CONTENTS
THE SASSANID EMPIRE
PAGE
§ 1. Substitution of Sassanid for Arsacid a small change in appearance, but, in fact, the renewal of the ancient Persian Empire, by a house ambitious to renew its greatness—Hence, inevitable hostility between Rome and Persia, fomented by the questions of Armenia and the border provinces—The Persian State a religion as well as a kingdom—Magian organization. § 2. Foundation of the Church of Assyria previous to establishment of Sassanid rule—Importance of this fact—The Church founded from Edessa by Adai and Mari—Historical sources of our knowledge of these two saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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THE CHURCH UNDER ARSACID KINGS
Christianity tolerated by Arsacids—Its rapid progress at expense of Paganism, less rapid at expense of Magianism—Assyria a refuge from Roman persecution—Progress of the Church—Changes brought about by the advent of the Sassanids—Effects of them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
31 |
THE EPISCOPATE OF PAPA
Slow growth of the Church at Seleucia-Ctesiphon—Traditions concerning early bishops—Fear of a persection—Election of Papa as Bishop of the Capital |
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