Hierarch Flavian I of Antioch, Hierarch

Hierarch Flavian was born around 320 and in 381 was elected Patriarch of Antioch, successor to St. Meletius, continuing the line of Nicene-Orthodox bishops in opposition to the rival bishops Paulinus and, later, Evagrius (the so-called Meletian Schism). Full recognition of his see by Rome and Alexandria was achieved only in 399, largely through the diplomatic efforts of St. John Chrysostom and the support of Emperor Theodosius I; final reconciliation of all parties to the schism was completed only under his successor, in 415. It was St. Flavian who ordained John Chrysostom to the priesthood in 386 (he had earlier been ordained deacon by St. Meletius), and when Chrysostom was deposed in 403, Flavian energetically protested this unjust decision. In 387, after a revolt in Antioch known as the "Riot of the Statues" (the destruction of imperial statues by the citizens), St. Flavian personally traveled to Emperor Theodosius I and, through his intercession, averted severe reprisals against the city. He died in 404. His memory is kept on February 16/March 1 and September 27/October 10.