The Return of Athanasius from Trier

The divine Athanasius returned to Alexandria after spending two years and four months at Trier. Constantine, the eldest son of Constantine the Great, whose imperial rule extended over western Gaul, wrote the following letter to the church of Alexandria. [a]

The letter of the emperor Constantine, the son of Constantine the Great, to the people of Alexandria. “Constantine Caesar, to the people of the catholic church of Alexandria. [b]

“I do not think it can have escaped your devout understanding that Athanasius, the interpreter of the revered law, was sent into Gaul at the right moment. While the savagery of his bloodthirsty opponents was threatening danger to his sacred head, he was to be kept from suffering wrongs that could never be undone. To escape the danger that hung over him, he was snatched from the jaws of his enemies and placed in a city under my rule, where he could be amply supplied with everything he needed. Yet the greatness of his virtue, relying on the grace of God, led him to make light of all the hardships of adverse fortune. My lord and father Constantine, of blessed memory, intended to restore him to his former bishopric and to give him back to your piety. But since the emperor was overtaken by the hand of death before his wishes were carried out, I, as his heir, have thought it right to carry out the purpose of that sovereign of divine memory. When you see your bishop, you will learn from him yourselves how respectfully I have treated him. Nor is it surprising that I should have treated him so. I was moved to act this way by his own great virtue and by the thought of your affectionate longing for his return. May divine Providence watch over you, beloved brothers!”

Armed with this letter, Saint Athanasius returned from exile, and he was most gladly welcomed by rich and poor alike, by the people of the cities and by those of the provinces. The followers of the madness of Arius were the only ones who were annoyed at his return. Eusebius, Theognis, and those of their faction went back to their old schemes and tried to turn the young emperor’s ears against him. [c] I will now go on to tell how Constantius turned aside from the teaching of the apostles.