Encyclical Letter

Contents

1. 1Athanasius compares the outrage done to the Church of Alexandria with the outrage of the Levite's concubine in Judges and calls on all bishops to be moved to act.
2. 2Athanasius tells how the prefect announced that Gregory of Cappadocia was coming from the court to replace him, against the canons and the will of the people.
3. 3Athanasius describes how the prefect Philagrius let mobs loose on the churches, which were burned and profaned, and how virgins and monks were assaulted.
4. 4Athanasius describes the plunder of the church, the scourging and imprisonment of clergy, virgins and laity during Lent, and Gregory's role in it.
5. 5Athanasius explains why he withdrew from the city, and describes how the churches were handed to Gregory, the faithful coerced, and a decree sent against him to Constantius.
6. 6Athanasius says Gregory was sent by the Eusebians to the Arians, as Pistus had been, and urges the bishops to treat the wrong done to Alexandria as done to them all.
7. 7Athanasius asks the bishops to reject any letters from Gregory or the Eusebians, to condemn them, and to write back in support of the Church of Alexandria.