where he proceeded to celebrate the liturgy; they pelted him with stones until they nearly killed him, so he withdrew.

Three days later he informed them that a letter from the emperor had arrived. He rang the church bell, summoning the people to gather on Sunday; not a single person remained in Alexandria who did not come (1) to hear the emperor’s decree. He had arranged a signal with his troops: the moment he gave it, they were to unsheathe their swords against the crowd. Ascending the pulpit, he proclaimed, “People of Alexandria! If you return to the truth and abandon the Jacobite doctrine, you will be safe; otherwise, beware, for the king will send someone to spill your blood.” They hurled stones at him again, and when he feared for his life he gave the signal. The soldiers then turned their swords on everyone in the church; inside and outside, countless multitudes were slain (2) until the troops waded in blood. Many fled, and the Melkite confession prevailed (3).