Alexander of Constantinople
Alexander of Constantinople served as bishop of Byzantium from 314 and later as the first bishop of Constantinople from 330, a city renamed during his tenure. He is known for his opposition to Arianism and his refusal to reinstate Arius into church communion, a stance he maintained despite imperial pressure. Most available information about Alexander is considered legendary by scholars.
Key Facts
- ›Served as bishop of Byzantium from 314 and the first bishop of Constantinople from 330.
- ›Was elected as a vicar to assist the aged Bishop Metrophanes of Byzantium, whom he succeeded.
- ›Engaged in debates with pagan philosophers and opposed heresies during his episcopacy.
- ›Refused to reinstate Arius into church communion, despite threats from Emperor Constantine the Great.
- ›Is regarded as a saint of the Church, with his feast day celebrated on August 30th.
- ›Scholars consider most of the available information on Alexander to be legendary.
Opposed Arianism, Refused To Reinstate Arius Into Communion
About Alexander of Constantinople
Alexander of Constantinople was a significant early ecclesiastical figure who served as the bishop of Byzantium from 314 and subsequently became the first bishop of Constantinople following the city's renaming in 330. He held this episcopal office until his death in 337. Scholars generally regard much of the available historical information concerning Alexander as legendary, making a precise historical reconstruction challenging.
Early Life and Election
According to hagiographical tradition, Alexander hailed from Calabria in Italy, with parents named George and Vryaine. His early life was marked by monastic devotion, spiritual discipline, and divine visions. He was elected as a vicar to assist the elderly bishop Metrophanes of Byzantium. Metrophanes, unable to attend the First Council of Nicaea in 325 due to age and infirmity, designated Alexander as his successor. Alexander succeeded Metrophanes as bishop in 314, at the age of 73.
Role in Ecclesiastical Affairs
During his episcopacy, Alexander was actively engaged in theological debates, particularly in opposing the Arian controversy. He was highly esteemed by prominent church fathers such as Gregory Nazianzus and Epiphanius of Salamis, with Theodoret referring to him as an "apostolic" bishop. A pivotal moment in his tenure involved the Arian controversy, where he collaborated with Pope Alexander I of Alexandria. Despite pressure from Emperor Constantine the Great and the Eusebians to readmit Arius to communion following the condemnation of his teachings at the Council of Nicaea, Alexander steadfastly refused, believing Arius had not genuinely repented. This stance is often cited as a key event preceding Arius's sudden death.
Death and Legacy
Alexander died in 337, not long after Arius. On his deathbed, he is said to have appointed his vicar, Paul I of Constantinople, as his successor and cautioned against Macedonius I of Constantinople. Alexander is venerated as a saint within the Church, with his feast day observed on August 30th. The service in his honor was printed in Venice in 1771, and ancient manuscripts indicate his commemoration on June 2nd.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alexander bishop of Byzantium and Constantinople?
Alexander served as bishop of Byzantium starting in 314. When the city was renamed Constantinople in 330, he became its first bishop, a position he held until his death in 337.
What was Alexander's role in the Arian controversy?
Alexander was requested by Pope Alexander I of Alexandria to help combat the Arian heresy. He condemned Arius's teachings at the Council of Nicaea and later refused Emperor Constantine's command to readmit Arius to communion, believing Arius was not truly repentant.
Who was Alexander's successor?
On his deathbed, Alexander nominated his vicar, Paul I of Constantinople, as his successor. He also warned his clergy against Macedonius I of Constantinople.
Is Alexander considered a saint?
Yes, after his death, Alexander came to be regarded as a saint of the Church. His feast day is celebrated annually on August 30th.
What is known about Alexander's early life?
According to the Synaxarion, Alexander was from Calabria, Italy, and his parents were George and Vryaine. From a young age, he lived in a monastery, cultivated virtue, and experienced divine visions, though he also faced hardships including attacks by Saracens during his travels around Greece with his pupils.
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