Serapion
Serapion bishop of Thumeos, in Egypt, called Scholasticus because of his eloquence and dialectical keenness, is said by Rufinus to have been abbot of numerous monasteries, and to have exercised rule over some ten thousand hermits, whom he employed in reaping at harvest time, in order that their earnings might aid in supporting impoverished Christians about Alexandria. Antonius and Athanasius are reported to have been his intimate friends and counselors, the latter having secured his elevation to the bishopric. In 348 Serapion attended the Council of Sardica, and helped to procure the acquittal of Athanasius from the charges under which he lay; and when the latter had again fallen under the displeasure of the emperor Constantius, Serapion was one of the five bishops who were delegated to attempt his restoration to favor. He died A.D. 358. See Socrates, Hist. Ecclesiastes 4, 23.
Chrysostom's deacon at Constantinople, under Honorius and Arcadius, was another Serapion, who aided that father ill enforcing a thorough discipline among the clergy, of whom he said that only the utmost strictness could secure their improvement. The clergy were exasperated by his words and actions, and sought to excite the opposition of the populace against both reformers, but in vain; and Chrysostom ultimately made Serapion bishop of Heraclea in Thrace.
