The accession of Valens gave a fresh lease of life to the Arian party. He issued a decree banishing the bishops who had been deposed by Constantius, but who had been permitted by Jovian to return to their sees. The news created the greatest consternation in the city of Alexandria itself, and the prefect, in order to prevent a serious outbreak, gave public assurance that the very special case of Athanasius would be laid before the emperor. But the saint seems to have divined what was preparing in secret against him. He quietly withdrew from Alexandria, 5 October, and took up his abode in a country house outside the city. Valens, who seems to have sincerely dreaded the possible consequences of another popular outbreak, within a few weeks issued orders allowing Athanasius to return to his episcopal see.  COUNT 8
QSN1 What party benefited from the accession of Valens? ANS1 Arian QSN2 Valens issued a decree banishing the bishops that were deposed by who? ANS2 Constantius QSN3 What saint fled from Alexandria on 5 October to a country house outside Alexandria? ANS3 Athanasius QSN4 Valens' banishment of Athanasius created the greatest consternation in what city? ANS4 Alexandria QSN5 What did the decree of Valens do? ANS5 banishing the bishops who had been deposed by Constantius QSN6 When the people in the city were concerned about Athanasius, what did the prefect do?  ANS6 case of Athanasius would be laid before the emperor QSN7 What did  Athanasius do to protect himself? ANS7 withdrew from Alexandria, 5 October QSN8 How did Valens get him to return? ANS8 issued orders allowing Athanasius to return to his episcopal see