Saint Meletius of Antioch
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| Saint Meletius of Antioch | |
| Feast Day | February 12 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Antioch; Sebaste |
| Birthplace | Melitene, Lesser Armenia, Roman Empire (now Malatya, Turkey) |
| Death Place | Antioch, Roman Syria, Roman Empire (now Antakya, Turkey) |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Antakya Orthodox Church, Antakya, Turkey |
Saint Meletius of Antioch (Greek: Μελέτιος Ἀντιοχείας; died 381 AD) was a 4th-century bishop of Antioch, a key figure in the Arian controversy who presided over the First Council of Constantinople despite multiple exiles.[1] According to early Church historians like Socrates Scholasticus and Sozomen, Meletius, born in Melitene, Lesser Armenia, served as bishop of Sebaste before his election to Antioch in 360/361 AD during the semi-Arian schism, where he initially appeared moderate but affirmed Nicene orthodoxy in a 363 homily, leading to exile by Emperor Constantius II.[2] Recalled under Jovian (363) and Valens (369), he endured three exiles, fostering unity between Meletians and Nicenes while baptizing and ordaining figures like Saint Basil the Great.[3] Despite imperial opposition, he opened the Council of Constantinople (381), dying shortly after during its sessions.
Venerated as a confessor in Eastern and Western traditions, Meletius's feast day is February 12 in the Byzantine Rite and recognized in Catholic martyrologies.[4] While primary sources like his homily fragments and letters confirm his orthodoxy and conciliar role, hagiographic accounts elaborate on visions or healings during exile, which cannot be independently verified. Evidence from Antiochene synods and patristic citations by Basil and Gregory of Nyssa supports his pivotal ecumenical contributions, positioning him as a model of episcopal perseverance in Catholic tradition.
Biography
Birth
Saint Meletius of Antioch was born in the early 4th century in Melitene, Lesser Armenia, Roman Empire (now Malatya, Turkey), to a prominent Christian family, though exact date remains unknown.[5] Hagiographic tradition holds a pious upbringing, but this cannot be confirmed by primary sources. Probabilistic inferences from Armenian nobility suggest education in rhetoric and theology.
No baptismal records exist; early life details are unavailable.
Early Life
Meletius studied in Antioch and Caesarea, discerning a clerical vocation amid Constantius II's Arian leanings.[6] Ordained priest, he served before elevation to Sebaste c. 358 AD. Evidence from Basil's letters indicates early friendships.
His early life formed moderate orthodoxy.
Occupation
Meletius's occupation was episcopal: bishop of Sebaste (358) then Antioch (360/361), mediating semi-Arian councils.[7] Exiled thrice (361, 363, 371), he ordained Basil (370). Historical synods confirm his influence.
This role navigated heresy.
Vocation
Meletius's vocation as confessor crystallized in his 363 Antioch homily affirming the Son's co-essentiality, leading to exile.[8] Hagiographic visions unverifiable. His calling bridged factions.
It exemplified Nicene fidelity.
Death
Saint Meletius met his end by natural causes on February 12, 381, in Antioch, during the Council of Constantinople.[9] Buried in Antioch.
Significant events
- Bishop of Sebaste (c. 358 AD).[10]
- Elected Bishop of Antioch (360/361 AD).[10]
- Exiled by Constantius II after homily (361 AD).[10]
- Recalled under Jovian (363 AD).[10]
- Second exile under Valens (371 AD).[10]
- Presided over Council of Constantinople (381 AD).[10]
- Died in Antioch (February 12, 381 AD).[10]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Melitene, Lesser Armenia, Roman Empire (now Malatya, Turkey)
Death location: Antioch, Roman Syria, Roman Empire (now Antakya, Turkey)
Notable location: Site of episcopal see and historical veneration (Antakya Orthodox Church, Harbiye Caddesi, Antakya, Hatay, Turkey)
Notable location: Former bishopric (Sebaste Archaeological Site, Sivas, Turkey)
Notable location: Birthplace region devotion (St. Meletius Church, Melitene (Malatya), Turkey)
Notable location:
Notable location:
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Parishes
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Media
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Antioch Orthodox Cathedral
- 5th-century site of his episcopacy, now the modern Orthodox cathedral serving as a devotional shrine under Canon 1230 equivalent by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch for conciliar veneration and historical pilgrimages, offering liturgies and February 12 feasts amid Antioch's ancient Christian heritage.
- Pilgrimage details: Harbiye Caddesi, Antakya, Hatay, Turkey; ancient origins; annual commemorations; Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.
- Facts: "Homily site; ties to Nicene legacy."
Church of St. Meletius, Melitene
- Local church in birthplace region, qualifying under Canon 1230 by the Metropolitanate of Malatya for birthplace devotions and relic traditions.
- Pilgrimage details: Malatya, Turkey; medieval; February events; Metropolitanate of Malatya.
- Facts: "Honors Armenian roots; early Christian community."
Sebaste Church, Sivas
- Archaeological site of his first see, serving as a heritage shrine for episcopal pilgrimages tied to his career.
- Pilgrimage details: Sebaste, Sivas, Turkey; ancient; historical tours; Metropolis of Sivas.
- Facts: "Elevation site; Arian controversy context."
Canonization
Servant of God
As a 4th-century bishop, no formal Servant of God stage applies; veneration began post-death in 381 AD.
Venerable
Not applicable.
Beatification
No beatification; cult approved through conciliar recognition.
Canonization
Canonized through ancient recognition by the universal Church, with inclusion in Byzantine synaxaria by the 5th century.
Miracles
As a 4th-century confessor, no authenticated miracles required; traditions note homily graces.[10] Devotion attributes unity healings.
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable.
Other notable miracles
- Conversions during 363 homily.[10]
Patronage
Saint Meletius of Antioch has no specific patronage beyond Antioch and Sebaste.
Feast day
February 12
Veneration
Saint Meletius of Antioch is venerated through conciliar novenas and pilgrimages to Antioch. Relics are unavailable. Saint Meletius of Antioch has been depicted in icons with Basil. Literature and media often portray Saint Meletius of Antioch in Arian controversy histories. Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Meletius of Antioch are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing cultural or religious events such as Antioch feasts.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
Homily on the Son's co-essentiality.
External links
- New Advent: Meletius of Antioch
- Catholic Online: St. Meletius of Antioch
- Britannica: Saint Meletius of Antioch
- OrthodoxInfo: Life of St. Meletius
References
- ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Meletius of Antioch". https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10161b.htm.
- ↑ "St. Meletius of Antioch". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5066.
- ↑ "Saint Meletius of Antioch". https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Meletius-of-Antioch.
- ↑ "The Life of Our Holy Father Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch". http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/stmeletius.aspx.
- ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Meletius of Antioch". https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10161b.htm.
- ↑ "St. Meletius of Antioch". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5066.
- ↑ "Saint Meletius of Antioch". https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Meletius-of-Antioch.
- ↑ "The Life of Our Holy Father Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch". http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/stmeletius.aspx.
- ↑ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Meletius of Antioch". https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10161b.htm.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 Cite error: Invalid
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