Paul and Macedonius at Constantinople

About this time Alexander died, and Paul succeeded to the high priesthood of Constantinople. The followers of Arius and of Macedonius claim that he took possession of it on his own initiative, against the advice of Eusebius, bishop of Nicomedia, or of Theodore, bishop of Heraclea in Thrace, on whom, as the nearest bishops, the right of ordaining fell. Many, however, maintain on the testimony of Alexander, whom he succeeded, that he was ordained by the bishops who were then gathered at Constantinople. For when Alexander, who was ninety-eight years old and had carried out the office of bishop vigorously for twenty-three years, was at the point of death, his clergy asked him to whom he wished to hand over his church. He replied: “If you are looking for a man who is good in divine matters and able to teach you, take Paul. But if you want one who knows public affairs and the councils of rulers, Macedonius is better.” [a]

The Macedonians themselves admit that Alexander gave this testimony. But they say that Paul was the more skilled in handling business and in the art of speaking, while for Macedonius they lay the stress on the witness of his life; and they accuse Paul of having been given to softness and to an indifferent way of living. It is clear from their own admission, however, that Paul was an eloquent man and brilliant in teaching the church. Events proved that he was not equal to fighting the misfortunes of life or to dealing with those in power, for he never succeeded in overturning the schemes of his enemies, as men skilled in managing affairs do. Although the people loved him greatly, he suffered severely from the treachery of those who at that time rejected the doctrine that had prevailed at Nicaea. First he was driven out of the church of Constantinople, as though some charge of misconduct had been proved against him. Then he was condemned to exile, and finally, it is said, he fell victim to the plots of his enemies and was strangled. But these last events took place at a later time.