Saint Metrophanes, First Patriarch of Constantinople

Life

His father Dometius, the brother of the Roman Emperor Probus, fled from Rome as a Christian in the time of the persecution of Christians and came to Byzantium. The Bishop of Byzantium, Titus, ordained him as a presbyter. After the death of Titus, Dometius became Bishop of Byzantium. After the death of Dometius, the episcopal throne was taken by his elder son Probus, and after his death the episcopal throne was taken by Metrophanes. When Emperor Constantine first saw Metrophanes, he loved him as a father. At the time of the First Ecumenical Council, Metrophanes was already an elder of one hundred and seventeen years and, being unable himself to take part in the affairs of the Council, he appointed his chorepiscopus Alexander as his representative. The emperor obtained for him from the Council the title of patriarch. And so he became the first Patriarch of Constantinople. The emperor also invited the entire Council to visit the ailing and aged archpastor. When the emperor asked whom he wished as his successor on the patriarchal throne, Metrophanes named Alexander; then he said to Alexander of Alexandria: "O brother, what an excellent successor thou shalt leave behind!" And he took by the hand the archdeacon Athanasius, later Athanasius the Great, Patriarch of Alexandria, and praised him before all. After this prophecy he took leave of all, and ten days later surrendered his soul to God in the year 325.

From the Hymn of Praise

Hospitality is a virtue ordained by God,Through it many a soul has been led into Paradise.Wondrous Abraham showed hospitality without measure,Both immeasurably and warmly, and not hypocritically.