Memorial Day of Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople

On March 3, in non-leap years, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Day of Remembrance of the Patriarch of Constantinople, St Flavian (March 2 - in leap years) Flavian is also revered by Catholics (feast days are November 24 and February 18) No information has reached us about the origins of Flavian; it is known that he was a contemporary of Theodosius the Younger and his wise and God-fearing sister Pulcheria (5th century AD) The saint began his spiritual ascent with the rank of church warden, presbyter, and keeper of vessels After the death of Patriarch Proclus in 447, under his patronage, for his zealous service to God and integrity, Flavian was elevated to the rank of patriarch The ministry of the confessor came at a difficult time - the church environment was disturbed by heresies and unrest One of the ardent adherents of the heresy was Eutyches In contrast to church canons, he insisted on one hypostasis of Jesus Christ The official church recognizes two hypostases of the Son of God: human and divine To consider the false views of Eutyches in 448, Flavian was forced to convene a Council in Constantinople, at which, after a detailed analysis of the errors of Eutyches, he was excommunicated from the church and deprived of his priesthood Eutyches had an influential patron - a eunuch under the emperor - the crafty and evil Chrysaphius He used all his connections and power to acquit Eutyches Chrysaphius convinced the Bishop of Alexandria Dioscorus to convene a Council in Ephesus Subsequently he was called "robber" Dioscorus came out in defense and justification of Eutyches, accusing Saint Flavian Chrysaphius had long been plotting evil against Flavian, jealous of his godly life At the end of the Council, the confessor was severely beaten by the monks led by Varsuma They put chains on him and sent him to Ephesus The saint of God suffered for three days, then the Lord sent him death The eunuch Chrysaphius did not celebrate his victory for long The intrigues and deceit were revealed, the emperor removed Chrysaphius from himself, realizing all the injustice towards Flavian Thanks to the efforts of Sister Pulcheria, who patronized the confessor all her life, the saint’s relics were transferred with honor from Ephesus to Constantinople