Saint Macedonius II of Constantinople

Macedonius II of Constantinople (Greek: Μακεδόνιος; died c. 517) was patriarch of Constantinople (496–511). Within a year or two (the date is uncertain) he assembled a council, in which he confirmed in writing the acts of the Council of Chalcedon. In 507 Elias I of Jerusalem, patriarch of Jerusalem, who had been unwilling to sanction the deposition of Euphemius of Constantinople, united himself in communion with Macedonius. The emperor Anastasius I Dicorus employed all means to oblige Macedonius to declare against the Council of Chalcedon, but flattery and threats were alike unavailing. An assassin named Eucolus was even hired to take away his life. The patriarch avoided the blow and ordered a fixed amount of provisions to be given monthly to the criminal. The people of Constantinople were equally zealous for the council of Chalcedon, even, more than once, to the point of sedition. To prevent unfavourable consequences, Anastasius I ordered the prefect of the city to follow in the processions and attend the assemblies of the church. In 510 Anastasius I made a new effort. Macedonius II would do nothing without an ecumenical council at which the bishop of Rome should preside. Anastasius I, annoyed at this answer and irritated because Macedonius would never release him from the engagement he had made at his coronation to maintain the faith of the Church and the authority of the council of Chalcedon, sought to drive him from his chair. He sent Eutychian monks and clergy, and sometimes the magistrates of the city, to load him with public outrage and insult. This caused such a tumult amongst the citizens that the emperor was obliged to shut himself up in his palace and to have ships prepared in case flight should be necessary. He sent to Macedonius, asking him to come and speak with him. Macedonius II went and reproached him with the sufferings his persecutions caused the Church.