Flavian Ordained at Antioch against His Oath

After the remains of Meletius had been buried with great pomp, Flavian was ordained in his place, and that in direct violation of the oath he had taken, for Paulinus was still alive. This caused new troubles in the church of Antioch. Many refused to remain in communion with Flavian and held their church separately with Paulinus. Even the priests were divided among themselves on this matter. The Egyptians, the Arabians, and the Cypriots were indignant at the injustice done to Paulinus. On the other hand, the Syrians, the Palestinians, the Phoenicians, and most of Armenia, Cappadocia, Galatia, and Pontus took Flavian’s side. The bishop of Rome and all the Western priests regarded Flavian’s conduct with the greatest displeasure. They sent the customary letters, called synodical, to Paulinus as bishop of Antioch, and took no notice of Flavian. They also broke off communion with Diodorus, bishop of Tarsus, and Acacius, bishop of Beroea, because these had ordained Flavian. To look further into the matter, the Western bishops and the emperor Gratian wrote to the bishops of the East and summoned them to attend a council in the West. [a]