So have you cut it off yet ?
"
Chapter 8. Origen's Daring Deed.
1. At this time while
Origen was conducting
catechetical instruction at Alexandria, a deed was done by him which evidenced an immature and youthful
mind, but at the same time gave the highest
proof of
faith and continence.
For he took the words, There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake, Matthew 19:12 in too literal and extreme a sense. And in order to fulfill the Saviour's word, and at the same time to take away from the unbelievers all opportunity for scandal — for, although young, he met for the study of divine things with
women as well as men, — he carried out in action the word of the Saviour.
2. He thought that this would not be
known by many of his acquaintances. But it was impossible for him, though desiring to do so, to keep such an action secret.
3. When Demetrius, who presided over that parish, at last learned of this, he admired greatly the daring nature of the act, and as he perceived his
zeal and the genuineness of his
faith, he immediately exhorted him to
courage, and urged him the more to continue his work of
catechetical instruction.
4. Such was he at that time. But soon afterward, seeing that he was prospering, and becoming great and distinguished among all
men, the same Demetrius, overcome by
human weakness, wrote of his deed as most foolish to the
bishops throughout the world. But the
bishops of Cesarea and Jerusalem, who were especially notable and distinguished among the
bishops of Palestine, considering
Origen worthy in the highest degree of the
honor, ordained him a
presbyter.
5. Thereupon his fame increased greatly, and his name became renowned everywhere, and he obtained no small
reputation for
virtue and wisdom. But Demetrius, having nothing else that he could say against him, save this deed of his boyhood, accused him bitterly, and dared to include with him in these accusations those who had raised him to the
presbyterate.
6. These things, however, took place a little later. But at this time
Origen continued fearlessly the instruction in divine things at Alexandria by day and night to all who came to him; devoting his entire leisure without cessation to divine studies and to his pupils.
7. Severus, having held the government for eighteen years, was succeeded by his son, Antoninus. Among those who had endured courageously the
persecution of that time, and had been preserved by the Providence of God through the conflicts of confession, was Alexander, of whom we have spoken already as
bishop of the church in Jerusalem. On account of his pre-eminence in the confession of Christ he was thought worthy of that
bishopric, while Narcissus, his predecessor, was still living."
CHURCH FATHERS: Church History, Book VI (Eusebius)