When Abba Petros, Seal of the Martyrs, went unto
his reward, the man who was elected to succeed him as Pope
was Abba Achillas who had been the Dean of the School of
Alexandria. This was in the year 303 AD Abba Achillas was
a man of outstanding qualities, but the duration of his papacy
was very short-about six months. That is why it is likened
unto a summer cloud that floats across the sky and quickly
disappears.
In the few months in which he occupied the Chair of
St. Mark, the main task to which he devoted himself was to
strengthen the faithful and heal their wounds after the
persecutions had come to an end.
The wily Arius reappeared in Alexandria and sought
the new Pope's forgiveness, persuading him of his
repentance. Abba Achillas, motivated by a spirit of Christian
tolerance granted it to him. Unfortunately, however, Arius
had evil intentions – as subsequent events proved. Abba
Petros, who had become familiar with his devious ways and
had discerned that he was a person neither to be believed nor
trusted, had warned against ever accepting him into the
church again. But Abba Achillas had forgotten that warning.
When Abba Achittas was gathered unto his
forefathers, he was succeeded by Abba Aloxandros as
Successor to St. Mark.
