History - Feb 19

Roman Emporer, Constantius II (Flavius Julius) issues decree to close all pagan temples in the Roman Empire, 356 A.D.

Constantinus II was the son of Flavius Valerius Constantinus (306-337 A.D.), who is widely referred to as 'Constantine the Great'.  Constantine was appointed Caesar of West by Emporer Galerius. His brother-in-law, married to Galerius' daughter, was Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius, known as Maxentius. 

Maxentius waged war against Galerius, seizing  Italy and Rome. A year after Galerius passed in 311 A.D., Constantine invaded Italy and marched on Rome toward the historic battle at Milvian Bridge. Constantine's victory in this battle was a significant one in a succession of events that placed him in position as ruler of the Roman Empire. 

Eusebius of Caesarea, a Christian Bible scholar and historian, wrote the first biography of Constantine soon after his passing. Eusebius recorded that before the battle at Milivian Bridge, Constantine and his army saw a cross of light in the sky above the the sun with the Greek words  that translate to, 'by this sign you will be victorious'. The night of that encounter, Constantine reportedly had a dream in which Christ instructed him to march with the Cross against his enemies. 

In response to this encounter, Constantine had the Cross mark his soldier's shields preceding the march on Milvian. Christian scholar Lactantius was appointed tutor of Constantine's eldest son. Lactantius also reportedly accounted that Constantine was commanded in a dream to place the Cross of Christ on the shield of his soldiers after the sighting of the cross in the sky, seen with 'hoc signo victor eris'. Consistent with the account, Constantine, who'd practiced pagan worship of a sun god, credited the Christian God for his victory at Milvian Bridge and committed to the Christian faith. 

Constantine practiced as a Christian in ways that would send its ripple through history . In response to dispute arising from teachings about the nature of the Godhead, Constantine summoned a church coucil. He presided over the opening session held in May 325, giving the opening dialogue. The convening has become known as the First Ecumenical Council of the church, wherein the Nicene Creed was formed to affirm the doctrine of consubstantiality. 

The Nicene Creed is considered the first formal ecumenical statement of Christian belief. Constantine displayed commitment in support of the church through gifts, legislation, and the taking down of pagan temples.  As Roman Emperor, Constantine's son, Constantius II followed in the footsteps of his father when ordering the close of all pagan temples within the Roman Empire on February 19, 365 A.D. 

 

Nicene Creed 

We believe in one God,

      the Father almighty,

      maker of heaven and earth,

      of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

      the only Son of God,

      begotten from the Father before all ages,

           God from God,

           Light from Light,

           true God from true God,

      begotten, not made;

      of the same essence as the Father.

      Through him all things were made.

      For us and for our salvation

           he came down from heaven;

           he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,

           and was made human.

           He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;

           he suffered and was buried.

           The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.

           He ascended to heaven

           and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

           He will come again with glory

           to judge the living and the dead.

           His kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit,

      the Lord, the giver of life.

      He proceeds from the Father and the Son,

      and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

      He spoke through the prophets.

      We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

      We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

      We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,

      and to life in the world to come. Amen.

Reference

DiMaio, M., Frakes, R. Constantius II (337-361 A.D.), http://www.roman-emperors.sites.luc.edu/constaii.htm

Nicene Creed, https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/creeds/nicene-creed

Pohlsander, H. A., Constantine I (306 - 337 A.D.), http://www.roman-emperors.sites.luc.edu/conniei.htm

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge, https://www.historytoday.com/archive/battle-milvian-bridge