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Life of St Porphyry, Bishop of Gaza
Mark the Deacon, tr. Hill, 1913
Chapter 38
On the next day1 we went to the holy man, and find with him the chamberlain Amantius; for he had paid heed to our business and sent for him and instructed him concerning us. And when we entered, and Amantius knew that we are they concerning whom he spake to him, he rose up and worshipped the most holy bishops, bowing down his face to the ground; and they knowing who he was fell upon his neck and kissed him. And the most saintly archbishop John bade them also out of their own mouths to instruct the chamberlain concerning their business. So the most holy Porphyry related to him all things concerning the idolaters, how boldly they do unlawful things and how they trouble the Christians. And he hearing it wept, and being filled with godly zeal saith unto them: ‘Be not discouraged, Fathers; for the Lord Christ shall be a shield unto his religion. Pray ye, therefore; and I speak to the Augusta, and have hope in the God of all things, that he will show us his mercy after his wont. And on the next day I bring you in also to her, and do ye instruct her out of your own mouth as much as ye wish, and ye shall find her instructed of me beforehand.’ And when he had said this he bade us farewell and returned again, and we, having had much spiritual conversation with the most holy archbishop John, and received his blessing, returned to our lodging.
Notes
- On the next day. October 18, 401.