51. (1) These were the most important of the Emperor's dedications. But when he learnt that the self-same Saviour who had recently appeared to mankind had also in ancient times divinely manifested himself to Godloving men in Palestine near the oak called Mamre, there also he ordered a place of worship to be built in honour of the God who was seen there. (2) To the governors of provinces an imperial mandate was circulated through letters sent to each of them, commanding them to fulfil his instructions completely. - - -
52. Victor Constantinus Maximus Augustus to Macarius and the other bishops of Palestine. The greatest single service to us of my most saintly mother-in-law <i.e. Eutropia> has been to inform us through her letters to us of the mad folly of evil men, which has so far escaped attention among you, so that the neglected fault may receive appropriate corrective and restorative action from us, late perhaps but yet necessary. - - -
53. (1) The place by the oak which is known as Mamre, where we understand Abraham made his home, has been completely spoiled, she says, by superstitious persons. Idols fit only for absolute destruction have been set up beside it, she explains, and an altar stands nearby, and foul sacrifices are constantly conducted there. (2) <Constantine informs the bishops that he has directed the comes Acacius to consign the pagan site to the flames, the altar completely demolished, and to build on the spot a splendid basilica. He also imposes severe punishments on any sacrilege committed in the place.> (3) You are surely aware that there first God the Lord of the universe both appeared to Abraham and spoke with him. It was there therefore that the religion of the holy Law first had its beginning, there that the Saviour himself with the two angels first vouchsafed the manifestation of himself to Abraham, there that God began to reveal himself to mankind, there that he spoke to Abraham about his future seed and instantly fulfilled his promise, and there that he predicted that he would be the father of very many nations.
(transl. Cameron and Hall)
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