According to the usual Antegregorian rule, Easter would fall on April 22. 2 According to the usual rule, Easter would fall on March 23; see Letter 18, note 3. 3 According to rule, Easter would fall on April 23, which perhaps was the day really observed, as it agrees with the age of the moon; but see note on /ndex No. xxi. 4 Read Moon 20, Epact 12.
INTRODUCTION: FESTAL INDEX. 503 eee ee ey ee I INDEX.
AN Index of the months of each year, and of the days, and of the Indictions, and of the Consulates, and of the Governors in Alexandria, and of all the Epacts, and of those [days] which are named ‘of the Gods?,’ and the reason [any Letter] was not sent, and the returns from exile*—from the Festal Letters of Pope Athanasius.
The Festal Letters of Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, which he sent year by year, to the several cities and all the provinces subject to him; that is, from Pentapolis, and on to Libya, Ammoniaca, the greater and the lesser Oasis, Egypt, and Augustamnica, with the Heptanomis of3 the upper and middle Thebais; [commencing] from the 44th+ year of the Diocletian Era, in which the Paschal Festival was on xviS Phan muthi; xviii Kal. Mai; xviii Moon; when Alexander, his predecessor, having departed this life on xxii Pharmuthi®, he [Athan.] succeeded him after the Paschal festival on xiv Pauni, Indict. i, Januarius and Justus being Consuls, the governor Zenius of Italy being the Przefect of Egypt, Epact xxv; Gods, i.
I. (Aug. 29, 328, to Aug. 28, A.D. 329.) In this year, Easter-day was on xi Pharmuthi; viii. Id. Ap.; xxii Moon; Coss. Constantinus Aug. viii, Constantinus Ces. IV; the same governor Zenius being Preefect of Egypt; Indict. ii; Epact vi; Gods, ii. This was the first Letter he [Athan.] sent; for he was ordained Bishop in the preceding year after the Paschal feast, Alexander, as is known, having despatched one for that year, before he was released from life. This was in the 45th of the Diocletian Afra.
II. (329-330.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai; xv Moon; Coss. Gallicianus, Symmachus; the governor Magninianus the Cappado- | cian being Przefect of Egypt; Indict. iii; Epact xvii; Gods, iii. In this year he went through the Thebais.
III. (330-331.) In this year, Easter-day was on xvi Pharmuthi; xviii Moon; iii Id. Ap.; Coss. Annius Bassus, Ablavius; the governor Hyginus® of Italy, Preefect of Egypt; Epact xxviii; Indict.iv. He sent this Letter while journeying on his return from the Imperial Court. For in this year he went to the Imperial Court to the Emperor Constantine the Great, having been summoned before him, on account of an accusation his enemies made, that he had been appointed when too young. He appeared, was thought worthy of favour and honour, and returned ®» when the fast was half finished.
IV. (331-332.) In this year, Easter-day was on xvii7 Pharmuthi; xx Moon; iv Non. Apr.; Epact ix; Gods, vi; Coss. Pacatianus, Hilarianus; the same governor Hyginus, Prefect of Egypt; Indict. v. In this year he went through Pentapolis, and was in Ammoniaca.
V. (332-333-) Im this year, Easter-day was on xx Pharmuthi; xv Moon; xvii Kal. Mai; Epact xx; Gods, vii; Coss, Dalmatius, Zenophilus; the governor Paternus ®, Praefect of Egypt; Indict. vi.
VI. (333-334.) In this year, Easter-day was on xii Pharmuthi; xvii Moon; vii Id. Apr.; Indict. vii; Epact i; Gods, i; Coss. Optatus, Paulinus; the same governor Paternus® Przefect of Egypt. In this year I The ‘Gods’ correspond to the Concurrentes,’ i.e, to the days of the week upon which Mar. 24 occurs in the year in question. (See Table, and Ideler, 2. 261), and so to the ‘Sunday letters,’ which follow the ‘gods’ in inverse order, ‘a’ corresponding to years when there were 6 ‘gods,’ b to 5, &c., f toz, g to 7.
2 The meaning of these words is doubtful. Larsow renders them ‘the answers from abroad.’ 3 Read ‘and.’
4 i.e. the year beginning Aug. 30, 327 (328 being leap-year). The ‘Diocletian’ era, or era ‘of the martyrs,’ was that used by the Egyptian Christians. It is incorrectly described in D.C.A. s.v. ERA; see Ideler, ut supr.; 3 5 Read xix (April 14). The corruption is easy in Syriac.
