A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

42. Of HERACLEIA. Theodore, one of the leaders of the Arian party under Constantine the Great and Constantius, was a native of Heracleia (anciently Perinthus), on the Propontis, and bishop of the Church there. He advocated the Arian doctrine while yet a presbyter, and was raised the episcopate by the favour of the Arian party. (Athanas. Ad Episcopos Aegypti et Libyae, 100.7, Opp. vol. i. p. 277, ed. Montfaucon.) He is mentioned by Theodoret (H. E. 1.28), as one of those who persuaded Constantine to summon the (Council of Caesareia in Palestine, which was, however, countermanded. [ATHANASIUS.] He was probably afterwards present at the Council of Tyre, A. D. 336; for he was one of the delegates sent by that Council into Egypt, to investigate the charges against Athanasius. (Theodoret. H. E. 1.30 ; Athanas. Apolog. contra Arianos, 100.13, p. 135.) He was one of those who combined to raise Macedonius to the see of Constantinople. (Socrat. H. E. 2.12.) In A. D. 342 he was one of the delegates sent to convey to the emperor Constans the Confession of Antioch. (Athanas. De Synod. 100.25 ; Socrat. H. E. 2.18.) He was one of the Eastern bishops who, in A. D. 347, withdrew from the Council of Sardica, and formed the rival Council of Philippopolis; and was among those on whom the Council of Sardica passed sentence of condemnation and deposition. (Socrat. H. E. 2.20; Sozomen. H. E. 3.11, &c.; Theodoret. H. E. 2.7, 8 ; Athanas. Apolog. contra Arianos, 100.36, Historico Arianor. 100.17; Hilar. Pictav. Ex Opere Historico Fragment. 3.29.) He nevertheless appears to have retained his bishopric, the Council not being able to carry into effect the sentence which they had pronounced. He assisted at the Council of Sirmium and the deposition of Photinus, A. D. 351. (Hilar. Pictav. ibid. 6.7, col. 1337, ed. Benedictin.) He appears to have died about A. D. 355 (Fabric. Tillemont, ubi infrà) or 358 (Cave, ubi infra). After the development of the different sections of the Arian party Theodore acted with the Eusebians or Semi-Arians. In an ancient life of St. Parthenius of Lampsacus (apud Acta Sanctorum Februar. a. d. vii. vol. ii. pp. 41, 42), there is a Latin version of a curious account of the sickness, recovery, and subsequent death of Theodore (who, by an obvious error of the translator, is called Hypatius) ; in which account he is charged with avarice and extortion; yet, singular to say, no hint of his heresy is given.

[J.C.M]