Atticus of Constantinople facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Atticus of Constantinople
Archbishop of Constantinople
Atticus of Constantinople
Enthroned	406
Reign ended	425
Personal details
Denomination	Eastern Christianity

Atticus (died October 10, 425) was a very important leader in the early Christian church. He became the archbishop of Constantinople in March 406. Constantinople was the capital city of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Atticus is known for being an opponent of another famous church leader, John Chrysostom. He also helped rebuild a small church that later became the famous Hagia Sophia. Atticus was against a group called the Pelagians, which made him popular with the people of Constantinople. He also helped develop ideas about the Virgin Mary.

Biography of Atticus

Atticus was born in a place called Sebaste in Armenia in the late 300s. When he was young, he chose to live a monastic life. This means he lived in a monastery and dedicated his life to religious study and prayer. He was taught by Macedonian monks.

Later, Atticus moved to Constantinople. There, he became a presbyter, which is a type of priest. He quickly became known for being smart, charming, and good at working with others. He was a strong opponent of John Chrysostom, another powerful church leader. Atticus played a big part in the decision to remove Chrysostom from his position in 404.

After Chrysostom's successor died in 405, Atticus was chosen to be the new archbishop in 406. He worked with other church leaders to try and unite the Eastern church. They wanted everyone to follow the same rules. Many bishops and church members who supported Chrysostom faced difficulties.

Even after Chrysostom died in 407, many people in Constantinople still supported him. They refused to attend church with Atticus. Atticus later tried to make peace with these groups. Around 412–415, he allowed Chrysostom's name to be honored in church records. However, it took many more years for full peace to return.

In 408, the Emperor Arcadius died. He left behind a young son, Theodosius II, and three daughters. Atticus became an important part of the group that helped manage the empire and educate the young royal family. He had a special influence over the princesses, Pulcheria, Arcadia, and Marina.

During Atticus's time as archbishop, the church and empire had a period of peace and growth. Many new churches, shrines, and monasteries were built in Constantinople. The city walls were also made much larger in 412. The famous Church of the Holy Wisdom (which later became Hagia Sophia) was rebuilt after a fire.

Before 425, Atticus met with Armenian church leaders. They wanted his approval to use their newly created Armenian alphabet. Atticus had to handle this situation carefully because of the growing influence of other cultures in the Armenian Church.

Atticus worked for 19 years as archbishop. He strongly tried to increase the power and importance of the see (the main church office) of Constantinople. He even got a special order from Emperor Theodosius II to make many regions follow Constantinople's authority. This caused some disagreements with Pope Boniface I.

Atticus died on October 10, 425.

Atticus's Teachings

Fighting False Beliefs

Atticus was very active in fighting against false beliefs in the church. He wrote to other bishops, asking them to remove groups like the Messalians. He also worked against the Arians and Apollinarians. In one of his letters, he clearly stated that "God suffered in a body" and that Jesus is "self-same God and man." This letter was later approved by an important church meeting called the Council of Chalcedon.

A historian named Socrates Scholasticus described Atticus as a kind and friendly person. He said that Atticus was a good friend to those who agreed with him. At first, he was strict with those who had different religious ideas. But after they accepted the church's teachings, he treated them gently. Socrates also said that Atticus spent many nights studying old writings.

Pope Celestine I praised Atticus for his strong efforts against the Pelagians. He even called Atticus "a true successor of St. Chrysostom." Atticus's writings were used as examples of correct teachings at church councils. Atticus was more of an administrator than a writer, so not many of his writings remain today. He wrote a book called On Faith and Virginity. This book was for Emperor Theodosius I's daughters, including Pulcheria. It is believed that this book encouraged the princesses to live a life of devotion and purity.

Ideas about Mary

Atticus played an important role in developing ideas about Mary, the mother of Jesus. He used the term Theotokos (meaning "God-bearer") long before it became a big topic of discussion. He is considered one of the earliest supporters of devotion to the Virgin Mary.

In his letter to Eupsychius, Atticus explained how important Mary was for understanding the true nature of Jesus. He described Mary's womb as a place that "like heaven, receives God." This showed the wonder of Mary being the mother of God. Atticus's strong ideas about Jesus and Mary helped shape the religious thinking of the city.

Atticus had a talented secretary named Proclus who helped him write. Because Atticus was known for his devotion to Mary, it is likely that the first official celebration of Mary in Constantinople was started during his time as archbishop.

Veneration

Atticus is highly respected for his kindness and religious devotion. He is honored as a Saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is celebrated on January 8.