Idol Worship Forbidden; the Martyrs and the Church Festivals Honored

Such was his holy service to his God. At the same time his subjects throughout the empire, both civilians and soldiers, found the way to idol worship blocked everywhere, and every kind of sacrifice forbidden. A law was also passed requiring the proper keeping of the Lord’s day. It was sent to the governors of every province, and at the emperor’s command they undertook also to respect the days in memory of the martyrs and to honor the festal seasons properly in the churches. And all these intentions were carried out to the emperor’s complete satisfaction. [a]