 The news of the brazen attempt to usurp the episcopal throne aroused the anger of the local populace among whom Gregory was popular.Maximus withdrew to Thessalonica to lay his cause before the emperor but met with a cold reception there.Theodosius committed the matter to Ascholius, the much respected bishop of Thessalonica, charging him to seek the counsel of Pope Damasus I.

Damasus' response repudiated Maximus summarily and advised Theodosius to summon a Council of Bishops for the purpose of settling various Church issues such as the schism in Antioch and the consecration of a proper bishop for the see of Constantinople.