Origen’s Daring Deed.
1. this time while Origen was conducting catechetical instruction at Alexandria, a deed was done by him which evidenced an immature and youthful mind, but at the same time gave the highest proof of faith and continence. For he took the words, “There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” in too literal and extreme a sense. And in order to fulfill the Saviour’s word, and at the same time to take away from the unbelievers all opportunity for scandal,—for, although young, he met for the study of divine things with women as well as men,—he carried out in action the word of the Saviour.
2. He thought that this would
not be known by many of his acquaintances. But it was impossible for
him, though desiring to do so, to keep such an action
secret.
3. When Demetrius, who presided
over that parish, at last learned of this, he admired greatly the
daring nature of the act, and as he perceived his zeal and the
genuineness of his faith, he immediately exhorted him to courage, and
urged him the more to continue his work of catechetical
instruction.
4. Such was he at that time. But
soon afterward, seeing that he was prospering, and becoming great and
distinguished among all men, the same Demetrius, overcome by human
weakness, wrote of his deed as most foolish to the bishops
throughout the world. But the bishops of Cesarea and Jerusalem, who
were especially notable and distinguished among the bishops of
Palestine, considering Origen worthy in the highest degree of the
honor, ordained him a presbyter.
5. Thereupon his fame increased
greatly, and his name became renowned everywhere, and he obtained no
small reputation for virtue and wisdom. But Demetrius, having nothing
else that he could say against him, save this deed of his boyhood, accused him bitterly, and dared to include with him in these accusations those who had raised him to the presbyterate.
6. These things, however, took
place a little later. But at this time Origen continued fearlessly the
instruction in divine things at Alexandria by day and night to all who
came to him; devoting his entire leisure without cessation to divine
studies and to his pupils.
7. Severus, having held the
government for eighteen years, was succeeded by his son, Antoninus. Among those who had endured courageously the persecution of that time, and had been preserved by the Providence of God through the conflicts of confession, was Alexander, of whom we have spoken already as bishop of the church in Jerusalem. On account of his pre-eminence in the confession of Christ he was thought worthy of that bishopric, while Narcissus, his predecessor, was still living.
