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Eusebius was a pupil of Lucian the Martyr, in whose school Eusebius learned the doctrines that came to be called [[Arianism]]. He became Bishop of Berytus but managed to get a transfer to the [[See]] of [[Nicomedia]], which was the residence of the Eastern Emperor Licinius. In [[Nicomedia]] he was well favored by Licinius’ wife Constantia, who was the sister of Constantine.
Arius, after his condemnation by [[Alexander of Alexandria]], took refuge at [[Caesarea ]] and asked for and received support from Eusebius, whom Arius noted as a “fellow Lucianist.” Arius had also been a pupil of Lucian. Eusebius, taking the lead, wrote many letters supporting Arius. In response to these letters, Alexander sent letters to many [[bishop]]s warning them of the [[heresy]] taught by Arius and Eusebius. In backing Arius, Eusebius convened a [[synod|council]] of bishops in his province asking them to support Arius and to influence Alexander to support Arius. This council authorized Arius to return to the [[church]] in Alexandria.
After Constantine defeated Licinius in 323, he turned his attention to the doctrinal dispute within the Church. Constantine tried to achieve an understanding between the parties but found this not possible. Then, following the example of the “general” council at Arles that met to settle the case of the [[Donatism|Donatists]], Constantine summoned a council of the bishops from all his dominions to settle the dispute over Arianism. The council, which became known as the [[First Ecumenical Council]], met in [[Nicea]] in 325. At the council Eusebius and his friends put forward an Arian confession of faith. However, it was not well received, with only seventeen supporters among the over three hundred bishops attending the council.
