Constantine XI Palaiologos

Constantine XI Palaiologos

Constantine XI Palaeiologos, or Palaeologos (Gr: Κωνσταντίνος ΙΑ' Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος), was the last reigning Byzantine Emperor of the Palaiologos Dynasty, born 1404 AD in Mystras, and ruled from 1449 until his death in May 29, 1453, at the Fall of Constantinople. He is also referred to as Dragases.

Brief history

Constantine was the son of Emperor Manuel II. He was trained as a soldier and in 1441 conquered the Morea Peninsula of Greece. It had long been under the Frankish principality of Achaia Constantine was crowned Emperor january 6, 1449 AD succeeding his brother and a little less than five years in 1453 AD was killed during the final assaults by the Turkish Sultan, Mehmed II, advances on Constantinople.

Saintly Status

The Russian Menologion indicates commemoration days for the Emperor on May 29 and May 30. The entry under May 30 is as follows: ‘On this day we commemorate the suffering of the right-believing Emperor Constantine under the ungodly Turkish King, who himself became ruler.’ The entry for May 29 reads simply: ‘Emperor Constantine, who suffered under the Turks.’.

See also

• UNESCO World Heritage site of Mystras
• St. Ipomoni, Born as Helen Dragases before becoming a nun and assuming the name Ipomoni. She was the mother of Constantine XI Palaiologos. She lived a monastic life for over 25 years, after entering into the habit after the death of her husband. She died 1450AD and is commemorated by the church May 29. The relics of her skull and her icon are found at the Monastery of St. Patapios, Loutraki of Korinthos, Greece.

Notes

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  Statue of Constantine XI Palaeiologos, Mystra, Greece

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  Close up of Statue

External Links

• Constantine XI at Wikipedia.
• A Special Note Concerning the Status of Blessed Constantine XI. The Society of St. John Chrysostom of Ayatriada Rum Katoliki Kilise.
• Great Martyr and Emperor Constantine XI. The Society of St. John Chrysostom of Ayatriada Rum Katoliki Kilise.