6 April 17. 6a The heading to Z/. 3 gives Florentius.
6b This ought to have been placed under iv; but see p. 512, note 7. 7 Read vil. 8 Vid. Ef. Fest. v. n. 2, 82 The headings of Letters 6, 7, give Philagrius.
he went through the lower country. In it he was summoned to a Synod, his enemies having previously devised mischief against him in Cesarea of Palestine; but becoming aware of the conspiracy, he excused himself from attending.
VII. (334-335.) In this year, Easter-day was on xiv ®> Pharmuthi; xx Moon; iii Kal. Ap.; Indict. viii; Epact xii; Gods, ii; Coss. Constantius ®*, Albinus; the same governor Paternus, Preefect of Egypt.
VIII. (335-336.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxiii Pharmuthi; xx Moon; xiv Kal, Mai; Indict. ix; Epact xxiii; Gods, iv; Coss. Nepotianus, Facundus; the governor Philagrius, the Cappadocian, Preefect of Egypt. In this year he went to that Synod of his enemies which was assembled at Tyre. Now he journeyed from this place on xvii Epiphi2, but when a discovery was made of the plot against him, he removed thence and fled in an open boat to Constantinople. Arriving there on ii Athyr*°, after eight days he presented himself before the Emperor Constantine, and spoke plainly. But his enemies, by various secret devices, influenced the Emperor, who suddenly condemned him to exile, and he set out on the tenth of Athyr™ to Gaul, to Constans Cesar, the son of Augustus. On this account he wrote no Festal Letter.
IX. (336-7.) In this year, Easter-day was on vilti Pharmuthi; xvi Moon; iv™* Non. Ap.; Indict. x; Epact iv; Gods, v; Coss. Felicianus, Titianus; the governor Philagrius, the Cappadocian, Preefect of Egypt. He was in Treviri of Gaul, and on this account was unable to write a Festal Letter.
X. (337-8.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxx Phamenoth; vii Kal. Ap.; xix7** Moon; Indict. xi; Epact xv; Gods, vi; Coss. Ursus, Polemius; the governor Theodorus *, of Heliopolis, Prefect of Egypt. In this year, Constantine having died on xxvii Pachon ”*, Athanasius, now liberated, returned from Gaul triumphantly on xxvii73 Athyr. In this year, too, there were many events. Antony, the great leader, came to Alexandria, and though he remained there only two days, shewed himself wonderful in many things, and healed many. He went away on the third of Messori™.
XI. (338-9.) In this year, Easter-day was on xx Pharmuthi; xx Moon; xvii Kal. Mai; Epact xxvi; Gods, vii; Indict. xii; Coss. Constantius IT, Constans I "5; the governor Philagrius, the Cappadocian, Preefect of Egypt.’ In this year, again, there were many tumults. On the xxii Phamenoth *° he was pursued in the night, and the next day he fled from the Church of Theonas, after he had baptized many. Then, four days after, Gregorius the Cappadocian entered the city as Bishop.
XII. (339-340.) In this year, Easter-day was on xiv?7 Pharmuthi; xv Moon; iii Kal. Ap.; Epact vii; Gods, ii; Indict. xiii; Coss. Acyndinus, Proclus; the same governor Philagrius, Preefect of Egypt. Gregorius continued his acts of violence, and therefore [Ath.] wrote no Festal Letter. The Arians proclaimed [Easter] on xxvii Phamenoth, and were much ridiculed on account of this error. Then altering it in the middle of the fast, they kept it with us on iv 7 Pharmuthi, as above. He [Athanasius] gave notice of it to the presbyters of Alexandria in a short note, not being able to send a Letter as usual, on account of his flight and the treachery.
XIII. (340-341.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxiv Pharmuthi; xvi Moon; xiii. Kal. Mai; Epact xviii; 8b Read iv, as below, No. xii. 8° i.e, Julius C.; the Syr. has Constantinus, by an error. 9 July 21, 335. 10 Oct. 30, 335+ 1z Read ‘ Mechir,’ Feb. 5, 336 (Gwatkin, p. 137, the correction is due to Sievers), rt Read iil. rb ‘xviiid,’ heading of Letter to. H 12 Superseded by Philagrius (see heading, and Prolegg. ch. il. § 6 (2) note). 128 May 22, 337. 13 Nov. 23, 337- 14 July 27, 338, spr. p. 214. 15 'The Syriac has erroneously Constantius I., Constans II. 16 Mar. 18, 339. 17 Read tv. as above, No. vii.
