THEOSISAthanasius the Great
Is it any surprise that Constantius, having strayed into heresy, acted so mercilessly towards the bishops, especially since he showed no compassion even to his own family, which is a common flaw among men? He murdered his uncles, wiped out his cousins, and killed his father-in-law, to whose daughter he was still wed, showing no mercy to his suffering relatives. Above all, he was a violator of oaths; thus, he dared to act wickedly toward his brother. He feigned the intent to erect a tombstone for him, while instead he handed over Olympias, who was pledged to him, to the barbarian invaders, despite rearing her as his future spouse until his demise.
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He seeks to disregard his brother's will, even though he professes to be his heir, penning words that any person with a semblance of decency would find shameful. Comparing his letters reveals that he is not inherently inclined this way; rather, he is swayed by the influence of others, lacking independent thought entirely. Solomon wisely states, "Unto the king that heareth the words of unrighteousness, all that are under him are transgressors of the law." His actions demonstrate that he is unjust, and those around him are also lawbreakers. Consequently, if he himself is such and surrounds himself with those of similar character, can he possibly possess righteous and sound judgment? He is ensnared by the lawlessness of his circle, whose minds are subjugated. Thus, he writes, later regrets his writings, feels tormented, and, caught in confusion, reveals that his spirit is devoid of clarity. Such is the character of Constantius.