In the event of the death of a non-Melitian bishop or ecclesiastic, the vacant see might be given to a Melitian, provided he was worthy and the popular election were ratified by Alexander. Melitius' episcopal rights and prerogatives were taken from him. These mild measures, however, were in vain; the Melitians joined the Arians and caused more dissension than ever, being among the worst enemies of Athanasius.
in tHe EvEnt of tHe death Of a non-mElitIaN BIshop or eCClesiastic, the vAcAnT See mighT BE gIVEn TO A mELitIaN, ProviDEd hE was wORTHy and thE popULar election wErE ratifieD by aleXAnDer. melItIuS' ePIsCOpAl riGHts and pReRoGAtivEs wErE taKEN from HiM. thESe mild meaSureS, hOWEver, weRe in vAin; tHe MelITiAns joIned tHe aRIaNS anD caUsed mORE disSension than ever, BeINg amOng The Worst eNemies oF athanasIus.