ARCAF, GIOVANNI. - Bishop of Menfi and head of the Melitians of Egypt (4th century). A singularly turbulent figure, known for his intrigues against St. Atanasio.
Under his leadership, the Melitian party displayed great activity in seeking to destroy the bishop of Alessandria. Among other things, A. Arsenio (v.) of Ypselè to go into hiding, and then had it spread abroad that the missing man had been killed by Atanasio for purposes of magic, after having his hand cut off. But Atanasio succeeded in discovering the traces of the living-dead man, and the Caesar Delmazio was ordered not to proceed with the judicial inquiry against the accused (334). Having fallen into disgrace, A. deplored his conduct and announced to the emperor Costantino his reconciliation with Atanasio. The following year, however, he renewed his machinations, this time allied with the Arians and their protectors, and, at the Synod of Tiro (335), his party resumed its campaign of old calumnies. A. and his followers were regarded as victims of unjust oppression and were therefore admitted by the Council to communion with the Church. Having returned to Alessandria, A. sought to exploit his success, but with so little moderation that Costantino found himself compelled to exile him as a disturber of public order.