Saint Archbishop Atticus of Constantinople

Atticus of Constantinople (Ancient Greek: Ἀττικός; died 10 October 425) was an archbishop of Constantinople, succeeding to the episcopal throne in March 406. He is known for having been an opponent of John Chrysostom whom he helped depose, and having rebuilt the small church that was located on the site of the later Hagia Sophia. He was an opponent of the Pelagians, which helped increase his popularity among the citizens of Constantinople, and he contributed to the theological framework for the developing cult of the Virgin Mary. Born at Sivas in the second half of the 4th century, Atticus early embraced a monastic life and received his education from Macedonian monks, a fact which restricted his philosophical learning and ensured he would always have an Armenian accent considered unpleasant to Greek ears.: 25  Removing to Constantinople, he adopted the orthodox faith, was ordained presbyter, and soon became known as a rising man for his intelligence, charm, and political moderation.: 26  He proved himself one of Chrysostom's most bitter adversaries. If not, as Palladius of Galatia asserts, the architect of the whole cabal, he certainly took a leading part in carrying it into execution. The organization of the Synod of the Oak owed much to his practical skill and he was one of the seven witnesses called to testify against Chrysostom.: 26  The expulsion of Chrysostom took place 10 June 404 and his successor, the aged Arsacius of Tarsus who was the brother of Chrystom's predecessor Nectarius of Constantinople, died 5 November 405. Four months of intrigue ended in the selection of Atticus. Vigorous measures were at once adopted by Atticus in conjunction with the other members of the triumvirate to which the Eastern church had been subjected, Theophilus I of Alexandria, and Porphyrus of Antioch, to crush the adherents of Chrysostom. An imperial rescript was obtained imposing the severest penalties on all who dared to reject the communion of the patriarchs.