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Life of St Porphyry, Bishop of Gaza

Mark the Deacon, tr. Hill, 1913

Chapter 40

And when they had had other spiritual conversation also, she saith unto them: ‘I know for what reason ye have made this journey; for Amantius the chief officer hath instructed me beforehand. But if ye also wish to instruct me, say your bidding, Fathers.’ So, being commanded, they explained all things concerning the idol-madmen, how they do fearlessly impious deeds and how they oppress the Christians, suffering them not to hold any civic office, nor to till their own fields, ‘from which they pay public taxes unto your government.’ But when the Empress heard it, she said: ‘Be not discouraged, Fathers; for I hope in the Lord Christ, the Son of God, that I may persuade the Emperor to do that which is fitting for your holy faith, and to send you away hence comforted. Depart, therefore, and refresh yourselves, for ye are aweary, and pray that God may favour my petition.’ And when she had thus spoken, she commanded money to be brought, and taking three handfuls each she gave to the most holy bishops, saying: ‘Take this for the meanwhile against your expenses.’ And the bishops received it and, having called upon her many blessings, went forth. And as they came forth, the greater part of the coins they distributed to the beadles who stood at the doors, so that but little was left to them. But the Empress, when the Emperor came in to her, told him the business of the bishops, and asked him that the temples of Gaza might be destroyed.