Maximus, Saint

Related Category: Saints

c.580–662, Greek theologian. He was secretary to Emperor Heraclius and subsequently abbot at the monastery of Chrysopolis. To curb Monotheletism he went to Rome and persuaded Pope St. Martin I to convene the synod of 649, which denounced as heretical the Typus of Emperor Constans. Back at Constantinople, Maximus demanded that the decrees of the synod be accepted. He was imprisoned (653–62) by imperial order, mutilated, then exiled. He is important in the history of Byzantine mysticism. St. Maximus leaned much upon the Pseudo-Dionysius (see Dionysius the Areopagite, Saint). St. Maximus' works influenced Erigena, who translated them into Latin. Feast: Aug. 13.