Lucian: Excommunicated—Reconciled—Commemorated as Saint

By John Mench

Lucian was born on a farm in the upper Euphrates River valley during the middle of the third century. This book is a story about three priests: Paul, Eusebius, and Lucian. The story concerns birth, love, travel, religion, and death. The farm was owned by Thomas and his wife, Mary. They had many children, but Lucian was their youngest child. He lived in Samosata with his sister Ruth and her husband, Dr. Luke. Lucian was noted for his critical review of many early New Testament scriptures and his review of Old Testament translations. It is a story concerning the formation of the New Testament and the problems within the church following the destruction of Antioch by the Persians.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Feb 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781489721846

John Mench

The author served in the U.S. Navy and then went to college. After graduating with an engineering degree, he enjoyed careers (50+ yrs.) as an engineer, businessman, and professor. He is now retired but writes novels. While reading the New Testament for over sixty years and teaching Sunday School Bible classes for twenty years, Fellow, John Mench, Ph.D., has been conflicted by the lack of personality within the testament. He endeavors to add perspective to the message of the testament by creating lives for those who wrote and developed Jesus’ message. My series of books – The First Four Hundred Years includes: Story One - Paul - (The Unique Trio - John the Baptist,Jesus, and Paul) Story Two - John Mark – (Born in Africa – Martyred in Africa) Story Three - John - (John the Youngest – John the Oldest) Story Four - Polycarp – (A Student of John) Story Five – Irenaeus – (A Student of Polycarp) Story Six - Hippolytus – (The First Antipope) Story Seven – Lucian – (Excommunicated – Reconciled – Commemorated as a Saint) Story Eight - Constantine – (Helena – Nicaea – Dead Sea Scrolls) Story Nine – Augustine – (Student of Ambrose – The City of God – Bishop of Hippo)

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Copyright © 2019 John Mench.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-2186-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2185-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-2184-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019902424

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 02/25/2019

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Lucian’s Childhood

Chapter 2 Lucian Matures

Chapter 3 The Persians Raid Antioch

Chapter 4 Relocation to Antioch

Chapter 5 Establishing the Church

Chapter 6 Lucian’s School in Antioch

Chapter 7 Pope Dionysius Visits Antioch

Chapter 8 Excommunicated

Chapter 9 Life on the Farm

Chapter 10 Reconciled

Chapter 11 School Priest

Chapter 12 Arrested

Chapter 13 Nicomedia

Chapter 14 Lucian and Eusebius

Chapter 15 Lucian and Helena

Chapter 16 Lucian’s Death

DEDICATION

Dedicated to my wife, Rose, who for thirty-four years, focused our lives around Jesus’ message and to my second wife, Ann, who encouraged me for the last twenty years. Her illness provided me with the time to write and her love of life encouraged me to tell my stories. God’s grace is with both of you.

INTRODUCTION

The First Four Hundred Years

In an effort to stimulate your imagination, I have written a series of books concerning the interaction among the Roman Empire, pagan religion, Jewish religion, and the new Christian religion.

Our understanding of Christianity might have been formed when we attended Sunday school. Hopefully, what we learned was based on the principles of the Bible. The Bible’s New Testament provides us with a disjointed series of stories about Jesus. The stories are incomplete and have caused me to be concerned about the incidents not preserved in history. Some will say they are a figment of my imagination.

After reading the books, I encourage you to form and record your imagination about the unrecorded events.

My series of books are written as fiction related to history. In my opinion, history concerning any specific topic in ancient times is fiction. The amount of recorded history that is accurate is pure speculation. The amount of fiction that is contained in written history is based on several items:

1. elapsed time (from event to now)

2. government influence (the winners of war write history)

3. greed (writing to make money)

4. perspective (being human)

When you read a history book, you are reading a written perspective that has been deemed acceptable by your generation and your environment. Most history books are the perspective of well-paid victors.

