in Bithynia, of a noble family, early embraced the monastic life and took holy orders. Going to Constantinople, he made the acquaintance of Chrysostom, who was so highly pleased with him that, before 403, he ordained him bishop of the city of Basilinopolis. He shared the fall of Chrysostom, and, retiring to his native country, settled at Ptolemais, where Synesius found him in 410. He was afraid, however, to receive him in church or to appear with him in public on account of the malign influence of Theophilus of Alexandria. On the publication of the amnesty after Chrysostom's death, Alexander refused to avail himself of it or leave Ptolemais, deeming the peace a false one. See Synesius, Epistle 56, 57.