Eusebius of Emesa

Eusebius of Emesa (c. 295 in Edessa, Mesopotamia; † around 359 in Antioch ) was a theologian and Bishop of Emesa.

Life

Eusebius was born into a distinguished family in Edessa. In the year 212, he studied at the flourishing theological school of Antioch. His teachers were Eusebius of Caesarea and Patrophilus of Scythopolis. Then he went on to Alexandria, there to expand his philosophical education.

Eusebius was an important exegete, a precursor to the design of the Antiochian theology. He was also a supporter of the doctrine of Arianism and stood near the Homousianern.

His reputation as an astrologer meant that he stood in high favor with the Roman emperor Constantius II. Eusebius accompanied him on several trips and moved with him 338 in the war against the Persian king Shapur II (see also Roman- Persian Wars).

340 Before he returned to Antioch after he had acquired a reputation as an orator and theologian. The Synod of Antioch wanted to appoint him as the successor of the deposed bishop 341 Athanasius of Alexandria. Since Eusebius rejected the appeal, opted for the Synod Gregory of Cappadocia. Eusebius gave you the little Phoenician Emesa diocese.

The superstitious Emeser distrusted him because of his extensive knowledge of mathematics, astronomy and astrology, and accused him of practicing the magic. Therefore, he was forced to flee to Laodicea before the Patriarch of Antioch caused his reinstatement. Eusebius has probably but his office never actively perceived and remained since then in Antioch.

Eusebius of Vercelli, Gaudenzio Novara respectively were the first bishops of their dioceses later. They visited the Holy Land around 355-359, which has taken Gaudenzio Novara exiled Eusebius of Emesa in 355 Scythopolis.

His biography was written by his friend George of Laodicea. Eusebius died in Antioch around the year 359

Of his many writings only fragments remain.