Callinicus I of Constantinople

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Our father among the saints Callinicus I of Constantinople was the Patriarch of Constantinople from 693 to 705, during the reign of emperor Justinian II. His feast day is August 23.

Life

Little is known of the life of Callinicus. He was a presbyter in the temple of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae. In 693, he was elected to the patriarchal throne of Constantinople after the repose of Patriarch Paul III.

When Callinicus became patriarch much of the aristocracy and common people had begun to raise up in discontent against the tax, religious, and re-settlement policies of emperor Justinian II. Also, Justinian undertook the construction of a palace very near the church of the Most Holy Theotokos and wanted to demolish it. The emperor ordered Patr. Callinicus to give his blessing for its destruction. Callinicus answered that he had prayers only for the building of churches, not their destruction.

Thus, Callinicus supported those of the opposition to Justinian's rule who successfully overthrew him in 695 and placed Leontius on the imperial throne. Then in 698, Tiberius III overthrew Leontius.

In 705 however, Justinian returned from exile at Cherson and, with an army of Bulgar and Slav horsemen, successfully invaded Constantinople, subdued and killed Leontius, Tiberius III, and their partisans. Emperor again, Justinian had Callinicus arrested and blinded before being imprisoned in a monastery. The date of his death is unknown.

Succession box:
Callinicus I of Constantinople
Preceded by:
Paul III
Patriarch of Constantinople
693-705
Succeeded by:
Cyrus
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Sources