Callinicus I of Constantinople
August 23·8th century·Byzantine Empire
Callinicus I served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 693 to 705. He is remembered for his role in deposing Emperor Justinian II and later being arrested and blinded upon Justinian II's return to power. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Key Facts
- ›Callinicus I was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 693 to 705.
- ›He was instrumental in the deposition of Emperor Justinian II.
- ›Upon Justinian II's return to the throne, Callinicus I was arrested.
- ›He was blinded and subsequently imprisoned in a monastery.
- ›He is recognized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on August 23rd.
About Callinicus I of Constantinople
Callinicus I was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, serving from 693 to 705. His tenure as patriarch coincided with a turbulent period in Byzantine history, marked by political intrigue and the shifting fortunes of emperors.
Life and Historical Context
Callinicus I is primarily remembered for his involvement in the deposition of Emperor Justinian II. He aided in placing Leontius on the Byzantine throne, an act that had significant consequences for his own life. Later, when Justinian II managed to regain power, Callinicus I was arrested. He suffered the brutal fate of being blinded before being imprisoned in a monastery.
Veneration
Despite the hardships he endured, Callinicus I is recognized and venerated as a saint within the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is commemorated annually on August 23rd, a testament to his spiritual significance and his enduring place in the tradition.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Callinicus I serve as Patriarch of Constantinople?
Callinicus I served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 693 to 705. This period was marked by significant political events within the Byzantine Empire.
What role did Callinicus I play in the deposition of Emperor Justinian II?
Callinicus I played a key role in helping to depose Emperor Justinian II. This action led to Leontius being placed on the Byzantine throne.
What happened to Callinicus I after Justinian II returned to power?
When Justinian II triumphantly returned to Constantinople and was reinstated as Emperor, Callinicus I faced severe repercussions. He was arrested, blinded, and subsequently imprisoned in a monastery.
Is Callinicus I recognized as a saint?
Yes, Callinicus I is recognized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church. His sanctity is acknowledged through his veneration and the celebration of his feast day.
When is the feast day of Callinicus I celebrated?
The feast day of Callinicus I is celebrated on August 23rd each year. This date is observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church in his honor.
Related Saints

Tarasius of Constantinople
Tarasius of Constantinople served as the Ecumenical Patriarch from 25 December 784 until his death on 25 February 806. He is primarily remembered for his role as acting chairman of the Second Council of Nicaea, which condemned Iconoclasm and formally approved the veneration of icons. Despite facing criticism for his perceived pliability to imperial power, he is revered in Eastern Orthodox Churches for his defense of icons and his efforts for Church unity.
Macedonius II of Constantinople
Macedonius II of Constantinople served as Patriarch of Constantinople from 496 to 511. He is primarily remembered for his steadfast refusal to condemn the Council of Chalcedon, enduring persecution and eventual exile from Emperor Anastasius I. His resistance made him a significant figure in the theological disputes of his era.
Cosmas I of Constantinople
Cosmas I of Constantinople was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1075 to 1081. Originally from Antioch and educated in Jerusalem, he is remembered for his role in crowning emperors and for his synodal condemnation of John Italus' heretical views. His tenure marked a period of increasing state dependence for the Church.