Constantine had not known Galerius was in the city until he saw the stocky figure of the Caesar of the East follow the much frailer form of Diocletian from the palace. He was not surprised, however, for little went on in Nicomedia without Galerius’ knowledge, and he had a habit of turning up when least expected. The two took their seats upon the thrones with a considerable array of high officials massed behind them.
Diocletian spent most of the time
The crowd set up a roar of approval at the sight of the Emperor, who had not appeared publicly for months. In fact, Constantine had not even seen him for several weeks, since Diocletian spent most of the time in his private quarters, where only his personal servants and the chamberlains who administered the several departments of the government were allowed to go. Though still rather pale from his long illness, Diocletian appeared stronger than at any time since their abrupt departure from Rome and Constantine felt his hopes kindle a little at the thought that he might still persuade the old Emperor to intercede for him with Maximian.
Carinus, the Chief Chamberlain, stood beside Galerius. When the cheering died away, he handed a scroll to the Caesar of the East and Galerius began to read. His first wordsafter the usual formal invocation of favor from the godstold Constantine the reason for the gathering.
The imperial edict was brief and to the point. As of that day, images of the Christian deity, or the man called Jesus Christ, found in churches or houses were to be destroyed, as were all writings considered holy by them. The furnishings and property of churches
everywhere were also to become public property, granting an open license for pillage and rapine.
The reading of the edict completed, Galerius turned to Constantine. “Search the building for any proscribed image or writing, Tribune,” he commanded, pointing to the church. “Let them be burnt publicly here in the square.”
Constantine had been dreading the moment when he must open the doors of the church and face another painting of the gentle shepherd of Galilee. Knowing that Galerius and many others were watching, however, he gave the order and, at the head of a small detail of troops, marched across the square and up the steps to the doors of the church. Two of the soldiers threw open the doors and, as he stepped through into the interior of the building, a tremendous surge of relief swept through him.
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