The Four Classes of Samaritans.
The Gorthenes celebrate their feasts at other times than Sebyaeans.
The Sebyaeans differ from the Gorthenes by reason of their feasts.
The Seven Heresies of the Jews.
Thus far the summary of the thirteen heresies contained in the second part of Book II.
The following belong to this third part, in which thirteen heresies are contained:
Thus far for the eighteen heresies of the fourth part of Book II.
The following five heresies are contained in the fifth part of Book II:
Thus far the five heresies of the fifth part of Book II.
The following seven heresies are contained in the first part of Book III:
Thus far similarly the seven heresies of the first part of Book III.
In the second part of Book III there are four heresies:
The Aerians. This Aerius was a native of Pontus and, being still alive, he continues to be a source of annoyance. He became a priest of the Bishop Eustathius, who has been accused of being an Arian. Since Aerius had not been appointed bishop, he gave out may things against the Church. While absolutely Arian in his faith, he has gone to even greater excess by holding that it is unnecessary to offer Mass for the deceased. He forbids fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays and during Lent, and also forbids the celebration of Easter. He preaches the renunciation of all worldly goods. He indulges without restraint in every sort of meat and food. Should any one of his followers wish to fast, he tells him not to do so on the stated days, but whenever he wishes—‘For’, says he, ‘you are not under any law’. He furthermore claims that there is no differences between bishop and priests.
Ἀεριανοί. Οὗτος ὁ Ἀέριος ἀπὸ Πόντου ὡρμᾶτο: ἔτι δὲ δεῦρο πειρασμός ἐστιν οὗτος τῷ βίῳ. Γέγονε δὲ πρεσβύτερος τοῦ ἐπισκόπου Εὐσταθίου τοῦ ἐν Ἀρειανοῖς διαβληθέντος: καὶ ἐπειδὴ αὐτὸς Ἀέριος οὐ κατέστη ἐπίσκοπος, πολλὰ κατὰ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ἐδογμάτισε, τῇ μὲν πίστει ὢν Ἀρειανὸς τελειότατος, περιττότερον δὲ δογματίζει. Μὴ δεῖν φησιν προσφέρειν ὑπὲρ τῶν κεκοιμημένων, νηστεύειν δὲ τετράδα καὶ προσάββατον καὶ τεσσαρακοστὴν καὶ πάσχα κωλύει: ἀποταξίαν ἀποκηρύττει, σαρκοφαγίαις παντοίαις κέχρηται καὶ τροφαῖς ἀδεῶς. Εἰ δέ τις τῶν αὐτοῦ βούλοιτο νηστεύειν, μὴ ἐν ἡμέραις τεταγμέναις, φησίν, ἀλλ' ὅτε βούλῃ: οὐ γὰρ εἶ, φησίν, ὑπὸ νόμον. Φάσκει δὲ μηδὲν διαφέρειν πρεσβυτέρου ἐπίσκοπον.