Saint Anthony Patriarch of Constantinople

Monastic Life

Following his mother's death, Anthony entered a monastery at the age of twelve. He passed his nights in prayer and led a strict monastic life, emulating the example of his abbot.

Though it was against his own preference, he was ordained to the priesthood, and the patriarch subsequently insisted that he become abbot of a monastery. In that role he is said to have tonsured his own father into monastic life. He was distinguished by his mercy and by his love and concern for the destitute, to whom he gave generous help.

Patriarchate and Peacemaking

Anthony was elevated to the patriarchal throne of Constantinople in 893, succeeding Stephen I. As patriarch he intensified his care for the destitute, attending especially to their spiritual condition, and working with the Emperor Leo VI the Wise he did much good for the Church and encouraged piety among the people.

He is remembered for his work to heal the divisions in the Church. He contributed to the pacification of the Church by effecting a compromise between the supporters of Photius I and those of Patriarch Ignatius, factions that in fact shared similar theological positions.

He generously endowed monastic foundations, building a monastery over the relics of Saint Kallia and founding or re-founding the Kaulea monastery with the support of the emperor; from the latter he is known by the epithet Kauleas.

Repose and Veneration

Advanced in age, Saint Anthony reposed peacefully in 895. He came to be venerated for miracles attributed to him and is commemorated as a saint, with his feast day kept on February 12.

Sources differ on the year of his repose: the OCA synaxarion gives 895, while Wikipedia and OrthodoxWiki record 901; the present profile follows the year recorded in the anchor record.