Lucian

Excommunicated – Reconciled – Commemorated as Saint

Lucian’s story begins on a farm in the upper Euphrates River valley during the middle of the third century. It is a story about three priests, Paul, Eusebius, and Lucian. The story concerns birth, love, travel, religion, and death. The farm is owned by Thomas and his wife, Mary. They have three children, and Lucian is the youngest child. He lives in Samosata with his sister Ruth and her husband, Doctor Luke. Lucian is noted for his critical review of many early New Testament scriptures and his review of Old Testament translations. It is a story concerning the formation of the New Testament, and the problems within the church following the destruction of Antioch by the Persians.

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CHAPTER 1

LUCIAN’S CHILDHOOD

The city of Samosata was the home of a legion of Roman soldiers for many years. Emperor Gordian III’s government funded the legion because the soldiers’ primary responsibility was the control of a major crossing point of the Euphrates River. The military fortification also provided protection, from the enemy in the east, for the many large farms in the fertile valley. The town was at the intersection of two major Roman highways. The north – south highway provided passage for the many caravans that carried goods to Babylon. Samosata provided a trading and juncture point for the caravans going east with those going south.

Thomas, Mary, and their family traveled east and visited Samosata at least once a week on the Sabbath day and normally once a week to shop. About once a month, they would make the longer trip west to Antioch. Mary liked to visit the many shops in the larger city of Antioch. Thomas and Mary were married for many years, and their family included seven children, five sons and two daughters. They hadn’t planned to have any more children, but at the moment Mary was pregnant. They were a very blessed couple. Thomas was an older gentleman farmer, and they lived on a large farm in the upper Euphrates River valley. A foreman managed the farm and controlled a large staff of slaves. Mary had two attendants who helped her manage the house. The farm primarily produced grain that was sold under contract to the Roman army. They grew a large garden, cared for a large vineyard, and raised several animals including sheep and goats. Thomas no longer farmed, but he looked after the tools and the animals. Ruth, the oldest daughter, helped Glamae, Mary’s number one attendant, with the house and garden. The sons helped farm the land. The oldest son, Charles, was married and lived on an adjacent farm. Those who lived at home ate dinner together each night as a family.

Ruth sat on the floor in the living area and played with her youngest sister, Elizabeth.

Mary looked at Ruth and said, Be nice to your sister. In a few months, we’ll have an infant in our house and be very busy.

I am looking forward to the new baby, how many more children are you and father planning? Ruth asked.

Mary instantly answered in a firm voice, This is the last one. I hope it is a son. Your father enjoys playing with boys, and our last child was a girl.

Glamae entered the room with her arms loaded with clean clothes.

I hope everything goes well with the birthing, are you comfortable? she asked.

Mary looked at Glamae and smiled.

I am doing fine, Ruth, how is your oldest brother? she asked.

I don’t know, she said. I will walk over to his farm today and check on him. You need a good day of rest.

Mary sat in her favorite chair while her attendants finished the day’s chores. Ruth departed the room and walked through the garden on her way to Charles’ farm.

When she arrived, Sarah, his wife, seemed quite worried and informed her that Charles wasn’t feeling well and was sleeping. She escorted Ruth to their bedroom, and the women prayed at Charles’ side.

The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. (Psalms, ⁴³, ³, NIV)

Sarah looked at Ruth and whispered, He hasn’t gotten up today. He talked to me, but he didn’t make much sense.

How was he yesterday? Ruth asked. Did he get out of bed?

He did, but not for long, she said. He was wobbly and had trouble walking. I told him to rest.

I am worried about him, Ruth said softly. I will stay with him a while.

She took his hand in hers and noticed that his hand was very warm. He groaned and moved slightly.

If he isn’t any better tomorrow, I will go to Samosata and find a doctor, Ruth said. I will see you tomorrow.

Ruth hugged Sarah and then went home. She decided not to mention her brother’s condition to anyone.

The next morning, a very excited Sarah ran to Thomas’s house and told Ruth that she couldn’t wake Charles.

Ruth feared the worst and said, I will go with you. He might just be sleeping soundly.

No, No, I don’t think so, Sarah clamored. I tried several times to wake him. He didn’t move.

