Early Unitarians in Christianity 107elected, and consecrated as a bishop. His election was disputed.
Those whoopposedhiselectioncomplainedof persecution,politi
cal intrigue and even magic.
Meanwhile, at Constantine's court, Constantina, his sister who
feared and loved God, continued to voice her opposition to the
killing of the Christians. 5he never tried to hide the fact that she
thought Arius represented true Christianity. 5he also opposed the
treatment of Eusebius of Nicomedia who had been banished by
the Emperorfor his beliefs. At long last, she had her way, and Euse
bius was allowed back. His return was a great blow to the
Athanasian faction. The Emperor gradually began to lean towards
the side of Arius. When he received news that the election of Atha
nasius was being disputed, he summoned the new Bishop to the
capital. Athanasius, however, made excuses and did not go to
Constantinople.
In 335 AD, a Council was held in Tyre to celebrate the thirtieth
year of Constantine's reign. This time Athanasius was obliged to
attend. He was accused of episcopal tyranny, and the atmosphere
was so charged with feeling against him that he left the Council
without waiting to hear what decisions would be made. He was
condemned. The bishops then gathered in [erusalem where the
condemnation of Athanasius was confirmed. Arius was taken back
into the Church and allowed to receive communion.
The Emperor then invited Arius and his friend Euzous to Con
stantinople. The peace between Arius and the Emperor was now
virtually complete, and to further this, the bishops again officially
condemned Athanasius. In desperation, Athanasius decided to try
and face the lion in his own den. He came in person to Constanti
nople, and audience was granted to him by the Emperor. Eusebius
of Nicomedia was also present on this occasion. He well knew that
the decision made at the Council of Nicea had gone against Arius
for political reasons. 50, instead of starting an ecclesiastical debate
which the Emperor would not have understood anyway, he ac
cused Athanasius of hindering the supply of corn to the capital.
This tactic caught Athanasius completely by surprise. He discov
ered that someone else could also play the game at which he was
so expert. The charge was easily proved and Athanasius was sent
away to Trier in Gaul.
Arius was then appointed the Bishop of Constantinople. He died
soon after, however, from poisoning, in 336 AD. The Paulinian
Church called it a miracle, but the Emperor suspected murder. He