Church History

By Eusebius Pamphilius

Chapter XXVII.--Paul of Samosata, and the Heresy introduced by him at Antioch.

1. After Xystus had presided over the church of Rome for eleven years, [2375] Dionysius, [2376] namesake of him of Alexandria, succeeded him. About the same time Demetrianus [2377] died in Antioch, and Paul of Samosata [2378] received that episcopate.

2. As he held, contrary to the teaching of the Church, low and degraded views of Christ, namely, that in his nature he was a common man, Dionysius of Alexandria was entreated to come to the synod. [2379] But being unable to come on account of age and physical weakness, he gave his opinion on the subject under consideration by letter. [2380] But all the other pastors of the churches from all directions, made haste to assemble at Antioch, as against a despoiler of the flock of Christ.