(The novel by Nicea 7/7) The proclamation of faith

” So. It’s over. Demetrios sighs relief. In a few days, he produced around forty copies of the first statements proclaimed by the Nikaia Synod. “It only remains to send them to all those responsible for high and bass Egypt, Libya and Cyrenaica to prepare the next visits to Alexandros,” proclaims the young scribe. “Fortunately Petronia had anticipated everything,” said Athanasios by entering one of the documents. By finding this Alexandrian trader installed here, she allowed us not to be in lack of good quality papyrus for your work. »»

Then, while continuing to reread the last copies, he sits on a stone bench, under the climbing glycine whose perfume mixes with the freshness provided by a small fountain which springs in silence. “Brother Athanasios, can I give you some fruit?” He did not hear Petronia approaching. With recognition, he catches a few dates in the wicker basket that she hands him. He crunches them, and it is all his childhood that suddenly goes back to his memory, when, in the shade of the palm groves of Memphis, the world seemed so soft and so simple … But now the diaconesse sits in front of him. “Could you, good master, share with me a little of what the council decided?” »»

So, trying to be concise, Athanasios begins to tell: “Our fathers have agreed with around twenty new rules. One of them must particularly rejoice us: our proud city of Alexandria is now recognized by the Church as an apostolic seat as important as Elia Capitolina, Antiokeia and Roma. And it is to the astronomers of our city that the work was entrusted to fix the annual date of the Christian Passover. »»

Attracted by the discussion, Demetrios comes to sit near Athanasios who continues: “You have heard of the Phrygian Novatianus and the Numidian bishop Donatus who refused to reintegrate the Lapsi (1) in their communities? Well, they were disowned! Petronia closes her eyes for a moment to give thanks. “And what about Areios and his doctrine?” Athanasios resumes his document and reads: “Those who say that it was a time when Christ was not, or that he was created from nothing, or that the Son of God is from another substance than his Father, whether rejected from our communities. »»

“Areios has lost the battle, but not sure that it easily makes arms. »It is the old Patriarch Alexandros who speaks. Discreetly, he joined the small assembly. “Hopefully Constantinos quickly validates the new proclamation of faith, so that all of our communities can finally find themselves in unity.

” – Venerable Alexandros,” intervenes Demetrios. This proclamation, I managed to note it on my tablets when it was proclaimed on the last day of the council.

– If I understand correctly, the young scribe we know has become a skillful tachgraph (2). Come there, in the center. Therefore proclaims this faith. »»

Demetrios is not asked: “I believe in God, the Almighty Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth …”

The night fell on Nikaia. Alexandros and Athanasios walk side by side in the silent streets. “I am still upset, master.” Alexandros smiles by remembering the scene that took place a few hours earlier. After proclaiming the faith, the young Demetrios got on his knees and, touched by the grace of the moment, asked to receive baptism, there, in this household.

Alexandros who saw the Holy Spirit so many times acting in hearts did not hesitate for a moment. The water from the fountain and the lamp oil, blessed by him, regenerated the young man in new life. “Athanasios, my faithful friend, let’s return to Alexandria as soon as possible. I am tired and I want you to be ready to take my suite when the time has come. “After a silence, he continues:” I asked Simonos and Petronia to continue their trip to the eternal city, so that our young neophyte can go with them to pray on the grave of the saints Petros and Paulos. If God allows, when they return, we will meet. »»

(1.) Lapi (Latin Lapi which means “fall”) designates, in the early days of the Church, the Christians who denied their faith to escape the persecution.

(2.) Tachygraph (Greek tachys designating speed and graph writing) practice rapid writing.