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[[Image:0312theophanes.jpg|thumb|Right|Icon of St Theophanes the Confessor]] [[Saint]] '''Theophanes the [[Confessor]]''' was born in 759 at [[Constantinople]] into a pious and renowned family. His father was a relative of the Byzantine emperor Leo the Isaurian (717-741). Three years after Theophanes was born, his father died, leaving his family under the care of the emperor himself.
Theophanes grew up at the court and became a dignitary under the emperor Leo IV the Khazar (775-780). His position obliged him to enter into marriage, but he persuaded his bride to live with him in virginity.
Later the wife of Theophanes was tonsured a [[nun]] in one of the monasteries in Bithynia, and Theophanes went to a monastery in the Cyzicus region. With the blessing of his Elder, Theophanes founded the Kalonymon monastery on an island in the Sea of Marmara and secluded himself in his cell, transcribing books. Theophanes attained a high degree of skill in this occupation.
Later, St Theophanes founded another monastery in Sygria, at a place called the "Big Settlement", and became its igumen. He participated in all the work of the monastery, and was an example to all in his love for work and [[Ascetism|ascetical]] effort. He received from the Lord the gift of wonderworking, healing the sick, and casting out demons.
The Seventh Ecumenical Council met in Nicea in 787, which condemned the [[heresy]] of [[Iconoclasm]]. St Theophanes was also invited to the Council. He arrived dressed in his tattered garments, but he revealed his wisdom in affirming the veneration of the holy [[icon]]s.
