. The Arians and the Supporters of the 'Homoousion' hold Nocturnal Assemblies and sing Antiphonal Hymns, a Species of Composition ascribed to Ignatius, surnamed Theophorus. Conflict between the Two Parties.
10. 192. Dispute between Theophilus and Peter leading to an Attempt on the Part of the Former to depose John Bishop of Constantinople.
11. 193. Epiphanius Bishop of Cyprus convenes a Synod to condemn the Books of Origen.
12. 194. Of Severian and Antiochus: their Disagreement from John.
13. 195. Epiphanius, in order to gratify Theophilus, performs Ordinations at Constantinople without John's Permission.
14. 196. The Author's Defence of Origen.
15. 197. Epiphanius is asked to meet John; on refusing he is admonished concerning his Anticanonical Proceedings; alarmed at this he leaves Constantinople.
16. 198. John is expelled from his Church by a Synod held at Chalcedon on account of his Dispraise of Women.
17. 199. Sedition on Account of John Chrysostom's Banishment. He is recalled.
18. 200. Conflict between the Constantinopolitans and Alexandrians on Account of Heraclides; Flight of Theophilus and the Bishops of his Party.
19. 201. Of Eudoxia's Silver Statue. On account of it John is exiled a Second Time.
20. 202. Ordination of Arsacius as John's Successor. Indisposition of Cyrinus Bishop of Chalcedon.
21. 203. Death of Arsacius, and Ordination of Atticus.
22. 204. John dies in Exile.
23. 205. Of Sisinnius Bishop of the Novatians. His Readiness at Repartee.
24. 206. Death of the Emperor Arcadius.

Book VII

1. 207. Anthemius the Prætorian Prefect administers the Government of the East in Behalf of Young Theodosius.
2. 208. Character and Conduct of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople.
3. 209. Of Theodosius and Agapetus Bishops of Synada.
4. 210. A Paralytic Jew healed by Atticus in Baptism.
5. 211. The Presbyter Sabbatius, formerly a Jew, separates from the Novatians.
6. 212. The Leaders of Arianism at this Time.
7. 213. Cyril succeeds Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria.
8. 214. Propagation of Christianity among the Persians by Maruthas Bishop of Mesopotamia.
9. 215. The Bishops of Antioch and Rome.
10. 216. Rome taken and sacked by Alaric.
11. 217. The Bishops of Rome.
12. 218. Of Chrysanthus Bishop of the Novatians at Constantinople.
13. 219. Conflict between the Christians and Jews at Alexandria: and breach between the Bishop Cyril and the Prefect Orestes.
14. 220. The Monks of Nitria come down and raise a Sedition against the Prefect of Alexandria.
15. 221. Of Hypatia the Female Philosopher.
16. 222. The Jews commit Another Outrage upon the Christians and are punished.
17. 223. Miracle performed by Paul Bishop of the Novatians at the Baptism of a Jewish Impostor.
18. 224. Renewal of Hostilities between the Romans and Persians after the Death of Isdigerdes King of the Persians.
19. 225. Of Palladius the Courier.
20. 226. A Second Overthrow of the Persians by the Romans.
21. 227. Kind Treatment of the Persian Captives by Acacius Bishop of Amida.
22. 228. Virtues of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger.
23. 229. After the Death of the Emperor Honorius John usurps the Sovereignty at Rome. He is destroyed through the Prayers of Theodosius the Younger.
24. 230. Valentinian a Son of Constantius and Placidia, Aunt of Theodosius, is proclaimed Emperor.
25. 231. Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He registers John's Name in the Diptychs. His Fore-knowledge of his Own Death.
26. 232. Sisinnius is chosen to succeed Atticus.
27. 233. Voluminous Productions of Philip, a Presbyter of Side.
28. 234. Proclus ordained Bishop of Cyzicus by Sisinnius, but rejected by the People.
29. 235. Nestorius of Antioch promoted to the See of Constantinople. His Persecution of the Heretics.
30. 236. The Burgundians embrace Christianity under Theodosius the Younger.
31. 237. Nestorius harasses the Macedonians.
32. 238. Of the Presbyter Anastasius, by whom the Faith of Nestorius was perverted.
33. 239. Desecration of the Altar of the Great Church by Runaway Slaves.
34. 240. Synod at Ephesus against Nestorius. His Deposition.
35. 241. Maximian elected to the Episcopate of Constantinople, though Some wished Proclus to take that Place.
36. 242. The Author's Opinion of the Validity of Translations from One See to Another.
37. 243. Miracle performed by Silvanus Bishop of Troas formerly of Philippopolis.
38. 244. Many of the Jews in Crete embrace the Christian Faith.
39. 245. Preservation of the Church of the Novatians from Fire.
40. 246. Proclus succeeds Maximian Bishop of Constantinople.
41. 247. Excellent Qualities of Proclus.
42. 248. Panegyric of the Emperor Theodosius Younger.
43. 249. Calamities of the Barbarians who had been the Usurper John's Allies.
44. 250. Marriage of the Emperor Valentinian with Eudoxia the Daughter of Theodosius.
45. 251. The Body of John Chrysostom transferred to Constantinople, and placed in the Church of the Apostles by the Emperor at the Instigation of Proclus.
46. 252. Death of Paul Bishop of the Novatians, and Election of Marcian as his Successor.
47. 253. The Empress Eudocia goes to Jerusalem; sent there by the Emperor Theodosius.
48. 254. Thalassius is ordained Bishop of Cæsarea in Cappadocia.