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==Life==
Little is known about the early life of Nectarius. He was born in Tarsus, into a senatorial family. He was praetor of Constantinople. His brother, [[Arsacius of Tarsus|Arsacius]], was also Archbishop of Constantinople from 404 to 405. Yet, while only a [[catechumen]], he had lived a divine and holy life. In preparation for a trip to Tarsus, Nectarius asked that Diodorus, the [[bishop]] of Tarsus, who was in Constantinople for the [[Second Ecumenical Council]], to deliver a letter for him. Bp. Diodorus was so impressed with Nectarius' demeanor and appearance that he became determined that Nectarius should be advanced as a candidate for [[bishop]]. Bp. Diodorus asked Nectarius to delay his return to Tarsus and took him to meet Bishop [[Meletius of Antioch)]].
With the resignation of Archbishop [[Gregory the Theologian|Gregory]] as Archbishop of Constantinople during the time of the Council, emperor [[Theodosius the Great|Theodosius]] asked the bishops attending the Council to suggest candidates for the [[see]] of Constantinople from which he could make a selection. Bp. Meletius placed the name of Nectarius at the bottom of his list. From the submitted lists, emperor Theodosius selected Nectarius to be his choice for Archbishop of Constantinople. The emperor's choice of Nectarius took everyone by surprise, as Nectarius had not yet been baptized. The people of Constantinople were delighted at the news as was the council. After he had been baptized and admitted to the [[Holy Orders]], Nectarius was duly [[consecration of a bishop|consecrated]] and installed as Archbishop of Constantinople and became at once president of the Second Ecumenical Council.
