Page:Early Christianity in Arabia.djvu/46

34 abilities, conformed easily to the manners of the Romans, embraced a monastic life, and was made a deacon by Eusebius of Nicomedia. His reputation became so great that he was chosen by the emperor to conduct a magnificent embassy, accompanied with two hundred horses of the pure breed of Cappadocia, and other rich presents, to the court of Hamyar. The eloquence of Theophilus, seconded by the magnificence of his presents, and by the value at which the Roman alliance was estimated, are said to have prevailed upon the Arabian king to embrace the religion of Christ. He built three churches in different parts of his dominions, one in his capital, which is called by Nicephorus Taphar; another in the port of Adane, or Aden, where the Roman merchants were accustomed to resort; and a third in a Persian port on the Arabian Sea, which is supposed to have been Hormus. After having consecrated these churches, and having settled the affairs of Arabia, Theophilus continued his route with success to several countries of the east, and on his return was held in great honour and esteem by his Roman brethren.