Gods, iii; Indict. xiv; Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; the governor Longinus, of Niczea, Prefect of Egypt. Augustamnica was separated 77", On account of Gregorius continuing in the city, and exercising violence, although his illness commenced, the Pope did not write a Festal Letter even this time *7.; XIV. (341-2.) In this year, Easter-day was on xvi Pharmuthi; xx%® Moon; ili Id. Ap.; Epact xxix; Gods, iv; Indict. xv; Coss. Constantius III, Constans II; the governor Longinus of Nicza, Preefect of Egypt. Because Gregorius was in the city, [though] severely ill, the Pope was unable to send [any Letter].
XV. (342-3.) In this year, Easter-day was on i Pharmuthi; xv Moon; vi Kal. Ap.; Epact xi; Gods, v; Indict. i; Coss. Placidus, Romulus; the same governor Longinus, of Niczea, Preefect of Egypt. In this year the Synod of Sardica was held*®; and when the Arians had arrived, they returned to Philippopolis, for Philagrius gave them this advice there. In truth, they were blamed everywhere, and were even anathematised by the Church of Rome, and having written a recantation to Pope Athanasius, Ursacius and Valens were putto shame. There was an agreement made at Sardica respecting Easter, and a decree was issued to be binding for fifty years, which the Romans and Alexandrians everywhere announced in the usual manner. Again he [Athan.] wrote a Festal Letter.
XVI. (343-4.) In this year, Easter-day was on xx Pharmuthi; xix Moon; xvii Kal. Mai; Epact xxi; Gods, vifi], Coss. Leontius, Sallustius; the governor Palladius, of Italy, Preefect of Egypt; Indict. i. Being at Naissus on his return from the Synod, he there celebrated Easter”. Of this Easter-day he gave notice in few words to the presbyters of Alexandria, but he was unable to do so to the country.
XVII. (344-5.) In this year, Easter-day was on xii Pharmuthi; xviii Moon; vii. Id. Ap.; Epact ii; Gods, i; Indict. iii; Coss. Amantius, Albinus; the governor Nestorius of Gaza, Preefect of Egypt. Having travelled to Aquileia, he kept Easter there. Of this Easter-day, he gave notice in few words to the presbyters of Alexandria, but not to the country, XVIII. (345-6.) In this year, Easter-day was on iv Pharmuthi; xxi? Moon; iii Kal. Ap.; Epact xiv; Gods, ii; Indict. iv; Coss. Constantius? Aug. IV, Constans Aug. IIIT; the same governor Nestorius of Gaza, Preefect of Egypt. Gregorius having died on the second of Epiphi3, he returned from Rome and Italy, and entered the city and the Church. Moreover he was thought worthy of a grand reception, for on the xxiv Paophi4, the people and all those in authority met him a hundred miles distant, and he continued in honour. He had already sent the Festal Letter for this year, in few words, to the presbyters.
XIX. (346-7.) In this year, Easter-day was on xvii Pharmuthi; xv. Moon; Prid. Id. Apr.; Epact xxv; Gods, iii; Indict. v; Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; the same governor Nestorius of Gaza, Prefect of Egypt. He wrote this Letter while residing here in Alexandria, 174 i.e. ‘made a separate province.’ This had been known (Gothofr. in Cod. Th. xii. i. 34) to fall between 325 and 342; and Augustamnica is not mentioned as a province in 338-9, supr. p. ror.
17> This and the similar notice at the end of xiv are incorrect. The Index may have been written for a collection which lacked Letters 13, 14.
18 The Syriac has xvi, which is an error.
_ 79 The summons for the Council was issued ‘in this year,’ i.e. before August, 343, but the proceedings fall in the autumn and winter, i.e. in the next Egyptian year, and the sequel (about Ursac. and Valens) refers to what took place about 347.
20 Easter, i.e. Apr. 15, 344, at Nish, or Nissa, in Servia.
i The Syriac in this place has xxiv. But we find xxi in the heading to the Letter itself.
