During his tour, Abba Heraclas ordained twenty
bishops over new bishoprics that he created. The reason he
did this was that, in spite of the intense persecutions, the
number of Christians had been constantly growing, and he
saw that these new bishops were needed to look after their
welfare.
- To reinforce his work of edification, Abba Heraclas
convoked his council, and discussed with them the subject of
annulling the excommunication of Origen. Unanimously they
rescinded the verdict against him, and sent him a letter asking
him to return and resume his deanship at the School of
Alexandria. Origen, however, respectfully declined the offer
of the Council, and so the Alexandrian Pope appointed St.
Dionysius Dean of the School, and committed to him the
work of "judging between the believers".^3 - Soon, however, the constructive work of the School
was interrupted again as persecutions broke out once more.
Emperor Maximin, having discovered a plot against his life,
used it as a pretext for persecuting the Christians. His hand
was heaviest on the clergy. Abba Heraclas was saved, though
the Emperor was keen to get him. His people earnestly
pleaded with him to go into hiding and much against his will
he accepted, though he was sorely distressed as he
contemplated their travail. - Shortly after the cessation of the persecutions, Abba
Heraclas returned to his city, and the noted Julius Africanus
came to Alexandria,^4 attracted ,by the fame of his learning
and spiritual serenity. He attended the teachings of this aged
Pope, who, in spite of his years and his sore trials, resumed
his work of edification. Tradition asserts that Julius was
baptised on his return from this visit.