When Ruth checked on her brother, she realized that he was no longer breathing. She instructed Sarah to stay with him, while she went to find a doctor. The doctor visited and determined that Charles had died of the fever. He checked the others members of the family to ensure they weren’t sick. The remainder of the family seemed fine. Thomas made arrangements for Charles to be buried in a small plot at the edge of his farm. The Christian priest traveled to the farm from Samosata and prayed for Charles, his wife, and Thomas’ family. Many farmers in the area attended the funeral.

After the funeral as evening approached, they all dined with the family and then returned to their farms. The priest prayed with the family again and then returned to his church in Samosata. Thomas’s four other sons cared for Sarah and maintained both farms. Sarah spent as much time at Mary’s house as she did at her own home.

The time for Mary to deliver her baby arrived. Sarah, Ruth, and Glamae were with her. She was in bed preparing for the birthing process.

She looked at Ruth and cried, I think it is time. Hold my hand.

Ruth grasped her hand, and Mary squeezed it very tightly. Glamae helped Mary deliver her last three babies, so she was ready and accustomed to the procedure.

I have him, she said. You have another son.

Sarah took the baby and helped Glamae with him.

I am glad I have a new brother, Ruth said. Father will be very happy. We will have you and the baby cleaned before everyone returns from the fields.

Ruth kissed Mary’s hand and asked, Have you and father chosen a name for him?

Yes, we have, Mary said. We decided to name him Lucian. Your father has an uncle named Lucian.

Lucian, Ruth pondered. I like it. It is a little different. I won’t get him confused with my other brothers.

Ruth remained with Mary and the baby as they rested, and Sarah helped the servants prepare a celebratory dinner.

At sunset, when the men returned from the fields, Ruth greeted them.

Father, you have a son, she said. Mother and the baby are doing fine. Clean yourself before you visit with them.

After Charles died, the doctor had told the family to keep themselves and their surroundings as clean as possible. He wasn’t certain if it would help, but he was certain it wouldn’t hurt.

Thomas washed and changed clothes before he visited Mary. The boys washed their hands, sat in the living area, and waited for their father to join them for dinner.

After a short time, Thomas appeared with Sarah, and they were seated for dinner.

The servants served a large meal of hot bread, chops, vegetables, and tea. After dinner, they adjourned to the living area.

Sarah, please join us, Thomas said. I want to talk with you.

She joined Thomas and his sons in the living area.

Sarah, Mary and I have decided to have Ben help you maintain your farm and take care of the small chores, Thomas said. He will spend each morning at your place.

She looked at both of them.

Thank you very much, she said. I can handle the house, but I’m not a farmer.

We are getting ready to cut our wheat, Thomas said. My other sons and I will be busy preparing the wheat grain to sell to the army. After Ben is finished at your farm each day, he will return here to help care for this house, the animals, and the garden. I want Ruth to spend time with Mary for a while. You are excused. We will see you on the Sabbath.

Sarah left the room to visit with Ruth. Thomas turned to Ben.

Ben, I gave you the job of caring for Sarah because it is what Jesus’ brother told us to do, and I need your two other brothers to help me with the wheat. I hope you understand.

Thomas opened a codex and read, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and windows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James, ¹, ²⁷, NIV)

It is fine with me, father, Ben said. I will take good care of the farm and of Sarah.

The subject changed to the harvesting of the wheat and the men talked for several hours, and then they went to bed. After Sarah talked with Ruth, she walked home.

The next morning, as Ben approached Sarah’s farm, he smelled meat cooking. He knocked on the door, and Sarah escorted him to the table. She had prepared a nice breakfast. Ben didn’t mention that he had already eaten with his brothers and proceeded to enjoy another breakfast. After that day, he ate breakfast with Sarah every morning. While his father and brothers harvested the wheat on Sarah’s farm, Ben tended to her animals and garden.

