Eusebius is one of the many defenders of the Church during its most trying periods.
He was born on the Isle of Sardinia, Italy, in 283. Eusebius had learned how to stand as a Christian from his father, who died a martyr in Sardina. After his death, he grew up in Rome where he was ordained a lector. He was highly recognized by the people.
He became the 1st recorded bishop of Vercelli in Piedmont in northwest Italy. He was the 1st to also link the monastic life with that of the clergy, establishing a community of his diocesan clergy on the principle that the best way to sanctify his people was to have them see a clergy formed in solid virtue and living in community, which inspired others.
Constantine proclaimed Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire and Christians believed this would end the bloodshed and martyrdom, but it was all too short a time until they were facing persecution once more, from others who claimed to be Christian.
Many people adopted the state religion for political reasons, or without truly understanding Christ’s Church, and therefore heresy found fertile ground. One of the strongest heresies was Arianism which claimed that Jesus was not God. They were powerful people including nobles, generals, and emperors. True Christianity was in real danger of being stamped out once again.
Pope Liberius recognized Eusebius’ abilities and sent him on a mission to the Emperor Constantius II, who was Constantine’s 3rd son. He was to try and resolve the troubles with the Arians and Catholics. Constantius agreed and convened the Milan council in 355.
The powerful Arians weren’t there to talk but to force their will even though they were greatly outnumbered by Catholics. They condemned Saint Athanasius, their main opponent, but Eusebius, unafraid of their power, slapped the Nicene Creed down on the table and demanded that everyone sign before attacking Athanasius. The Nicene Creed, adopted by a council of the full Church, proclaims that Jesus is one in being with the Father.
Constantius then tried to force Eusebius, Saint Dionysius of Milan, and Lucifer of Cagliari to condemn Athanasius under pain of death. They steadfastly refused and instead, the emperor exiled them to Palestine. There the local Arians stripped him and drug him through the streets to a tiny cell. He underwent a hunger strike for 4 days and they let him go, only to break into his house, steal his belongings, and imprison him again.
He was exiled to Asia Minor and Egypt before Constantius’s successor Julian, nephew of Constantine, let him and the other exiled bishops return home in 361. The heresy continued and he spent his last years working hard to counteract the damage inflicted. He worked with Athanasius, taking part in councils, and traveled throughout in order to strengthen the faith and spread the Truth.
He died on August 1, 371 of unknown causes.
The Vercelli Cathedral is dedicated to him.
His feast day is August 2.
For God’s Glory.
