Philagrius

Theodore, the governor of Egypt, was known to be a good Catholic and friendly to Athanasius.

He was therefore removed, and an apostate called Philagrius, notorious for his violence and cruelty, was put in his place.

The first act of this man was to publish an edict stating that Gregory was the patriarch of Alexandria, and that Athanasius was to be treated as an enemy.

With armed troops, he then took possession of the city churches, while Gregory, with a strong escort of soldiers, made his entrance into the town.