Riots over Paul’s Ordination

Paul’s ordination caused a great commotion in the church of Constantinople. While Alexander lived, the Arians did not act very openly. The people paid attention to him, were well governed, and honored divine things; above all, they believed that the unexpected end that befell Arius, the death they believed he had met, was the wrath of God called down by Alexander’s prayers against him. After this bishop’s death, however, the people split into two parties, and disputes and contests about doctrine were carried on openly. The followers of Arius wanted Macedonius ordained, while those who held that the Son is of one substance with the Father wanted Paul as their bishop; and this second party won. After Paul’s ordination the emperor, who happened to be away, returned to Constantinople and showed as much displeasure at what had happened as if the bishopric had been given to an unworthy man. Through the schemes of Paul’s enemies a synod was called, and he was driven out of the church. The synod handed the church of Constantinople over to Eusebius, bishop of Nicomedia. [a]