2 The Syriac has Constantinus.
3 June 26 of the previous year (345). 4 Oct. 21, 346.
giving notice of some things which he had not been able to do before. wn XX. (347-8.) In this year, Easter-day was on vil Pharmuthi; xviii Moon; iii Non. Ap.; Epact vi; Gods, v4* Indict. vi; Coss. Philippus, Salia; the same governor Nestorius of Gaza, Preefect of Egypt. This Letter also he sent while residing in Alexandria.
XXI. (348-9.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxx Phamenoth;...xix Moon,...vii Kal. Ap.; Epact xvii; Gods, vi; Indict. vii. But because the Romans refused, for they said they held a tradition from the Apostle Peter not to pass the twenty-sixth day of Pharmuthi, nor.. the thirtieth of Phamenoth, xxi Moon sodlcticteten tie: 5, vii Kal. Ap.; Coss. Limenius, Catullinus; the same governor Nestorius of Gaza, Preefect of Egypt. He sent this also while residing in Alexandria.
XXII. (349-50.) In this year, Easter-day was on xiii Pharmuthi; xix Moon, the second hour; vi Id. Ap.; Epact xxvili; Gods, vii; Indict. vili; Coss. Sergius, Nigrianus; the same governor Nestorius of Gaza, Preefect of Egypt. In this year, Constans was slain by Magnentius, and Constantius held the empire alone; then he wrote to the Pope [Athan.], telling him to fear nothing because of the death of Constans, but to confide in him as he had done in Constans while living.
XXIII. (350-1.) In this year, Easter-day was on v Pharmuthi; Moon xviii; Prid, Kal. Ap.; Epact ix; Gods, i; Indict. ix; the Consulship after that of Sergius and Nigrianus; the same governor Nestorius of Gaza, again Prefect of Egypt.
XXIV. (351-2.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxiv Pharmuthi; xviii Moon; xiii Kal. Mai; Epact xx; Gods, iii; Indict. x; Coss. Constantius Aug. V, Constantius Caesar 1; the same governor Nestorius of Gaza, Prefect of Egypt. Gallus was proclaimed Cesar®, and his name changed into Constantius.
XXV. (352-3.) In this year, Easter-day was on xvi Pharmuthi; xxi Moon; iii Id. Ap.; Epact i; Gods, iv; Indict. xi; Coss. Constantius Aug. VI, Constantius Ceesar IL; the governor Sebastianus of Thrace, Preefect of Egypt. In this year, Serapion’, Bishop of Thmuis, and Triadelphus of Nicion, and the presbyters Petrus and Astricius, with others, were sent to the emperor Constantius, through fear of mischief from the Arians. They returned, having effected nothing. In this year, Montanus, Silentiarius of the Palace, [was sent]...against [the]* Bishop, but, a tumult having been excited, he retired, having failed to effect anything.
XXVI. (353--4.) In this year, Easter-day was on i® Pharmuthi; xvii Moon; vi Kal. Ap.; Epact xii; Gods, v; Indict. xii; Coss. Constantius Aug. VII, Constantius Ceesar IIT.; the same governor Sebastianus of Thrace, Preefect of Egypt.
XXVII. (354-5.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxi Pharmuthi; xviii Moon; xvi Kal. Mai; Epact xxiii; Gods, vi; Indict. xiii; Coss. Arbetion, Lollianus; the governor Maximus the Elder of Nica, Prefect of Kgypt. In this year, Diogenes, the Secretary of the Emperor, entered with the design of seizing the Bishop. But he, too, having raged in vain, went away quietly.
XXVIII. (355-6.) In this year, Easter-day was on xii Pharmuthi; xvii Moon; vii Id. Ap.; Epact iv; Gods, i; Indict. xiv; Coss. Constantius Aug. VIII, Julianus Czesar I; the same governor Maximus the 45° Text, Svs: 5 The text is imperfect and apparently very corrupt; ‘xix Moon’ fits Pharm. 28 (Apr. 23), which was the true Easter, and probably observed at Alexandria, while the Romans, refusing to go beyond Apr. 21, kept Easter on Pham. 30 (Mar. 26), on which day the Moon was really xxi days old. See Table D, and Letter 18, Letter 2x is lost.
