Macedonius II of Constantinople
This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2019) |
Saint Macedonius II | |
---|---|
Patriarch of Constantinople | |
Born | 5th century |
Died | c. 517 |
Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church |
Feast | April 25 |
Saint Macedonius II | |
---|---|
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople | |
Installed | 495 |
Term ended | 511 |
Predecessor | Euphemius |
Successor | Timothy I |
Personal details | |
Denomination | Chalcedonian Christianity |
Macedonius II (Greek: Μακεδόνιος; died c. 517) was Patriarch of Constantinople (495–511).
Biography
Within a year or two (the date is uncertain) he assembled a council, in which he confirmed in writing the acts of the
Anastasius employed all means to oblige Macedonius to declare against the Council of Chalcedon, but flattery and threats were alike unavailing. An assassin named Eucolus was even hired to take away his life. The patriarch avoided the blow, and ordered a fixed amount of provisions to be given monthly to the criminal. The people of Constantinople were equally zealous for the council of Chalcedon, even, more than once, to the point of sedition. To prevent unfavourable consequences, Anastasius ordered the prefect of the city to follow in the processions and attend the assemblies of the church.[1]
In 510 the Anastasius made a new effort. Macedonius would do nothing without an
ecumenical council at which the bishop of Rome should preside. Anastasius, annoyed at this answer, and irritated because Macedonius would never release him from the engagement he had made at his coronation to maintain the faith of the church and the authority of the council of Chalcedon, sought to drive him from his chair. He sent Eutychian monks and clergy, and sometimes the magistrates of the city, to load him with public outrage and insult. This caused such a tumult amongst the citizens that the emperor was obliged to shut himself up in his palace and to have ships prepared in case flight should be necessary. He sent to Macedonius, asking him to come and speak with him. Macedonius went and reproached him with the sufferings his persecutions caused the church. Anastasius stated his willingness to this, but at the same time made a third attempt to tamper with the beliefs of the patriarch.[1]
One of his instruments was Xenaïas, a Eutychian bishop. He demanded of Macedonius a declaration of his faith in writing; Macedonius addressed a memorandum to the emperor insisting that he knew no other faith than that of the Fathers of Nicaea and Constantinople, and that he anathematized
Vitalian, a relative of Macedonius, and Emperor Anastasius that the patriarch and all the deposed bishops should be restored to their sees. But Anastasius never kept his promises, and Macedonius died in exile. His death occurred c. 517, at Gangra, where he had retired for fear of the Huns, who ravaged all Cappadocia, Galatia, and Pontus.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Wace & Piercy 1911.
- Attribution
- This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Wace, Henry; Piercy, William C., eds. (1911). "Macedonius II., patriarch of Constantinople". Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century (3rd ed.). London: John Murray. cites
- Evagrius Scholasticus III. xxxi. xxxii. in ib. 2661
- Liberat. vii. in ib. 982
- Mansi, viii. 186, 198
- Theodoret. Lect. ii. 573–578, in Patr. Gk. lxxxvi.
- Theophanes Chronicle 120–123, 128, 130, 132
- Victor of Tonnenna Chronicle, in Patrologia Latina lxviii. 948