St. Tarasius was Patriarch of Constantinople and died on 25 Feb 806. His life is a fascinating narrative of a white martyrdom from which we can learn much for our times. He suffered great persecution from secular powers as well as those within the Church, both from heterodox liberal and extreme "orthodox" attacks. Nevertheless, he guided the Church with great mercy, sought union with the Holy Father and defeated heretics.
Tarasius was born into the aristocracy of Constantinople. He was the son of the Prefect of the city and followed his father's footsteps by entering into civil service. His reputation for being a virtuous, just and honorable imperial secretary grew and many people sought to have him settle their disputes, knowing they would receive fair treatment. He also championed the veneration of images in a time when the iconoclasts were attempting to destroy the beauty of Catholic Churches and the holy and pious devotion of praying to saints and the use of their images. When the Patriarch of Constantinople, Paul IV, died, a great popular assembly was held to discuss the filling of the vacant see. Some historical records claim Paul IV actually recommended Tarasius as his successor before dying. The Empress Irene (regent for her young son Constantine VI, 780-797) supported his nomination and gave a stirring address in his support. The people cried out in unison that they wished Tarasius as their new bishop for he was the most worthy candidate.
Tarasius however refused to accept the position. He gave a public speech explaining: (1) he was unworthy of the office, (2) it was not customary to appoint a layman to the office of bishop, and (3) the Patriarch of Constantinople was a very hazardous position which required great prudence. Not only was it considered the most important See in the East and second only to Rome, but at this time in history there were already significant divisions between East and West and many in the East considered themselves split from Rome and not under the Pope's authority. Moreover, the Patriarchs of Constantinople had isolated themselves from the other Oriental Patriarchs (Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem. When the Empress, aristocracy and populate continued to insist that he in all humility and in service of the Church accept the position, Tarasius lay down his condition as an ultimatum: unity would have to be restored to the Church, all would agree to be under the Pope, and an ecumenical council ought to be called to enforce orthodoxy and true unity under Rome. The majority of the populace agreed and on 25 Dec 784 Tarasius was consecrated patriarch. He then sent a trusted priest as his legate to the pope, Hadrian I, to explain his appointment and the conditions under which it took place. The pope replied in a moving letter that he disapproved of his elevation directly from the laity to bishop for this was contrary to canonical regulations. Nevertheless, on account of his orthodoxy and obvious humility, the Pope approved of his election and recognized him as patriarch. A general (ecumenical) council was then called by the pope and St. Tarasius and held in Nicea. The Second Council of Nicea (787 AD) was the 7th General Council. It rejected the heresy of Iconoclasm and firmly reestablished union with the Roman Church.
After this great triumph, the patriarchs problems intensified. Many of the iconclasts hated him, maligned him, and sought to discredit him. They often said he was not a "real bishop" on account of his having been a layman when selected. There were many important men in high secular offices who opposed him for they favored iconoclasm, yet he continued to guide the Church in truth and piety. Then he was attacked by a powerful part of 'orthodox' monks who claimed he was too lenient. They were upset that he restored to episcopal office those bishops who had supported iconoclasm. However, these were the merciful decrees of the Council Nicea II. Then they accused him of tolerating and even encouraging simony (the practice of selling Church offices, like a bishopric). This is because he had commanded that those bishops who had obtained their offices this way only do one year of public penance and then be allowed to retain their offices. The Patriarch rebutted their attacks explaining that their consecrations had been valid and therefore the dignity of the sacrament and office had to be reverenced, whereas the sinning man could do reparation through his penance. Furthermore, he wrote a strong synodal letter condemning simony and putting an end to its practice in his patriarchate. One of his leading critiques, Abbot Theodore of Studium, came to recognize his holiness and thus acknowledged his authority and that of Nicea II. Thus, St. Tarasius was able to reconcile a potential schism.
St. Tarasius continued to navigate the difficult waters of union with Rome, as many prejudices and obstacles still existed in regard to Western Christendom. These were soon eclipsed by royal problems at home. Emperor Constantine VI put aside his lawful Christian wife and wished to marry Theodota, a relative of Abbot Theodore of Studium (reminiscent of Henry VIII!) St. Tarasius utterly refused to permit this second 'marriage' and severely reprimanded the priest Joseph who had married the emperor for failing to provide the necessary instruction to prevent such a sacrilege. Another group of zealous monks, led by Abbot Plato of Saccudium, then attacked the Patriarch for not having taken stronger measures against the Emperor. They in turn refused to hold communion with him and claimed he was excommunicated! Again, St. Tarasius suffered for his gracious mercy and stirring defense of the holy Sacraments. The Emperor for his part persecuted these monks and also harshly judged St. Taraisus. The Emperor saw himself above the Church and placed the priest Joseph as the "authority" in Constantinople who was backed by the Imperial Army. This wrongful usurpation of power, as well as other poor decisions by the Emperor, led the Empress Irene to dethrone her own son (797 AD)! She explained that her fidelity and obedience to Christ the King had to take precedence over any human relations (would that we had such leaders today!). Naturally she restored St. Tarasius as Patriarch and he in turn deposed the priest Josephus. Thus, peace was once again restored between the Patriach and monks of Abbot Plato.
Political intrigue continued. Empress Irene was deposed and Nicephorus was made Emperor in 802. As per law, St. Tarasius crowned him, much to the displeasure of the majority of the populace. St. Tarasius insisted that God's right order needed to be maintained even when it went against the will of the majority. The patriarch then also refused to have anything to do with the intrigues at court, though his support was heavily curried by all parties. They knew that if they could claim the support of this great moral authority, they would be perceived as the most legitimate party at Court. St. Taraisus wisely stayed clear of such base politics.
Instead, his personal life was the model of asceticism and simplicity. He curbed the luxury of his clergy and preached with great zeal. He was very benevolent to the poor and never ceased to encourage all in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. When he died of natural causes, there was great mourning in Constantinople. He had led the Empire through some extremely turbulent times. Through his mercy, wisdom, fortitude, and unflinching support of the truth and Catholic Faith, he had in turn left both State and Church much stronger and in a state of peace. Upon his death, he was venerated as a saint and subsequently included in the Roman Martyrology and raised to the altars of the Church's saints.
Many of the events in his time sound like a page right out of our own current history books. Political turmoil caused great mayhem. Revolution was afoot. Schism and heresy were destroying the Church, and she was attacked from the "right" and "left." Many preferred their own will to the sanctity of the Sacraments and even marriage was under attack. Yet God raised a mighty saint to guide His bark, the only ark of salvation, back to unity with Rome. This great bishop led the Church with the proper amount of severity and mercy, in order to consistently lead the stray sheep back to the one fold of Christ. Let us pray that God will be merciful and send us shepherds today to lead the Church in the 21st century who are molded in the spirit of St. Tarasius.