6 In the previous year, Mar. 15, 351.
7 Cf. Letters 49, 54. 8 Text corrupt. Texte, roe INTRODUCTION: Elder of Niczea, Preefect of Egypt, who was succeeded by Cataphronius of Byblus. In this year, Syrianus Dux, having excited a tumult in the Church on the thirteenth of Mechir, on the fourteenth? at night entered Theonas with his soldiers; but he was unable to capture [Athanasius], for he escaped in a miraculous manner.
XXIX. (356-7.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxvii Phamenoth; xvii Moon; x Kal. Ap.; Epact XV; Gods, ii; Indict. xv; Coss. Constantius Aug. IX, Julianus Cesar II; the same governor Cataphronius, of Byblus, Preefect of Egypt, to whom succeeded Parnassius. Then Georgius entered on the thirtieth of Mechir, and acted with excessive violence. But Athanasius, the Bishop, had fled, and was sought for in the city with much oppression, many being in danger on this account, Therefore no Festal Letter was written °*, XXX. (357-8.) In this year, Easter-day was on xvii Pharmuthi; Prid. Id. Ap.; xvii Moon; Epact xxvi; Gods, iii; Indict. i; Coss, Tatianus, Cerealis; the governor Parius of Corinth, Preefect of Egypt. Athanasius, the Bishop, lay concealed in the city of Alexandria. But Georgius left on the fifth of Paophi®» being driven away by the multitude. On this account, neither this year was the Pope able to send a Festal Letter.
XXXI. (358-9.) In this year, Easter-day was on ix Pharmuthi; Prid. Non. Ap.; xx Moon; Epact vii; Gods, iv; Indict. ii; Coss, Eusebius, Hypatius;. the same governor Parius, who was succeeded by Italicianus of Italy for three months; after him Faustinus, of Chalcedon. Neither this year did the Pope write [any Letter].
XXXII. (359-60.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxviii Pharmuthi; ix Kal. Mai; xxi Moon; _ Epact xviii; Gods, vi; Indict. iii; Coss. Constantius Aug. X, Julianus Cesar 111; the governor Faustinus, of Chalcedon, Prefect of Egypt. This Prefect and Artemius Dux, having entered a private house and a small cell, in search of Athanasius the Bishop, bitterly tortured Eudzmonis, a perpetual virgin. On this account no [Letter] was written this year.
XXXIII. (360-1.) In this year, Easter-day was on xiii Pharmuthi; vi Id. Ap.; xvii Moon; Epact xxix; Gods, vii; Indict. iv; Coss. Taurus, Florentius; the same governor Faustinus *°, Praefect of Egypt, who was succeeded by Gerontius the Armenian. He was unable to send [a Letter]. In this year, Constantius died, and Julianus holding the empire alone, there was a cessation of the persecution against the Orthodox. For commands were issued everywhere from the emperor Julianus, that the Orthodox ecclesiastics who had been persecuted in the time of Constantius should be let alone.
XXXIV. (361-2.) In this year, Easter-day was on vy%> Pharmuthi; Prid. Kal. Ap.; xxv Moon; Epact x; Gods, i; Indict. v; Coss. Mamertinus, Nevitta; the same governor Gerontius, who was succeeded by Olympus of Tarsus. In this year, in Mechir, Athanasius the Bishop returned to the Church, after his flight, by the command of Julianus Augustus, who pardoned all the Bishops and Clergy in exile, as was before said. This year, then, he wrote [a Letter].
XXXV. (362-3.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxv Pharmuthi; xii Kal. Mai; xx Moon; Epact xxi; Gods, ii; Indict. vi; Coss. Julianus Augustus IV, Sallustius; the same governor Olympus, Prefect of Egypt. Pythiodorus Trico of Thebes, a Philosopher, brought a decree of Julianus on the twenty- 98 But see Lezter 2g, note t.
10 Or Pausanias. This name is written vaguely in the Syriac, varying in all the three places in which it occurs.
seventh of Paophi, and set it in action against the Bishop first, and uttered many threats. So he [Athan.] left the city at once, and went up to the Thebais. And when after eight months Julianus died, and his death was announced, Athanasius returned secretly by night to Alexandria. Then on the eighth of Thoth, he embarked ** at the Eastern Hierapolis, and met the emperor Jovian, by whom he was dismissed with honour. He sent this Festal Letter to all the country, while being driven by persecution from Memphis to the Thebais, and it was delivered as usual.
