metropolis. There he went about speaking everywhere-in
public places and in private homes warning the believers
against the pernicious influence of the Arians, and
exposing and clarifying the difference between their
divergent teachings and the orthodox faith. "Now his
speech was so exceedingly savoury and so well seasoned
with heavenly salt, that none of his hearers could be angry
at his words ... for he was ready and prepared to hear and
answer every kind of opinion."^17
- "There is a time for war and a time for peace”.^18
And for Abba Athanasius, the time for peace was drawing
to an end – Arius being again the cause of agitation within
the Church. Stealthily going to see Emperor Constantine,
he feigned repentance and with his sycophant manner,
convinced him of his pretence. The Emperor, who wished
unity within the Church at any cost, issued a decree that
he was to be accepted unconditionally back into the
Church communion. This he did without consulting
church leaders. The Emperor's decree had the opposite
effect from its intent, for the bishops throughout
Christendom took sides, exchanging numerous epistles
among them.l9 Abba Athanasius immediately reacted. He
remonstrated openly by stating that whoever is
excommunicated by an ecumenical Council must be
reinstated in the same way-for the Church decrees that he
who has the authority to bind is the only one who may
unbind. This remonstrance infuriated Constantine and he
threatened to banish whoever refused to submit to his
decree. Athanasius, however, was not the person to
recoil before threats, and not only did he remain firm in
his stand, but went to Nicomedia to speak to the Emperor
in person. Meeting him face to face, tie defended his
point of view with such ardour and eloquence that the