Epiphanius Ordains at Constantinople Without John’s Consent

Not long after this, at the suggestion of Theophilus, Bishop Epiphanius came again from Cyprus to Constantinople. He also brought with him a copy of the synod’s decree, in which they had not excommunicated Origen himself but had condemned his books. On reaching Saint John’s church, which is seven miles from the city, he went ashore and held a service there. Then, after ordaining a deacon, he went on into the city. To please Theophilus he declined John’s hospitality and took lodgings in a private house. Afterward he gathered those bishops who were then in the capital, produced his copy of the synod’s decree condemning Origen’s works, and read it aloud to them. He could give no other reason for this judgment than that Theophilus and he had seen fit to reject the books. [a]

Some, out of reverence for Epiphanius, did sign the decree. But many refused, among them Theotimus, bishop of Scythia, who answered Epiphanius in these words: “I do not choose, Epiphanius, to insult the memory of a man who ended his life in godliness long ago. Nor do I dare to commit so impious an act as to condemn what our predecessors did not reject, especially when I know of no evil doctrine in Origen’s books.” Having said this, he brought out one of that author’s works, read a few passages from it, and showed that the views it set out agreed perfectly with the orthodox faith. Then he added: “Those who speak evil of these writings are unknowingly dishonoring the sacred book from which their principles are drawn.” Such was the reply that Theotimus, a bishop famous for his godliness and upright life, gave to Epiphanius.