XXXVI. (363-4). In this year, Easter-day was on ix Pharmuthi; Prid. Non. Ap.; xvi Moon; Epact iii; Gods, iv; Indict. vii; Coss, Jovianus Aug., Varronianus; the governor Aerius, of Damascus, Preefect; who was succeeded by Maximus of Rapheotis, and he again by Flavianus the Illyrian. In this year, the Pope returned to Alexandria and the Church on the twentyfifth of Mechir. He sent the Festal Letter, according to custom, from Antioch to all the Bishops in all the province.
XXXVII. (364-5.) In this year, Easter-day was on i Pharmuthi; v[i] Kal. Ap.; xix Moon; Epact xiv; Gods, v; Indict. viii; Coss. Valentinianus Aug. I, Valens Aug.; the same Flavianus, the Illyrian, being governor. We received the Czsareum; but again, the Pope being persecuted ** with accusations, withdrew to the garden of the new river. But a few days’ after, Barasides, the notary, came to him with the Prefect, and obtained an entrance for him into the Church. Then, an earthquake happening on the twenty-seventh of Epiphis¢, the sea returned from the East, and destroyed many persons, and much damage was caused.
XXXVIII. (365-6.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxi Pharmuthi; xvi Kal. Mai; xx Moon; Epact xxv; Gods, vi; Indict. ix; in the first year of the Consulship of Gratianus, the son of Augustus, and Daglaiphus; the same governor Flavianus, Preefect.
On the twenty-seventh of Epiphi, the heathen made an attack, and the Caesareum was burnt, and consequently many of the citizens suffered great distress, while the authors of the calamity were condemned and exiled. After this, Proclianus the Macedonian, became chief.
XXXIX. (366-7.) In this year, Easter-day was on vit4 Pharmuthi; Kal, Ap.; xvi Moon; Epact vi; Gods, vii; Indict. x; Coss. Lupicinus, Jovinus; the same Proclianus being governor, who was succeeded by Tatianus of Lycia. In this year, when Lucius had attempted an entrance on the twenty-sixth of Thoth *, and lay concealed by night in a house on the side of the enclosure of the Church; and when Tatianus the Przefect and Trajanus Dux brought him out, he left the city, and was rescued in a wonderful manner, while the mrltitude sought to kill him. In this year he [Ath.] wrote, forming a Canon of the Holy Scriptyres. Pe (367-8.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxv Pharmuthi; xii Kal. Mai; xvi Moon; Epact xvii; Gods, ii; Indict. xi; Coss. Valentinianus Aug. II, Valens Aug. I]; the same governor Tatianus, Preefect. He [Athan.] began to build anew the Ceesareum, on the 6th of Pachon, having been honoured with an imperial command by Trajanus Dux. He also discovered the incendiaries, and immediately cleared away the rubbish of the burnt ruins, and restored the edifice in the month Pachon, 5 XLI. (368-9.) In this year, Haster-day was on xvii Pharmuthi; Prid. Id. Ap.; xv Moon; Epact xxviii; yro 13% July 21, 365 3 so also Chron. Pasch. and Amm, Marc. xxvi. 10, specially mentioning Alexandria. 4 Text ‘ Vl 15 Sep. 24, 367; cf. Mist. Aceph. 16 Text ‘xxvii.
Gods, iii; Indict. xii; Coss. Valentinianus (son of Augustus) I, Victor; the same Tatianus being governor. The Pope began to build that Church in Mendidium which bears his name, on the twenty-fifth ’7 of the month Thoth, at the beginning of the eighty-fifth year of the Diocletian Era, XLII. (369-70.) In this year, Easter-day was on li Pharmuthi; v*® Kal. Ap.; xv Moon; Epact ix; Gods, iv; Indict. xiii; Coss. Valentinianus Aug. III, Valens Aug. III; the same Tatianus being governor, who was succeeded by Olympius Palladius, of Samosata. The Pope finished the Church, called after his name, at the close of the eighty-sixth year of the Diocletian Era; in which also he celebrated the dedication, on the fourteenth 79 of Mesori.
XLII. (370-1.) In this year, Easter-day was on xxit Pharmuthi; xv Kal. Mai; xvi Moon; Epact xx3 Ie PIS SHE AME, LETTER I.
Laster-day xt Pharmuthi, viii Id. April; ér. Droclet. 45; Coss. Constantinus Aue. VIII. Constantinus Cas. IV; Prefect. Septimius Zenius » Indict. Il.
