Saint Paul I the Confessor: Patriarch, exile, and martyrdom under Arian emperors

The post recounts the life of Saint Paul I, Archbishop of Constantinople, commemorated today by the Orthodox Church. Born in Thessaloniki in the early fourth century, he served as secretary to Patriarch Alexander. After Alexander's death in 377, Paul was elected patriarch. Emperor Constantius, an Arian supporter, deposed him and installed the Arian-minded Eusebius of Nicomedia.

Paul fled to Rome where he found Saint Athanasius, also exiled by Constantius. Emperor Constans, Constantius' brother, protested and secured their restoration. After Constans died, Constantius again deposed Paul and exiled him to Cucusus in Armenia.

While celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Arians attacked and strangled him with his own omophorion. The saint thus completed his life and gave his soul to the Lord.