JOHN, patriarch of ANTIOCH. — Died c. 441–42. From childhood he was trained in the Christian religion and acquired a deep knowledge of theology and ecclesiastical legislation. By nature good, he was inclined to gentleness and moderation. In 428–29 he was elected bishop of Antioch and soon found himself involved in the affair of Nestorius, of whom he was a personal friend, receiving much sorrow and distress. Once he learned of the heretic’s condemnation, in 430 he wrote him a fine letter urging submission.
In 431 he went to Ephesus to take part in the Council that condemned Nestorius and proclaimed the divine motherhood of Mary. He arrived late, however, and upon learning of Nestorius’s condemnation he adopted a harsh and uncompromising stance, especially toward St Cyril. He then held a private council with the bishops who supported him, in which Cyril was disregarded; but in turn he was himself excommunicated by the legitimate Council along with thirty-four followers. Peace was restored only in 433 through the so-called “edict of union,” though this brought John into conflict with the bishops and clergy of his jurisdiction, who were intransigent supporters of Nestorius. Further distress came when he was asked to subscribe to the Tome of Proclus of Constantinople and condemn Theodore of Mopsuestia; on this occasion, however, he managed matters adroitly and avoided dangerous complications.