Born in Rome, Maximian became Patriarch of Constantinople in 434 following the deposition of Nestorius. Despite his lack of eloquence, his piety and spirit of peace helped to calm the religious quarrels of his time. He died suddenly after a short episcopate of two years.
Guided reading
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SAINT MAXIMIAN, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE (434).
Origins and vocation
Born into a noble Roman family, Maximian settled in Constantinople where he was ordained a priest by Patriarch Sisinnius.
Maximian was born in Rom Rome Birthplace of Maximian. e to a wealthy and powerful family; but he left his native city and went to Consta ntinople, wher Constantinople City where the saint exercised his ministry and patriarchate. e his affability and love of virtue won him the affection of everyone. Patriarch Sisinnius conferred th e priesth Sisionius Patriarch of Constantinople who ordained Maximian as a priest. ood upon him, and after the condemnation of Nestorius, he found Nestorius Condemned patriarch to whom Maximian succeeded. himself forced to succeed to the patriarchate. He was already broken by old age and mortifications; furthermore, he was neither learned nor eloquent. But his profound piety, his gentle and peaceful spirit, his holiness, in a word, made him judged worthy and capable of ending the disputes: which has always been the most essential thing among t he Greeks. Pop saint Célestin Pope who confirmed the election of Maximian. e Saint Celestine, in the letter by which he confirmed hi s election; Saint Cyril of saint Cyrille d'Alexandrie Church Father who praised Maximian. Alex andria, the Coun concile d'Éphèse Ecumenical council that validated the position of Maximian. cil of Ephesus, all praised Saint Maximian. He sat for only two years and five months. He died suddenly on April 12, 434. The Greeks celebrate his feast on April 21.
Accession to the Patriarchate
After the deposition of Nestorius, Maximian was chosen to succeed him despite his advanced age and lack of eloquence, thanks to his piety.
Maximian was born in Rome to a wealthy and powerful family; but he left his native city and went to Constantinople, where his affability and love of virtue won him the affection of everyone. The patriarch Sisinnius conferred the priesthood upon him, and after the condemnation of Nestorius, he found himself forced to succeed to the patriarchate. He was already broken by old age and mortifications; furthermore, he was neither learned nor eloquent. But his profound piety, his gentle and peaceful spirit, his holiness, in a word, made him judged worthy and capable of ending the disputes: which has always been the most essential thing among the Greeks. Pope Saint Celestine, in the letter by which he confirms his election; Saint Cyril of Alexandria, the Council of Ephesus, all praised Saint Maximian. He sat for only two years and five months. He died suddenly on April 12, 434. The Greeks celebrate his feast on April 21.
Recognition and end of life
Supported by the Pope and the Council of Ephesus, he served a short term of two years before dying suddenly in 434.
Maximian was born in Rome to a wealthy and powerful family; but he left his native city and went to Constantinople, where his affability and love of virtue won him the affection of everyone. The patriarch Sisinnius conferred the priesthood upon him, and after the condemnation of Nestorius, he found himself forced to succeed to the patriarchate. He was already broken by old age and mortifications; furthermore, he was neither learned nor eloquent. But his deep piety, his gentle and peaceful spirit, his holiness, in a word, made him judged worthy and capable of ending the disputes: which has always been the most essential thing among the Greeks. Pope Saint Celestine, in the letter by which he confirms his election; Saint Cyril of Alexandria, the Council of Ephesus, all praised Saint Maximian. He sat for only two years and five months. He died suddenly on April 12, 434. The Greeks celebrate his feast on April 21.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Born in Rome to a wealthy family
- Installation in Constantinople
- Ordination to the priesthood by Patriarch Sisinnius
- Election to the Patriarchate of Constantinople following the condemnation of Nestorius
- Confirmation of his election by Pope Saint Celestine
- Sudden death after a reign of two years and five months