How the Indians Received the Faith

At this time the light of the knowledge of God shone on India for the first time. The emperor’s courage and piety had become famous throughout the world, and the barbarians, having learned by experience to choose peace over war, were able to deal with one another without fear. So many people set out on long journeys, some from a wish to explore, others for trade. About this time a native of Tyre, who was trained in Greek philosophy, wanted to make his way into the interior of India, and set out for this purpose with his two young nephews. When he had achieved what he wished, he took ship for home. The ship had to put in to land for a fresh supply of water, and the barbarians fell on it, drowned some of the crew, and took the rest prisoner. The uncle was among those killed, and the boys were taken to the king. The name of one was Aedesius, and of the other Frumentius. [a]

In time the king of the country saw how intelligent they were and put them in charge of his household. If anyone doubts the truth of this account, let him remember the story of Joseph in the kingdom of Egypt, and the story of Daniel and of the three champions of the truth, who from captives became rulers of Babylon. The king died, but these young men stayed on with his son and rose to still greater power. Since they had been brought up in the true religion, they urged the merchants who visited the country to gather, as is the custom of Romans, and take part in the divine liturgy. After a long time they asked the king to reward their services by letting them return to their own country. They got his permission and reached Roman territory safely. Aedesius made his way to Tyre, but Frumentius, whose religious zeal was stronger than his natural affection for his family, went on to Alexandria and told the bishop of that city that the Indians were eager to receive spiritual light. Athanasius was then at the helm of that church. He heard the story, and then said, “Who better than you yourself can scatter the mists of ignorance and bring the light of divine preaching to this people?”

Having said this, he made him a bishop and sent him to cultivate that nation spiritually. The newly ordained bishop left this country, caring nothing for the mighty ocean, and went back to the untilled field of his work. There, with the grace of God working with him, he did the farmer’s work gladly and successfully. Those who tried to contradict his words he caught by works of apostolic wonder, and so, confirming his teaching by these marvels, he went on every day taking many souls alive.