Meletius of Antioch
Meletius of Antioch was a Christian patriarch of Antioch who served from 360 to 381. His episcopate was significantly shaped by the Meletian schism, a theological dispute within the Antiochene Church. Despite facing multiple exiles under Arian emperors, he played a crucial role in the First Council of Constantinople in 381 and is venerated as a saint.
Key Facts
- ›Patriarch of Antioch from 360 to 381.
- ›Dominated by the Meletian schism, a dispute with rival Bishop Paulinus II of Antioch.
- ›Exiled from Antioch in 361–362, 365–366, and 371–378.
- ›Presided over the First Council of Constantinople in 381.
- ›His theological position was complex, being exiled by Arian emperors but opposed by staunchly pro-Nicene figures.
- ›Venerated as a saint and confessor in Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox churches.
- Complex Theological Position, Neither Thoroughly Nicene Nor Decidedly Arian.
- Advocated For Three Hypostases In the Divine Trinity, Distinguishing Him From the Older Pro-Nicene Eustathians Who Preferred A Single Hypostasis.
- His Formula Was Considered Indefinite By Some.
Patriarch of Antioch, Saint, Confessor
4th Century
Antioch, Lesser Armenia
Meletian
Arianism
First Council of Constantinople
About Meletius of Antioch
Meletius of Antioch (Greek: Μελέτιος, Meletios) was a prominent Christian patriarch of Antioch who served from 360 until his death in 381. His time as bishop was largely defined by the significant theological dispute known as the Meletian schism, which deeply divided the Church in Antioch and involved a rival bishop, Paulinus II of Antioch.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Melitene, Lesser Armenia, to a wealthy and noble family, Meletius first appeared in ecclesiastical circles around 357. He initially aligned with the Acacian faction, supporting the Homoean formula, which stated the Son was like the Father without reference to essence. He was consecrated bishop of Sebaste but resigned due to opposition from Homoousian clergy. He became patriarch of Antioch in 360. However, his tenure was turbulent, leading to his exile on three separate occasions: 361–362, 365–366, and 371–378, often under Arian emperors.
Theological Contributions and the Meletian Schism
Meletius' theological position is described as complex, being exiled by Arian emperors yet facing opposition from staunchly pro-Nicene figures like Eustathius of Antioch and Athanasius of Alexandria. The Meletian schism involved differing views on the Trinity. The Meletians maintained that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were three hypostases, while the older pro-Nicene Eustathians preferred the language of a single hypostasis, describing the Trinity as three prosōpa. This distinction was a point of contention, with figures like Basil of Caesarea scrutinizing the terminology.
Role in Councils and Legacy
Despite the schism, Meletius' influence grew, and he was increasingly seen as approximating the views of the Nicene Creed. Upon his return to Antioch after his final exile, he was hailed as a leader of orthodoxy. He presided over the great synod of Antioch in 379, which aimed to establish dogmatic agreement between East and West. He also played a key role in supporting Gregory of Nazianzus and presided over the First Council of Constantinople in 381, the Second Ecumenical Council. Meletius died shortly after the council's opening. He is remembered for his remarkable asceticism despite his private wealth and is venerated as a saint and confessor in the Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox churches, with his feast day observed on February 12.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Meletius of Antioch patriarch?
Meletius of Antioch served as patriarch from 360 until his death in 381. His tenure was significantly marked by the Meletian schism.
What was the Meletian schism?
The Meletian schism was a major dispute within the Antiochene Church, primarily between Meletius and a rival bishop named Paulinus II of Antioch. It involved differing theological views on the Trinity.
Why was Meletius exiled multiple times?
Meletius was exiled from Antioch during the reigns of Arian emperors, specifically in 361–362, 365–366, and 371–378. These exiles were often due to political and theological conflicts of the era.
What role did Meletius play in the First Council of Constantinople?
Meletius presided over the First Council of Constantinople in 381, which is also known as the Second Ecumenical Council. This was one of his last significant acts before his death.
Is Meletius of Antioch considered a saint?
Yes, Meletius is venerated as a saint and confessor in the Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox churches. His feast day is celebrated on February 12.
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Diodore of Tarsus
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