Euthymius I, Patriarch of Constantinople

EUTIMIO I, patriarch of COSTANTINOPOLI. - Born about 834 at Seleucia (Isauria), died in exile on 5 Aug. 917. A monk, he was confessor to Emperor Leone VI, with whose aid he founded the monastery of Psammathia at Constantinople; he always maintained a dignified bearing even before his sovereign. As patriarch of Constantinople (907–12), he was in agreement with the Roman See on the question of Leone VI’s fourth marriage; but when the latter died, he was deposed by his successor, his brother Alessandro; he was also opposed by Nicola il Mistico during the latter’s second patriarchate (912–25). Then began the dissension of the Eutymians, which lasted until the end of the century. E. is the author of four Marian homilies. His life was well described by one of his disciples. He is venerated as a saint by the Byzantine Church.