It was customary for everyone to attend church on the Sabbath, so Thomas, Mary, and their two older sons, Lucian, Glamae, and Ruth boarded a large carriage and journeyed to church. Ben took the smaller carriage, picked up Sarah, and followed the large carriage. The church in Samosata had grown, and a new addition to the building was under construction.

After church, they talked with the priest about baptizing Lucian. His baptism was scheduled for the following Sabbath. The servants prepared food for the baptism the day before because Thomas didn’t want them to work on the Sabbath. Most of the slaves arose early, walked to Samosata, and spent all day at their church socializing with other slaves. The family went home and ate a light lunch. They sat on the porch and enjoyed a beautiful day. The sky was blue and a slight wind caused the fields to wave at the family. They discussed the pleasant odor of the breeze that blew across the wheat fields. Julius, one of the older sons, asked Ben if he enjoyed caring for Sarah. Ben took the jab in good spirits.

One of Sarah’s goats gave birth last week, he said. My job is getting larger.

He looked at Julius and smiled.

After a month, the wheat had been cut, the seed bagged, and the bags delivered to the army battalion in Samosata. Thomas and his two sons would have a reduced work load until spring. Julius repaired the tools during the fall and winter. Joseph tended to the animals while Thomas relaxed. He loved to sit on the porch with Mary and cuddle Lucian.

When spring arrived, the family talked.

We are going to grow wheat again for the army, Thomas said. We are also going to grow beans for them and for us. Oil is bringing a good price.

Where are we going to grow the beans? Julius asked. We should keep it separate from the wheat.

We will plant the beans on Sarah’s farm, Thomas said. We will use her barn to prepare the oil to be sold.

Ben stood and walked to his father.

Father, excuse me. Sarah and I want to get married, he announced. I would like your permission.

His father’s face exhibited a great smile.

That is great, son, he said. Get married next week. I don’t want the wedding to interfere with the planting of crops.

Ben was shocked by his father’s comment.

Next week? he gasped. I will have to talk with Sarah.

Don’t talk with her, Thomas demanded. Tell her you are getting married next week, and you would appreciate it if she would attend the wedding.

Ben looked blankly at his father. Thomas smiled, but his brothers laughed.

In all seriousness, Sarah needs a husband, Thomas said. I am glad you have decided to take care of this problem for the family.

I didn’t plan to solve a family problem, he said. I plan to marry Sarah.

Ben went home and explained the conversation to Sarah. That afternoon, they visited with the priest in Samosata. They were married the following week. Ben moved to his new farm and cared for Sarah.

A year later, Ben purchased two slaves to work on his farm and built a small house for them next to the barn. The fields were planted with wheat and beans to sell to the army. Thomas visited with Ben.

I enjoy running my farm, Ben said. It looks like we will have a good crop.

I am proud of you, son, how is Sarah? Thomas asked.

She is fine, Ben answered. We enjoy married life.

It is time for you to start a family, he said. I want to sit on the porch and hold my grandson. When you have a child, I will provide an attendant for Sarah.

Yes, sir, he said. I will talk to Sarah.

Thomas looked at Ben and laughed.

It might take more than talk, he said.

That evening when Thomas returned home, Mary greeted him. Lucian tugged on her thumb and toddled alongside her.

Ruth wants to get married, she said. You know him. You have met him at church.

What is his name? Thomas asked. Is he a farmer?

His name is Luke, she said. "He is a doctor. He was educated in Antioch.

His father and grandfather were doctors."

Thomas hesitated for a moment.

If you can’t be a farmer, I guess being a doctor is okay, he said. Invite him to dinner. He should meet the family.

Before Luke came to dinner, several days passed. He was well liked by everyone in the family, and a wedding was planned for the fall after the crops were harvested. Thomas and Mary were especially pleased that Ruth planned to marry a Christian. Mary and Luke’s mother planned a large wedding.

Fall arrived, and it was time for the wedding. Lucian walked at Mary’s side. He was still wobbly, but very mobile.

The wedding is going to be in Antioch at a large church where Luke’s parents are members, Mary said. It is a beautiful church.

