St Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople (+326)
Saint Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople (+325–326), laboured in the time of Constantine the Great (306–337). His father, Dometius, was the brother of the Roman Emperor Probus (276–282). Dometius recognised the powerlessness of the pagan religion and believed in Christ. At that time a cruel persecution of Christians began in Rome, and the saint took refuge in Byzantium with his two sons, Probus and Metrophanes, where he began to study Holy Scripture under the guidance of Bishop Titus (242–272), distinguished by his holiness. Titus, who saw his disciple’s divine zeal and tireless desire to labour for the glory of the Lord, ordained him priest. After the death of Titus the hierarch’s staff was handed to Dometius (272–303), and on the episcopal throne he was succeeded by his sons: first Probus (303–315), and then Metrophanes (in 316).
Once the Emperor Constantine came to Byzantium and was delighted by the beauty of the city and its convenient situation. He also saw the holy life of Metrophanes, shining with wisdom, and took him with him to Rome. Soon Constantine the Great moved the capital of the empire to Byzantium and brought the holy father back to what was now the royal city. In 325 the First Ecumenical Council met in Nicaea to reject the heresy of Arius. The holy emperor proposed to the holy fathers of the council that they choose Saint Metrophanes as patriarch, and so he became the first Patriarch of Constantinople. The saint, already very old, could not attend the council, and sent the chorepiscopus Alexander in his place. After the council ended, the emperor with the holy fathers visited the sick patriarch; at Constantine the Great’s request he named his worthy successor, Bishop Alexander, and foretold that after him Paul, who was then serving as a reader, would steer the Church. And after Paul the archdeacon Athanasius would occupy the patriarchal throne.
Saint Metrophanes died around 326, at the age of 117. His incorrupt relics rest in Constantinople, in the church that bears his name.
