Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: January 21

Born around 580 in Constantinople, Saint Maximus the Confessor was a highly educated and devout man who rose to prominence as first secretary to Emperor Heraclius. He was a master of philosophy and theology and was well-read in both ancient and Christian authors. Despite his high position at court, he soon became troubled by the spread of the Monothelite heresy, which was rapidly gaining influence in the East. In order to dedicate himself fully to his faith and to combat this heresy, he resigned from his government service and became a monk at the Chrysopolis monastery, where he was later chosen as igumen due to his humility and wisdom.

The Monothelite heresy gained official support in 638 with the issuance of the "Ekthesis," an imperial edict that mandated belief in only one will in the two natures of Christ. Saint Maximus felt compelled to defend Orthodoxy and began to preach against this heretical teaching. His conversations with both clergy and common people were remarkably successful, as his wisdom and sincerity drew many to him. When the heresy's influence grew too great in Constantinople, Saint Maximus made the difficult decision to leave his monastery and seek refuge in the West, where Monothelitism had already been rejected.

The core of the Monothelite heresy was its assertion of a single, divine will and a single, divine energy in Christ, a teaching that was seen as a dangerous and subtle return to the earlier Monophysite heresy, which denied Christ's human nature entirely. The Orthodox struggle against this new heresy was particularly challenging because it was fanned by nationalistic rivalries and was supported by powerful figures, including the patriarchs of Constantinople, Antioch, and Alexandria. This widespread acceptance of Monothelitism posed a serious threat to the unity of the Church in the East.

Continuing his work in the West, Saint Maximus traveled to Carthage, where he famously debated the Monothelite patriarch Pyrrhus. Maximus's arguments were so convincing that Pyrrhus publicly renounced his heresy and even wrote a book confessing the Orthodox faith. Seeking a definitive condemnation of the heresy, Saint Maximus appealed to Pope Martin I, which led to the convening of the Lateran Council in 649. The council formally condemned Monothelitism and the "Typos" edict, which had attempted to silence all debate on the issue. In retaliation, Emperor Constans II ordered the arrest of both Pope Martin and Saint Maximus for their defiance.

After a long period of imprisonment, Saint Maximus and his two disciples were subjected to horrific torments: their tongues and right hands were cut off. They were then exiled to Scythia, where Saint Maximus died three years later in 662. Despite his suffering, his legacy endured. Three candles miraculously appeared over his grave, and many healings were reported at his tomb. His extensive theological writings, which include commentaries on scripture, dogmatic treatises on the nature of Christ, and his famous "Chapters on Love," continue to be a cornerstone of Orthodox theology, and his work paved the way for later theologians.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

Reviews (0)