Gallienus Ends the Persecution

Not long afterward Valerian was made to endure slavery among the barbarians. His son, now ruling alone, managed the government more prudently. He at once ended the persecution against us by public notices, and by a rescript ordered those who presided over the word to carry out their customary duties in freedom. It runs this way: [a]

“The Emperor Caesar Publius Licinius Gallienus Pius Felix Augustus, to Dionysius, Pinnas, Demetrius and the other bishops. I have ordered the benefit of my gift to be extended through all the world, so that they are to withdraw from the places of worship. For this reason you too may use the ruling of my rescript, so that no one may trouble you. And what you may lawfully carry out has already been granted by me long since. Therefore Aurelius Quirinius, who is in charge of the chief administration, will keep the ruling I have given.” [d]

Let this be set down translated from the Latin language, so that it may be clearer. Another ordinance of his is also in circulation, which he issued to other bishops, permitting them to recover the sites of the so-called cemeteries. [g]