Tarasius
was born around the middle of the eighth century. Raised in a patrician
family, Tarasius was surrounded by earthly wealth and possessions, but
lived a most austere and holy life. His virtue gained the esteem of the
empire, and Tarasius was made Patriarch of Constantinople.
The
emperor of the time, Constantine VI, became enamored of Theodotah, a
maid of his wife, and sought to divorce his wife and marry her maid. As
he strove to convince Tarasius to marry him to Theodota, the emperor
sent a message to the holy man. Tarasius adamantly refused, replying to
the emperor's ambassador, “I would rather suffer death and all manner of
torments than consent to his design." He continued to reject the
emperor’s requests, and the ceremony was performed by another.
Just
before his death, Tarasius fell into a trance. As his biographer, who
was an eyewitness, relates, he was heard arguing with a number of unseen
accusers. Tarasius defended himself against the accusers, and answered
everything laid to his charge. Later, a great peacefulness came over
him, and Tarasius gave up his soul to God in 806.
Thursday, February 25, 2021
St. Tarasius of Constantinople
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