Euthymius of Sardis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Euthymius of Sardis |
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The martyrdom of Euthymius of Sardis, miniature from the Madrid Skylitzes
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| Born | 751 or 754 Ouzara |
| Died | 26 December 831 St. Andrew Island |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Feast | Orthodox: December 26 |
Euthymius of Sardis (Greek: Εὐθύμιος Σάρδεων) was an important metropolitan bishop of Sardis. He lived from 751 or 754 until December 26, 831. Euthymius was a strong supporter of icons, which are religious images. This was during a time in the Byzantine Empire called Byzantine Iconoclasm, when many people wanted to destroy these images. Because he stood up for his beliefs, he became a martyr in 831. He is now honored as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with his special day celebrated on December 26.
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A Life of Faith and Challenges
Euthymius was born in a place called Ouzara, likely in Lycaonia, which is in central Asia Minor. This was around the years 751 or 754. When he was still young, he decided to join a monastery. This was a place where religious people lived and prayed together.
Becoming a Bishop
Between 784 and 787, Euthymius became the metropolitan bishop of Sardis. This important role was given to him by Patriarch Tarasios of Constantinople, a very high-ranking church leader.
In 787, Euthymius took part in a very important meeting called the Second Council of Nicaea. At this council, he played a big role in deciding that the destruction of icons, known as Byzantine Iconoclasm, was wrong. Euthymius spoke many times at the council. He argued that icons should be respected again, just as Patriarch Tarasios and Pope Hadrian I had suggested. He also spoke against those who supported Iconoclasm.
Facing Difficult Times
Later, under Emperor Nikephoros I (who ruled from 802 to 811), Euthymius faced trouble. Around 804, he was removed from his position and sent away to an island called Pantelleria, near Sicily. The real reason for this was probably that Euthymius supported a general named Bardanes Tourkos who rebelled against the emperor in 803.
Luckily, Patriarch Tarasios helped Euthymius. He was called back from exile soon after. However, he did not get his old position back as bishop of Sardis.
Standing Up for Icons Again
The time of trouble for icons returned under later emperors, Leo V the Armenian (who ruled 813–820) and Michael II the Amorian (who ruled 820–829). Once again, the official rule was to destroy icons. Euthymius bravely continued to defend the use and respect of icons.
Because of his strong beliefs, he was arrested, whipped, and sent away. He was released for a short time, only to be arrested and exiled again. A future church leader named John Grammatikos was especially harsh towards him.
His Final Days
Euthymius died on December 26, 831. He passed away on an island called St. Andrew, which is north of Cape Akritas. This happened during the rule of Emperor Theophilos (who ruled 829–842).
Euthymius's life story was written down by Patriarch Methodios I of Constantinople. Also, some letters written by another saint, Theodore of Stoudios, to Euthymius still exist. There is even a special poem written to honor him.
