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Maximianus of Constantinople | |
|---|---|
| Archbishop of Constantinople | |
| Installed | 25 October 431 |
| Term ended | 12 April 434 |
| Predecessor | Nestorius of Constantinople |
| Successor | Proclus of Constantinople |
| Personal details | |
| Born | |
| Died | 12 April 434 |
| Denomination | Eastern Christianity |
Maximianus of Constantinople (Greek: Μαξιμινιανός; died 12 April 434) was thearchbishop of Constantinople from 25 October 431 until his death on 12 April 434.
Maximianus was born inRome from wealthy and pious parents. He had led a monastic life and had entered presbyteral orders; his action in building, at his own expense, tombs for the remains of holy men had obtained for him a reputation of sanctity.Sisinnius I of Constantinople ordained him presbyter.[1]
The action of the firstCouncil of Ephesus had thrown the churches of Constantinople into direst confusion. A large proportion of the citizens held strongly toNestorius; theclergy, with one voice, agreed in theanathema. When the deposition became a fact no longer to be disputed, the excitement was continued about the election of a successor. After four months, agreement was arrived at in the election of Maximian.[2]
In principles he followed the formerarchbishops,John Chrysostom,Atticus of Constantinople, andSisinnius I of Constantinople.Pope Celestine I wrote to him in highly complimentary terms on his elevation. The appointment was made by the unanimous vote of clergy,Roman emperor, and people. The letter of Maximianus announcing to the pope his succession is lost, but that toCyril of Alexandria remains, with its high eulogium on Cyril's constancy in defending the cause ofJesus.[2]
It was the custom for occupants of the principalsees on election to send asynodical letter to the most considerable bishops of theChristian world, asking for the assurance of theircommunion. Maximianus sent his synodical to the Easterns as to the others. Communion was refused by bishopHelladius of Tarsus; and, we may conclude, byEutherios of Tyana,Himerius of Nicomedia, andDorotheus of Martianopolis, as Maximianus deposed them. PatriarchJohn I of Antioch approved the refusal of thebishop of Tarsus and praised him for having declined to insert the name of Maximianus in thediptychs of his church.[2]
Maximianus's earnest appeal for reunion continued.Pope Sixtus III wrote to him several times, urging him to extend his charity to all whom he could possibly regain. Maximianus spared no effort, and although he was in closest harmony with Saint Cyril, he pressed him strongly to give up his anathemas, which seemed an insurmountable obstacle to reunion. He even wrote to the emperor's secretary Aristolaus the tribune, who was greatly interested in the question of peace, almost complaining that he did not press Cyril enough on the point, and to hisarchdeacon Epiphanius.[2]
Harmony being restored, John of Antioch and the other Eastern bishops wrote Maximianus a letter of communion indicating their consent to his election and to the deposition of Nestorius. Cyril wrote to him, attributing the blessed result to the force of his prayers. A letter to Maximianus from Aristolaus, which Maximianus caused to be read in his church to his people, was pronounced spurious by Dorotheus of Martianopolis, evidently because it took the side of Maximianus so decidedly.[2]
Maximianus died in office. Of all his letters, only that to Saint Cyril is extant.[2]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Sinclair, W.M. (1911). "Maximianus, archbishop of Constantinople". InWace, Henry; Piercy, William C. (eds.).Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century (3rd ed.). London: John Murray.[1] Sinclair cites:| Titles of the Great Christian Church | ||
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| Preceded by | Archbishop of Constantinople 431 – 434 | Succeeded by |
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