OF FASTING, AND TRUMPETS, AND FEASTS.
Come, my beloved, the season calls us to keep the feast. Again, ‘the Sun of Righteousness’, causing His divine beams to rise upon us, proclaims beforehand the time of the feast, in which, obeying Him, we ought to celebrate it, lest when the time has passed by, gladness likewise may pass us by. For discerning the time is one of the duties most urgent on us, for the practice of virtue; so that the blessed Paul, when instructing his disciple, teaches him to observe the time, saying, ‘ Stand (ready) in season, and out of season?’—that knowing both the one and the other, he might do things befitting the season, and avoid the blame of unseasonableness. For thus the God of all, after the manner of wise Solomon 3, distributes everything in time and season, to the end that, in due time, the salvation of men should be everywhere spread abroad. Thus the ‘Wisdom of God 4,’ our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, not out of season, but in season, “passed upon holy souls, fashioning the friends x Mal. iv. 2.
22Tim.iv. 2. The due celebration of the feast is spoken of as producing a permanent beneficial effect on the Christian. Cf, Letter 4.
Gods, v; Indict. xiv; Coss. Gratianus Aug. II, Probus; the same Palladius being governor; who was succeeded as Prefect of Egypt by Ailius Palladius, of Palestine, who was called Cyrus.
XLIV. (371-2.) In this year, Easter-day was on xiii Pharmuthi; vi Id. Ap.; xix Moon: Epact i; Gods, vii, Indict. xv; Coss. Modestus, Arintheus; the same A£lius Palladius the governor, called Cyrus, Preefect of Egypt.
XLV. (372-3.) In this year, Easter-day was on v Pharmuthi; Prid. Kal. Ap.; xxi Moon; Epact xii; Gods, i; Indict. i; Coss. Valentinianus IV, Valens IV; the same governor Alius Palladius, Przefect of Egypt. At the close of this year, on the seventh of Pachon 7", he [Athan. ] departed this life in a wonderful manner.
The end of the heads of the Festal Letters of holy Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
20 The Syr. has ‘and not one,’ which must be incorrect.
LETTERS.
of God and the prophets5;’ so that although very many were praying for Him, and saying, ‘O that the salvation of God were come out of Sion °!’—the Spouse also, as it is written in the Song of Songs, was praying and saying, ‘ O that Thou wert my sister’s son, that sucked the breasts of my mother?!’ that Thou wert like the children of men, and wouldest take upon Thee human passions for our sake! —nevertheless, the God of all, the Maker of times and seasons, Who knows our affairs better than we do, while, as a good physician, He exhorts to obedience in season —the only one in which we may be healed —so also does He send Him not unseasonably, but seasonably, saying, ‘In an acceptable time have I heard Thee, and in the day of salvation I have helped Thee ®.’
2. And, on this account, the blessed Paul, urging us to note this season, wrote, saying, ‘Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation 9.’ At set seasons also He called the children of Israel to the Leyvitical feasts by Moses, saying, ‘ Three times in a year ye shall keep a feast to Me*°’ (one of which, my beloved, is that now at hand), the trumpets of the priests sounding and urging its observance; as the holy Psalmist commanded, saying, ‘Blow with the trumpet in the new moon, on the [solemn] day of your feast 1,’ Since this sentence enjoins upon us to blow both on the new moons, and on the solemn 7 ee ae ee 5 Wisd. vii. 27. 6 Ps, xiv. 7.
1 Ps, Ixxxi. 3, cf. Num. x. 8.
7 Cant. viii. 1, to Hxod. xxiii. 14. 12 Or appointed, and so passim, LETTER I.
EASTER, 320.
