(A.D. 390.)
[Roman Martyrology. Authorities:--Socrates, Hist. Eccl. lib. v. c. 16;
Sozomen, lib. vii. c. 15.]
The temple of Bacchus at Alexandria having been given to the Christians
to be converted into a church, the patriarch ordered its thorough
purification. Whilst this was being performed, many abominations and
much evidence of trickery were brought to light. This so exasperated
the pagans that a sedition broke out, and rushing down from the
Serapion, a magnificent temple situated on a hill and fortified, they
carried off a number of Christians, and bringing them into the temple,
endeavoured to force them to sacrifice to Serapis. As they refused, the
pagans crucified some, broke the bones of others, and put others to
death in various ways. When the emperor Theodosius heard of the tumult,
he ordered those who had fallen victims to be enrolled in the number of
the blessed, but forbade any reprisals upon their executioners, hoping
that this exhibition of mercy would be efficacious in attracting them
to the true faith. He, however, ordered the Serapion to be levelled
with the dust.