History of Armenia, by Father Michael Chamich; from B. C. 2247 to ...

HISTORY OF ARMENIA. 201
ivas a man distinguished for extraordinary suavity,
virtue, and piety, and could not resist the
entreaties of Nierses.
He therefore agreed to
the 1 (Uer's proposals, and havingreceived the tribute
and hostages, with a letter which Arsaces
wrote on the occasion to Valens the emperor, he
prepared to return to Constantinople. Theodosius
earnestly begged the holy man to accompany
him; the latter, after some hesitation, consented,
and they commenced their journey.
Nierses appointed
his deacon, Khad, whom he had lately
consecrated
bishop of Bagrevand and Arsarunians,
to preside over the church during his absence.
On the arrival of the general and the saint
at the court of the emperor, the former communicated
the peace he had concluded with the
Armenians, and presented the letter of Arsaces.
But Valens was extremely angry when he learned
the line of conduct wdiich Theodosius had adopted,
and refused to see the holy Nierses, whom he
immediately sent into banishment.
The Armenian
hostages he ordered to be put to death.
Theodosius supplicated the emperor to recal
a. d. ars.
his cruel orders; and prevailed upon him so far
as to obtain the lives of the prisoners; but nothing
that he could urge in behalf of St.
Nierses, had
the least eftect on Valens. The blessed saintwas,
forthwith, put on board ship, to proceed to the
,spot appointed for his exile. It was the winter
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