06 Works, Today, March 8th, is Saint Theophylaktos' Day, With Footnotes - #66

Saint Theophylaktos, Bishop of Nicomedia 

Saint Theophylactus lived at Constantinople in the eighth century during the time of the Iconoclast heresy. After the death of the iconoclast emperor Leo IV the Khazar (775-780), Emperor Constantine VI (780-797) ascended the throne. At the same time, the holy Patriarch Paul (August 30), not having the strength to continue guiding the flock in the face of iconoclasm, voluntarily resigned his office (784). Saint Tarasius (February 25) was chosen in his place. At that time, he was an eminent imperial counselor. Under the supervision of the new Patriarch the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787) was convened to condemn the Iconoclast heresy. A relatively peaceful time began for the Church, and monasteries again began to fill with monks.

The Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council
Regional synod in Constantinople, held in 843 A.D

Simon Ushakov (?)

Seventh ecumenical council, Icon, 17th century, c. 1670
Comes from the Novodevichy Convent, Moscow
Wood; tempera
177 x 133 x 4.5
Moscow, the Armory

Simon Ushakov, (born 1626, Moscow, Russia—died June 25, 1686, Moscow), iconographer, portrait painter, builder of monuments, designer, cartographer, book illustrator, theoretician, and teacher who was the most distinguished Russian artist of the 17th century. He was for many years the head of the Imperial Icon Painting Workshop in the Kremlin Armory.

Ushakov lived during an era of great changes, and, like the masters of the Renaissance, he worked in a wide range of media. At the same time, he was representative of traditional Muscovite piety and an admirer of monasticism. One of the icons he painted was celebrated for its healing powers, and—according to the hagiography of Saint Hyllarion, who was related to Ushakov—miracles occurred in Ushakov’s Moscow home near the Church of the Trinity in Nikitniki. More on Simon Ushakov

St. Tarasius of Constantinople

Saint Theophylactus, a gifted disciple of Saint Tarasius, with the blessing of the Patriarch, went to a monastery on the coast of the Black Sea with Saint Michael (May 23). The zealous ascetics by their God-pleasing labors and intense prayer were granted the gift of wonderworking by God. During a drought, when the workers in the field were weakened by thirst, the saints prayed and an empty vessel became filled with enough water to last the entire day.

After several years in the monastery, they were both consecrated as bishops by Patriarch Tarasius. Saint Michael was made Bishop of Synada, and Saint Theophylactus was made Bishop of Nicomedia.

Heading the Church of Nicomedia, Saint Theophylactus cared for the flock entrusted to him. He built churches, hospices, homes for wanderers, he generously distributed alms, was the guardian of orphans, widows and the sick, and personally attended those afflicted with leprosy, not hesitating to wash their wounds.

Jesus Christ, St Theophylact, St Euphrosyne with oklad

When the iconoclast Leo the Armenian (813-820) came to the imperial throne, the terrible heresy burst forth with renewed strength.

The proclamation of Emperor Leo V the Armenian

But the iconoclast emperor was not able to influence Saint Nicephorus (June 2), the successor of Patriarch Tarasius, who with the other bishops vainly urged Leo not to destroy the peace of the Church. Saint Theophylactus was present at the negotiations of the emperor with the Patriarch. Denouncing the heretics, Saint Theophylactus predicted a speedy death for Leo the Armenian. For his bold prophecy the saint was sent into exile to the fortress Strobil (in Asia Minor). He languished for thirty years until his death, which took place around the year 845.

After the restoration of icon-veneration in the year 847 under the empress Saint Theodora (February 11) and her son Michael, the holy relics of Saint Theophylactus were returned to Nicomedia. More on Saint Theophylaktos

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