The Synod at Tyre

The emperor had ordered a synod of bishops to attend the consecration of the church he had built at Jerusalem. So he directed that, as a side matter, they should first meet at Tyre on their way to examine the charges against Athanasius. In this way every cause of quarrel would be removed there, and they could carry out the opening ceremonies at the dedication of the church of God in greater peace. This was the thirtieth year of Constantine’s reign. Sixty bishops gathered at Tyre in this way from various places, summoned by Dionysius the consul. Macarius the presbyter was brought from Alexandria in chains under a military guard. Athanasius did not want to go there, not so much from fear, since he was innocent of the charges, as because he was afraid that changes might be made to the decisions of the council at Nicaea. But he was forced to attend by the emperor’s threatening letters; for he had been told in writing that if he did not come willingly, he would be brought by force. [a]