Now to this same Fabius, who was somewhat inclining toward the schism, Dionysius of Alexandria also wrote, and, having gone through many other things concerning repentance in his letters to him, and recounting the struggles of those lately then martyred at Alexandria, he relates, along with the rest of the narrative, a certain matter full of wonder, which it is necessary to hand down here in this writing, being as follows:
「This one example that has occurred among us I will set forth to you. There was a certain Serapion among us, a faithful old man, who had lived blamelessly for a long time, but fell in the time of trial. This man often besought, and no one heeded him, for indeed he had sacrificed; and falling into sickness, he continued for three successive days speechless and senseless.」
Having rallied a little on the fourth day, he summoned his grandson and said, “How long, my child, do you hold me back? I beg you, make haste and release me quickly; call one of the presbyters to me.” And when he had said this, he again fell silent.
The boy ran to fetch the presbyter; but it was night, and the presbyter was unwell and could not come. However, since I had given an order that those departing this life, if they made request—especially if they had previously made supplication—should be granted absolution, so that they might depart in good hope, he gave the little boy a small portion of the Eucharist, bidding him soak it and let it drip into the old man’s mouth.
The boy returned, carrying it; and as he drew near, before he entered, Serapion revived again and said, “Have you come, my child? The presbyter could not come, but you—do quickly what was commanded, and release me.” The boy soaked it, and at the same moment poured it into his mouth; and when the old man had swallowed a little, he immediately gave up his spirit.
Was it not plainly evident that he was preserved and kept in life until he was released, so that, with his sin blotted out, he might be acknowledged for the many good deeds he had done? Thus far Dionysius.