The direct and sole successor of the Constantinian
Dynasty was Julian. He came to the throne with all the
assets that could charm the people: hereditary right,
youth, eloquence, and the prestige of a powerful military
genius. And all the people had high hopes at his advent:
the highest being those of the Alexandrians. Did not the
new Emperor study at their School? On his part the new
ruler of the Empire fanned the people's expectations by his
easy flow of eloquence, and the shower of favours: He
decreed a general amnesty to all those in exile! This all-
sweeping graciousness hid behind it an abominable
hostility which he was yet apprehensive to avow. He
reckoned that the recall of the exiled Bishops would light
the fire anew between the devotees of the Galilean.
The Bishops hastened back to their people – all
except Athanasius. He waited for a sign from Heaven.
When he heard of the death of George of Cappadocia, the
intruder-Bishop, he considered this the sign to return to
Alexandria. In the great city, the people, wearied by their
ordeal, were in dire need of the presence and leadership of
their beloved Athanasius. So were the true Copts all over
the country. When the news spread that he was returning
to his See at last, all of Egypt was stirred by it. An
irresistible enthusiasm dominated every soul: and huge
masses went out to greet him as he sailed by ship up the
Nile northward towards Alexandria. They all wanted to
see the man who had become a legend while yet he lived;
they crowded on both banks to greet him as he passed and
to receive his paternal blessing. As he came within sight
of the great metropolis, everyone went out to meet him.
They formed themselves into groups according to their
age and their calling; they marched towards him in long
undulating lines: a multitude that was so large, it was hard
to count.
elle
(Elle)
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