St Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople (+893)

Saint Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople (+893), was the youngest son of the Emperor Basil the Macedonian and brother of the Emperor Leo the Wise; he was ordained priest in the time of Patriarch Photius. In 886 Patriarch Photius was forced to leave the hierarchal throne. Saint Stephen was elected to the see of Constantinople. The hierarch watchfully guarded his flock; he was merciful, a champion of the needy, and cared for widows and orphans. He reposed in peace in 893. He was buried in the monastery of Sikelia.