Paul the Confessor

Saint Paul of Constantinople

Our father among the saints Paul the Confessor or Paul I of Constantinople lived during the fourth century, and served as Archbishop of Constantinople during three periods: from 337 to 339, from 341 to 342, and from 346 to 351.

The Arians, led by the Eastern emperor, Constantius, revolted against the election of Paul to his see. Emperor Constantius held a council, banishing Paul and electing in his stead Eusebius of Nicomedia. Eusebius also banished other Orthodox bishops to Rome. After Eusebius died, Paul returned to Constantinople. Although he was greeted warmly by the people, Emperor Constantius once again banished him to Rome. The Western emperor, Constans, returned Paul to Constantinople with a threatening letter to his eastern co-ruler, resulting in Paul's reinstatement as archbishop.

After Constans was murdered in a palace coup, Paul was banished again, but now to Cucusus in Armenia. There, celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Arians came upon him and strangled him with his omophorion.

In 381, Emperor Theodosius the Great transferred St. Paul's relics to Constantinople. Nearly a thousand years later, in 1326, they were further moved to Venice.

Succession box: Paul the Confessor
Preceded by: Alexander	Archbishop of Constantinople 337-339	Succeeded by: Macedonius I
Preceded by: Eusebius of Nicomedia	Archbishop of Constantinople 341-342	Succeeded by: Macedonius I
Preceded by: Macedonius I	Archbishop of Constantinople 346-351	Succeeded by: Macedonius I

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Source

• St Paul the Confessor the Archbishop of Constantinople (OCA)

External links

• Paul the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople (GOARCH)
• Saint Paul the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople (Prologue of Ohrid)
• "If you desire a shepherd who will teach you and who will shine with virtues, choose Paul": St. Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople
• St Paul the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople (GOAA)
• Paul I - Church of Constantinople website