A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

of EMISA born of a noble family at Edessa in Mesopotamia at the end of the third century. He was a man of considerable learning, having received instructions from Eusebius of Caesareia and other teachers of high repute. he went to Alexandria, that he might avoid ordination, and devote himself to philosophy, but afterwards removed to Antioch, became intimate with Flaccillus, its bishop, and was ordained. At this time Athanasius was deposed from the see of Alexandria, and Eusebius of Nicomedeia, then bishop of Constantinople, wished to instal his namesake into the vacant office. He wisely declined the questionable honour, knowing that the Alexandrians were too warmly attached to Athanasius to tolerate any other patriarch. He accepted, however, the see of Emisa in Syria (the city from which Elagabalus had been chosen emperor by the soldiers); but on proceeding there to take possession, he was driven away by a tumultuous mob, who had heard a report of his being a sorcerer, based upon the fact that he was fond of astronomical studies. He fled to Laodiceia, and lived with George, bishop of that place, by whose exertions he was afterwards restored to Emisa. He was a great favourite with the emperor Constantius, whom he accompanied

on some military expeditions. He died at Antioch, about A. D. 360. His enemies accused him of Sabellianism, but the truth of the charge is denied by Sozomen (3.5).

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