eee eee ee ee, days, He hath made a solemn day of that in which the light of the moon is perfected in the full; which was then a type, as is this of the trumpets, At one time, as has been said, they called to the feasts; at another time to fasting and to war. And this was not done without solemnity, nor by chance, but this sound of the trumpets was appointed, so that every man should come to that which was proclaimed. And this ought to be learned not merely from me, but from the divine Scriptures, when God was revealed to Moses, and said, as it is written in the book of Numbers; ‘ And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Make to thee two trumpets; of silver shalt thou make them, and they shall be for thee to call the congregation "3;’—very properiy for those who here love Him. So that we may know that these things had referas the blessed Paul saith; ‘We wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities, with powers, with the rulers of this dark world, with wicked spirits in heavens.’ At another time the call is made to virginity, and selfdenial, and conjugal harmony, saying, To virgins, the things of virgins; and to those who love the way of abstinence, the things of abstinence; and to those who are married 6, the things of an honourable marriage; thus assigning to each its own virtues and an honourable recompense. Sometimes the call is made to fasting, and sometimes to a feast. Hear again the same [Apostle] blowing the trumpet, and proclaiming, ‘Christ our Passover is sacrificed; therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness’.’ If thow ence to the time of Moses—yea, were to be|wouldest listen to a trumpet much greater observed so long as the shadow lasted, the|than all these, hear our Saviour saying; ‘In whole being appointed for use, ‘till the time of| that last and great day of the feast, Jesus stood reformation *.’ ‘ For’ (said He) ‘if ye shall go; and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him out to battle in your land against your enemies|come unto Me and drink®’ For it became that rise up against you?’ (for such things as|the Saviour not simply to call us to a feast, these refer to the land, and no further), ‘then | but to ‘the great feast;’ if only we will be preye shall proclaim with the trumpets, and shall| pared to hear, and to conform to the probe remembered before the Lord, and be/clamation of every trumpet.
delivered from your enemies.’ Not only in| 4. For since, as I before said, there are wars did they blow the trumpet, but under the| divers proclamations, listen, as in a figure, to law, there was a festaltrumpet also. Hear him}the prophet blowing the trumpet; and further, again, going on to say, ‘ And in the day of your| having turned to the truth, be ready for the gladness, and in your feasts, and your new/announcement of the trumpet, for he saith, moons, ye shall blow with the trumpets3.’ And|‘ Blow ye the trumpet in Sion: sanctify a let no man think it a light and contemptible matter, if he hear the law command respecting trumpets; it is a wonderful and fearful thing. For beyond any other voice or instrument, the trumpet is awakening and terrible; so Israel received instruction by these means, because he was then but a child. But in order that the proclamation should not be thought merely human, being superhuman, its sounds resembled those which were uttered when they trembled before the mount‘; and they were reminded of the law that was then given them, and kept it.
3. For the law was admirable, and the shadow was excellent, otherwise, it would not have wrought fear, and induced reverence in those who heard; especially in those who at that time not only heard but saw these things. Now these things were typical, and done as in a shadow. But let us pass on to the meaning, and henceforth leaving the figure at a distance, come to the truth, and look upon the priestly trumpets of our Saviour, which cry out, and call us, at one time to war, x Heb, ix. ro.
4 Exod. xix. 16, fast 9.’ This is a warning trumpet, and commands with great earnestness, that when we fast, we should hallow the fast. For not all those who call upon God, hallow God, since there are some who defile Him; yet not Him— that is impossible—but their own mind concerning Him; for He is holy, and has pleasure in the saints'®. And therefore the blessed Paul accuses those who dishonour God; ‘Transgressors of the law dishonour God *%.’ So then, to make a separation from those who pollute the fast, he saith here, ‘ sanctify a fast.’ For many, crowding to the fast, pollute themselves in the thoughts of their hearts, sometimes by doing evil against their brethren, sometimes by daring to defraud. And, to mention nothing else, there are many who exalt themselves above their neighbours, thereby causing great mischief. For the boast of fasting did no good to the Pharisee, although he fasted twice in the week", only because he exalted himself against the publican. In the same manner the Word blamed 9 Joel ii, 15. 12 Luke xviii. r2.
8 John vii. 37.
the children of Israel on account of such a fast as this, exhorting them by Isaiah the Prophet, and saying, ‘ This is not the fast and the day that I have chosen, that a man should humble his soul; not even if thou shouldest bow down thy neck like a hook, and shouldest strew sackcloth and ashes under thee; neither thus shall ye call the fast acceptable *3.’ ‘That we may be able to shew what kind of persons we should be when we fast, and of what character the fast should be, listen again to God commanding Moses, and saying, as it is written in Leviticus", ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, In the tenth day of this seventh month, there shall be a day of atonement; a convocation, and a holy day shall it be to you; and ye shall humble your souls, and offer whole burnt-offerings unto the Lord.’ And afterwards, that the law might be defined on this point, He proceeds to say; ‘ Every soul that shall not humble itself, shall be cut off from the people *.’