We have a church in Samosata, why is the wedding going to be in Antioch? Thomas asked.

The church in Antioch is much grander than our church, Mary said. I want Ruth to have a grand wedding.

Where is she going to live? Thomas asked. I thought she would live in Samosata.

She will live in Samosata, she said. Don’t get upset. She will be close to us. Luke has purchased a home for them.

We will bring the entire family, Thomas said. Tell them that we will spend a week in Antioch. I will visit with some of my friends I haven’t seen in a while.

Mary smiled and said, I will do a lot of shopping,

The family traveled in two carriages. One transported Thomas, Mary, Ruth, Lucian, Glamae, and their many presents, and the other was driven by Julius and Joseph, who needed to return home immediately after the wedding. Ben and Sarah followed in their own carriage.

Ben looked at Sarah and said, I am glad we didn’t have time to plan a large wedding. I enjoyed our wedding.

I think your father planned that on purpose, she said. I had a very nice wedding. I am happy we are together.

She gave him a kiss. Julius saw them kissing and waved to them. Sarah ignored him, and Ben smiled.

After a long day on the highway, they stopped at the Eastward Wind Inn. The inn provided adequate rooms and dinner. After breakfast the next morning, they traveled to Antioch. Luke’s parents had made reservations for them to stay at an inn near the church.

The next day, Mary and Luke’s mother, Martha, discussed the final plans for the wedding with the Senior Church Priest.

Yes, we are all Christians, Mary said. We attend a church in Samosata.

I know the priest at your church, the priest said. He has been in Samosata for a long time.

We have known him about twenty years, Ruth said. ‘We like him very much."

Well, I think we have covered all the details, the priest said. I will see you in two days.

Ruth returned to the inn and spent the evening with her family.

Mother, do you know about the circus? Julius asked. It is very large.

I have heard of it, Mary said. Did you visit there today?

Yes, Joseph and I went to see the chariot races, Julius said. It was exciting. Some of the chariots were drawn by four horses and traveled very fast.

Racing is mean to the horses, Thomas said. What good is a chariot race? Our horses take us to town. That is important.

It is entertainment, Julius said. The idea is for the spectators to have fun.

I had fun talking with the priest, Mary said. Try and do something more worthwhile with your time tomorrow. In two day, we will attend the wedding. Then you may return home.

Julius and Joseph went to their rooms. They were convinced that their parents ignored progress.

It was a grand wedding. Ruth wore a flowing white dress, and Luke wore his black outfit. After the wedding, Thomas and Mary attended a special dinner. Glamae and Lucian sat on the porch of the inn and watched people walking on the street.

Ben and Sarah departed for home. When they arrived at the Eastward Wind Inn, they were greeted by Julius.

What took you so long? he asked. We have already had two glasses of wine.

We took our time, Ben said. We will have a nice dinner and go to bed. See you in the morning at breakfast.

He and Sarah went upstairs to their room. Julius and Joseph remained and had another glass of wine.

After breakfast he next morning, Ben and Sarah talked with the innkeeper.

Have you seen my brothers? Ben asked.

They started east some time ago, the innkeeper said. They seemed to be in a great hurry. They told me to tell you they would see you at home.

Ben wondered why his brothers were in such a great hurry.

Ben and Sarah leisurely enjoyed a pleasant breakfast and then traveled east. After several hours, they saw a carriage alongside of the road.

That looks like our carriage; do you see Julius or Joseph? Ben asked with a worried look on his face.

Sarah pointed and said, There they are. They are sitting under the carriage. I guess they found some shade.

Ben, we need a ride, Julius said. Our carriage wheel broke. Take us home, and we will return with the wagon and haul the carriage home.

Tie your horses to the back of our carriage, Ben said. If you would have been more careful, you probably wouldn’t have had a problem.

We wanted to go as fast as the horses could run, Joseph admitted. Julius thought he was a charioteer.

Now, you can pretend you are repairmen, Ben said. After you have repaired the carriage, you can tell father and experience his reaction when to you being charioteers.

Ben looked at