Saint Alexander: Patriarch of Constantinople
On 30 August we commemorate Saint Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople, an important fourth-century figure in the Orthodox faith and a defender of the teaching of the First Ecumenical Council.
To Alexander.
Having escaped the bonds of the flesh, Alexander,
you have become a portion of the Lord’s inheritance.The commemorative verse addresses Alexander as one who has escaped the bonds of the flesh and become part of the Lord’s inheritance.
Before succeeding Saint Metrophanes, Alexander served as his assistant and representative. Because Metrophanes was elderly and ill, Alexander represented him at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, which condemned the teaching of Arius.
According to his life, he then visited dioceses and churches to communicate the decisions of the 318 Fathers. Despite his age, he travelled through Thrace, Macedonia and other parts of Greece. After Metrophanes’ repose, he succeeded him on the throne of Constantinople.
As a bishop, he faced difficult circumstances surrounding the Arian controversy. Church tradition relates that he was pressured to admit Arius to Holy Communion. Alexander turned to prayer, asking God’s help. Arius died before his planned restoration to the communion of the Church could take place.
Saint Alexander died peacefully at an advanced age. The life published by the Orthodox Church in America places his repose in 340, at the age of 98. The Church honours his steadfast faith and pastoral ministry.
Revealed as initiates of heavenly mysteries, you appeared to the world as proclaimers of divine truth, shepherding Christ’s Church in a manner pleasing to God: holy Alexander, champion of the Trinity; glorious John, nurtured by grace; and Paul, foremost among priests. Therefore we praise you.The hymn praises Alexander, champion of the Trinity, John, nurtured by grace, and Paul, outstanding among priests: heavenly initiates who shepherded Christ’s Church in a manner pleasing to God and made divine truth known to the world.