ST. PROCLUS OF CONSTANTINOPLE (NOV. 20TH)

St. Proclus of Constantinople

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Today, we commemorate the life and enduring legacy of St. Proclus of Constantinople, a luminary of Chalcedonian Orthodoxy and a cherished theologian within the Anglican Patrimony. A tireless defender of sound doctrine, St. Proclus' contributions continue to inspire generations in their faith and devotion.

Proclus began his ecclesiastical journey as secretary to Archbishop Atticus of Constantinople (AD 406–425). A devoted disciple and friend of St. John Chrysostom, Proclus was ordained as a deacon and priest by this great preacher of the Church. His early ministry reflected the depth of Chrysostom’s influence, in his biblical interpretation, and especially in his eloquence and theological precision.

In AD 426, Sisinnius I, Atticus' successor, consecrated Proclus as Bishop of Cyzicus, though local resistance to his appointment prevented him from serving in that capacity. Proclus remained in Constantinople, where he continued to serve the Church faithfully, even with the tenuous nature of his episcopal claim. 

The rise of Nestorius as Archbishop of Constantinople (AD 428–431) placed Proclus at the forefront of the Church's battle for doctrinal clarity. In AD 429, during a festival of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), Proclus delivered his renowned sermon "On the Incarnation," trying to clarify the muddled distinctions that the Patriarch of Constantinople had brought forward. This profound teaching, later included in the Acts of the Council of Ephesus, boldly upheld the unity of Christ's Divine and Human Natures. Proclus’ theological brilliance and steadfast opposition to philosophical Nestorianism laid vital groundwork for the later Council of Chalcedon, where the final definitions of Dyophysite Christology were hammered out, attempting to balance extreme tendencies of the Typological Antiochian School and Allegorical Alexandrian School. 

Upon the death of Archbishop Maximianus on Great and Holy Thursday in AD 434, Proclus was enthroned as Archbishop of Constantinople with the blessing of Emperor Theodosius II and the assembled bishops. One of his first acts as patriarch was to oversee the honorable burial of his predecessors. Proclus then sent synodical letters to Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria and Patriarch John of Antioch, affirming his appointment and commitment to Orthodox unity. Both patriarchs warmly endorsed his enthronement. He was, indeed, the last Byzantine Patriarch to receive such affirmation before the Schisms that would separate Greek, Coptic and Syriac Churches permanently. 

Proclus worked tirelessly to reconcile divisions within the Church, especially those caused by lingering controversies over St. John Chrysostom's earlier persecution. His efforts bore fruit when the relics of St. John were solemnly restored to Constantinople, a move that unified many factions and strengthened the faith of the local Church, cementing the influence that the Antiochian Typological School had upon the Byzantine Church.

During Proclus’ tenure, Constantinople faced a prolonged period of earthquakes, prompting the faithful to flee to the countryside for safety. Amid their prayers and fasting, the Trisagion Prayer emerged as a divine gift to the Church:

“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have Mercy on Us!”

Approved by St. Proclus for use in the Liturgy, this prayer became a cornerstone of Eastern Christianity, uniting Orthodox, Oriental, and Church of the East Christians alike in their shared worship.

St. Proclus passed into eternal rest in July AD 446, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, moderation, and unity rooted in sound doctrine. Revered across Christendom - by the Orthodox, Latins, and Armenians alike - he exemplified the pastoral ideal of leading through persuasion rather than coercion. His life is a testament to the enduring power of truth and love in building up the Body of Christ.

COLLECT

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst raise up Thy servant Proclus to defend the true faith and unite Thy Church in peace and concord: Grant that we, following his example and steadfastness, may ever hold fast to the sound doctrine of Thy Incarnation and labor for the unity of Thy Holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Saint Proclus of Constantinople, pray for us!

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