Eutychius of Constantinople
Saint Eutychios, Patriarch of Constantinople was born in the province of Phrygia under the upbringing of well-known and pious parents. From a young age, the future saint studied the sciences. It was during his studies that Saint Eutychios realized how much more expansive God’s wisdom was in comparison to any science. After he realized this, he joined an Amesean monastery to live his life unto the Lord.
The saint received approval from Patriarch Saint Menas to be his successor as Patriarch of Constantinople as Saint Menas grew ill. The Apostle Peter also insisted that Saint Eutychios became Patriarch in a vision before emperor Justinian. In 552, he was chosen Patriarch of Constantinople.
Years as Patriarch
In his first years as Patriarch of Constantinople, Saint Eutychios called together the Fifth Ecumenical Council, in which heresies were anathematized. He had much more trouble turning down the heresy of Aphthartodocetism, or the belief that Christ was imperishable and was not able to suffer while dying on the Cross, since Emperor Justinian was fooled by the teaching. The emperor grew angry with Saint Eutychios and sent him into exile to an Amasean monastery in the year 565.
Years of Exile
While living the ascetic life in exile, he continued to serve the Lord diligently and worked miraculous bodily healings and spiritual cleansings. The saint ensured that stored grain was never used up by praying to the Lord after Persians invaded and brought Amasea to ruins. Saint Eutychios also has granted the gift of prophecy, predicating the successors of Emperor Justinian.
Final Years of Life
After remaining in exile for 12 years, Saint Eutychios, Patriarch of Constantinople, returned to his rightful position in 577. On April 6, 582 he called his clergy together as he reposed in peace.