Eusebius and Theognis Restored

Eusebius and Theognis sent a confession of repentance to the leading bishops, and by an imperial edict they were recalled from exile and restored to their own churches. They displaced those who had been ordained in their place: Eusebius displaced Amphion, and Theognis displaced Chrestus. This is a copy of their written retraction: [a]

“Some time ago we were condemned by Your Piety without a formal trial, and we ought to bear in silence the decisions of your sacred judgment. But it is unreasonable for us to lend support by our silence to those who slander us. For this reason we declare that we fully agree with you in the faith; and also that, after closely considering the meaning of the term ‘of one substance,’ we have been wholly devoted to peace and have never followed the heresy. “After suggesting whatever occurred to us for the security of the churches, and fully assuring those under our influence, we signed the statement of faith. We did not sign the anathema. This was not because we objected to the creed, but because we did not believe the accused man to be what he was represented to be; we had been satisfied on this point both by his own letters to us and by conversations with him in person. But if your holy council was convinced, we do not oppose your decisions but agree with them, and by this statement we give them our full assent and confirmation. We do this not because we are weary of exile, but to shake off the suspicion of heresy. “If, then, you now see fit to restore us to your presence, you will find us in agreement on every point and accepting your decrees, especially since Your Piety has seen fit to deal gently with, and recall, even the man who was first accused. It would be absurd for us to keep silent and so seem to testify against ourselves, when the one who seemed responsible has been allowed to clear himself of the charges brought against him. Be pleased, then, as befits that Christ-loving piety of yours, to remind our most religious emperor, to present our petitions, and to decide about us quickly in a way worthy of yourselves.” [b]

Such was the wording of the recantation of Eusebius and Theognis. From it I infer that they had signed the articles of faith that had been set out, but would not take part in the condemnation of Arius. It appears too that Arius was recalled before them. But even if this is true, he had been forbidden to enter Alexandria. This is clear from the fact that he afterward contrived a way back for himself, both into the church and into Alexandria, by making a pretended repentance, as we will show in its proper place.