Chrestus (2)

Chrestus in early Christian records, was the name of two prelates:

1. A bishop of Syracuse, was addressed by Constantine the Great A.D. 314, in a letter preserved by Eusebius (H.E. 10:5), wherein the emperor complained of the continuance of discord in Africa, and therefore ordered Chrestus to be present at the Council of Arles by August 1. Chrestus subscribed first of the bishops at Arles (Labbe, Concil. 1:1429).

2. A bishop of Nicsea, elected in the year 325, after the expulsion of Theognius for refusing to sign the Nicene Creed, at the same time that Amphion was appointed in the room of Eusebius of Nicomeadie. In the year 328 Chrestus and Amphion had to retire, on the recantation of Theognius and Eusebius.