Nectarius of Constantinople
Nectarius of Constantinople served as the Archbishop of Constantinople from 381 until his death in 397. He is notable for his unexpected appointment to the episcopate as a catechumen, his role in the First Council of Constantinople, and his abolition of the office of presbyter penitentiary. Nectarius is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Key Facts
- ›Archbishop of Constantinople from 381 to 397.
- ›Succeeded Gregory of Nazianzus and was succeeded by John Chrysostom.
- ›Appointed by Emperor Theodosius I while still a catechumen.
- ›Presided over the First Council of Constantinople.
- ›His tenure saw the promulgation of canon 3 of the First Council, elevating Constantinople's rank.
- ›Abolished the office of presbyter penitentiary due to a scandal.
- Presided Over the First Council of Constantinople, Whose Canons He Signed.
- the 3rd Canon of the First Council of Constantinople, Which Granted the Bishop of Constantinople the First Rank After the Bishop of Rome, Was Enacted During His Tenure.
- Urged Against Excessive Tolerance of the Apollinarians In A Letter.
Archbishop of Constantinople, Saint
4th Century
Constantinople, Cilicia
Apollinarians, Arianism, Pneumatomachians
First Council of Constantinople
About Nectarius of Constantinople
Nectarius served as the Archbishop of Constantinople from 381 until his death on September 27, 397. He is recognized as a significant figure in the early Church, particularly for his role in the aftermath of the First Council of Constantinople and for his administrative reforms.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Tarsus in Cilicia to a noble family, Nectarius was known for his admirable character. At the time of the First Council of Constantinople, he held the position of praetor of Constantinople. His ascent to the episcopate was remarkably swift and unexpected; he was a catechumen when Emperor Theodosius I selected him from a list of candidates to become the new Archbishop, causing considerable surprise among the bishops. Upon his selection, Nectarius was baptized and immediately assumed his episcopal duties, presiding over the remainder of the First Council of Constantinople.
Contributions and Significance
Nectarius' tenure as Archbishop lasted for upwards of 16 years, during which he is considered to have been a capable prelate. His name is prominently featured as the first signatory to the canons of the First Council of Constantinople. A significant outcome of this council, enacted during Nectarius' time, was the promulgation of the 3rd canon, which established the Bishop of Constantinople as holding the first rank after the bishop of Rome, due to Constantinople's status as the "new Rome." Nectarius also played a role in discussions and synods aimed at resolving theological disputes, including those involving Arians and Pneumatomachians. Towards the close of his episcopate, Nectarius abolished the office of presbyter penitentiary, an ecclesiastical role that had become associated with a scandal. This reform was widely adopted by other bishops.
Veneration
Nectarius of Constantinople is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with a feast day observed on October 11. He is remembered for his role in shaping the ecclesiastical landscape of the late 4th century and for his administrative decisions that influenced the Church's structure.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nectarius of Constantinople?
Nectarius was the Archbishop of Constantinople from 381 until his death in 397. He succeeded Saint Gregory of Nazianzus and was followed by John Chrysostom. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
How was Nectarius appointed Archbishop?
Nectarius' appointment was unexpected. While he was a praetor of Constantinople and preparing for a journey, he impressed Diodorus of Tarsus, who suggested him as a candidate. Emperor Theodosius I ultimately chose Nectarius from a list of candidates presented by the bishops at the First Council of Constantinople, despite Nectarius being a catechumen at the time.
What was Nectarius' role in the First Council of Constantinople?
Nectarius became president of the First Council of Constantinople immediately after his baptism and consecration as bishop. His name heads the 150 signatures to the canons of this important ecumenical council.
What significant administrative change did Nectarius implement?
Towards the end of his episcopate, Nectarius abolished the office of presbyter penitentiary. This office had been responsible for receiving confessions before communion, and its abolition was prompted by a scandal. His action was followed by most other bishops.
When did Nectarius die and who succeeded him?
Nectarius died in office on September 27, 397. He was succeeded by Saint John Chrysostom, another prominent figure in the early Church.
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