Hierarch Tarasius

Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born around 730 in Constantinople to the noble and pious patrician George, a judge, and Eukratia. Excellently educated, Tarasius rose swiftly at the imperial court, serving as asekretis (imperial secretary) and attaining the rank of senator under Empress Irene and her son Constantine VI. In 784, after the death of Patriarch Paul IV, Tarasius — still a layman — was chosen for the patriarchal throne; he agreed only on condition that an Ecumenical Council be convened to overcome the iconoclast heresy. Rapidly ordained through the clerical ranks, he was consecrated patriarch on Christmas Day 784. In 787 he presided over the Seventh Ecumenical Council at Nicaea, which condemned iconoclasm and restored the veneration of holy icons. Tarasius governed the Church for twenty-two years, living an austere life and distributing his wealth to the poor, widows, and the sick. His Life was written by the deacon Ignatius, who knew him personally. Saint Tarasius reposed on 25 February 806. His memory is celebrated on 25 February/10 March.