The Emperor’s Letter to the Princes of Axum

The following is the letter that was written to the princes of Axum about Frumentius, bishop of that place. Constantius Victor Maximus Augustus to Aezanes and Sazanes. [a]

It is altogether a matter of the greatest care and concern to us to spread the knowledge of the supreme God. And I think the whole human race claims equal regard from us in this, so that they may pass their lives in hope, being brought to a proper knowledge of God and having no differences with one another in their inquiries about justice and truth. Therefore, considering that you deserve the same provident care as the Romans, and wishing to show equal regard for your welfare, we command that the same doctrine be professed in your churches as in theirs. [b]

So send the bishop Frumentius quickly into Egypt, to the most venerable bishop George and the others there, who have special authority to appoint to these offices and to decide questions about them. For of course you know and remember, unless you alone pretend not to know what everyone is well aware of, that this Frumentius was advanced to his present rank by Athanasius, a man guilty of ten thousand crimes. For he has not been able to clear himself fairly of any of the charges brought against him, but was at once deprived of his see, and now wanders about with no fixed home, passing from one country to another, as if by this means he could escape his own wickedness.

Now if Frumentius readily obeys our commands and submits to an inquiry into all the circumstances of his appointment, he will show plainly to everyone that he is in no way opposed to the laws of the church and the established faith. And when he has been brought to trial, has given proof of his general good conduct, and has submitted an account of his life to those who are to judge such things, he will receive his appointment from them, if it really appears that he has any right to be a bishop. But if he delays and avoids the trial, it will surely be very clear that he has been persuaded by the wicked Athanasius to indulge in this ungodliness toward God, choosing to follow the course of the man whose wickedness has been exposed. And our fear is that he may cross over into Axum and corrupt your people by setting accursed and ungodly statements before them, and not only unsettle and disturb the churches and blaspheme the supreme God, but also by this bring utter overthrow and destruction on each of the nations he visits. But I am sure that Frumentius will return home fully acquainted with everything that concerns the church, having gained much instruction, of great and general usefulness, from conversation with the most venerable George and those other bishops who are excellently qualified to pass on such knowledge. May God continually preserve you, most honored brothers.