The Return of Athanasius under Jovian

Delighted with these words, the emperor set himself to take thought for the safety of the state, and for bringing the army home from the campaign without loss. He had no need of long deliberation, but at once reaped the fruit sprung from the seeds of true religion. For the God of all gave proof of his own providence and made every difficulty disappear. No sooner had the Persian king learned of Jovian’s accession than he sent envoys to negotiate for peace. More than that, he sent provisions for the troops and gave orders for a market to be set up for them in the desert. A truce was made for thirty years, and the army was brought home safely from the war. The first edict the emperor issued on setting foot on his own territory recalled the bishops from exile, and announced that the churches were restored to the congregations that had kept the confession of Nicaea unbroken. He also sent a letter to Athanasius, the famous champion of those doctrines, asking him to write a letter containing exact teaching on matters of religion. Athanasius called together the most learned bishops and wrote back, urging the emperor to hold fast to the faith handed down at Nicaea, since it agrees with the teaching of the apostles. Wishing to benefit everyone who may come across it, I add the letter here. [a]