Tarasius of Constantinople

Tarasius of Constantinople (c. 730 – February 25, 806) was a significant figure in the Byzantine Church, serving as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from December 25, 784, until his death. Born and raised in Constantinople, he came from a prominent family and pursued a career in secular administration, eventually holding the rank of senator and serving as imperial secretary to Emperor Constantine VI and Empress Irene. His election as patriarch was unusual, as he was a layman at the time, recommended by his predecessor, Patriarch Paul IV.

Background and Election

Tarasios's appointment was influenced by his Iconodule sympathies and his willingness to follow imperial directives that did not contradict the faith. Empress Irene selected him, and to qualify for the patriarchal office, he underwent ordination as a deacon and then a priest before his consecration as a bishop. His acceptance of the patriarchate was conditional on the restoration of church unity with Rome and the Oriental Patriarchs, and the convening of a council to address the Iconoclast controversy.

The Second Council of Nicaea

A pivotal moment in Tarasius's patriarchate was his leadership in the Second Council of Nicaea, convened in 787. He served as the acting chairman of the council, which formally condemned Iconoclasm and re-established the veneration of religious images. This council was a crucial step in resolving the long-standing iconoclastic dispute within the Byzantine Empire. Tarasius adopted a moderate stance towards former Iconoclasts, which later drew criticism from figures like Theodore the Studite.

Controversies and End of Patriarchate

Later in his tenure, Tarasius became involved in a significant controversy surrounding Emperor Constantine VI's divorce from his wife Maria of Amnia and subsequent remarriage to Theodote. Tarasius reluctantly condoned the divorce, leading to widespread scandal among the monastic community. Although he refused to officiate the emperor's second marriage, his consent to the divorce drew sharp criticism. He eventually excommunicated the priest who performed the ceremony under pressure from Theodore the Studite.

Tarasios continued to serve under subsequent imperial regimes, including those of Irene and Nikephoros I. His reputation was sometimes marred by accusations of tolerance of simony (the buying and selling of church offices). However, his perceived pliability proved advantageous to the emperors, allowing him to remain in office until his death. The precedent set by Tarasius's election as a layman may have influenced the later selections of Nikephoros I and Photios I as patriarchs.

Sainthood and Legacy

Despite some scholarly criticism regarding his perceived deference to imperial authority, Tarasius is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches. He is honored for his staunch defense of icon veneration and his efforts to maintain peace and unity within the Church. His feast day is celebrated on February 25. The Catholic Church also commemorates him on February 18.