E06980: The Greek Life of *Isaakios (monastic founder in Constantinople, ob. 383, S02118) recounts the struggles of the anchorite Isaakios who attempted to convert the emperor Valens to orthodoxy, and founded the first monastery of Constantinople under Theodosius I. He died on 26 May 383, and his body was buried by the altar of the shrine (martyrion) of *Stephen (the First Martyr, S00030) in Isaakios’ monastery. Written in Constantinople in the late 5th century, or later.

Life of Isaakios (BHG 956)

Summary:

The rise of Arianism
[1] Once he renounced the pagan gods, the emperor Constantine ordered the destruction of all pagan images of the gods. During his reign, the Devil raised up Arius in Alexandria. He was cast out of the orthodox communion by *Peter of Alexandria [S00247], who was convinced to do so by a divine vision which he had in prison just before his martyrdom.

[2-3] Arius preached false doctrines about the Holy Trinity, which the emperor Constantine attempted to stop by sending letters to him. Arius did not comply, thus Constantine summoned a council at Nicaea which condemned Arius and his doctrine. Following the council, Arius died in a disgraceful way.

Isaakios attempts to convert Valens
[4] Some time later, the Arian heresy was revived by the emperor Valens. During his reign, Isaakios, who was living as an anchorite in the desert in the East, was commanded by God to go to Constantinople.

[5-6] At that time, there was a rebellion of the Goths against the Romans. Isaakios recommended twice to the emperor to reopen the orthodox churches, but Valens refused and tried to have Isaakios killed.

[7-8] Isaakios tried a third time to convince the emperor, predicting that Valens would win, if he opened the orthodox churches, but would be burned alive on the battlefield, if he refused. The emperor had him imprisoned, entrusting him to two officials, Satorninos and Viktor.

The Restoration of Orthodoxy under Theodosius
[9] The emperor [Valens] was defeated in battle and, while fleeing the barbarians, he was burned alive in a barn. The western emperor Gratian was notified, came to Sirmium, and appointed Theodosius emperor of the East. Together, they defeated the barbarians. On his way to Constantinople, Theodosius fell sick at Thessalonike and was baptised there by the orthodox bishop of that city, Acholius.

[10] Theodosius arrived in Constantinople, where Gregory of Nazianzus was leading the orthodox community in an oratory which later became the church of Anastasia. Hearing from Satorninos and Victor about the imprisonment of Isaakios, the emperor ordered his release and requested his blessing.

[11] Theodosius issued an edict against the Arians, ordering them to return the churches to the orthodox, and hold their gatherings outside the city.

[12] Theodosius summoned the Council of Constantinople which reaffirmed the faith of Nicaea.

[13] Nectarius was elected bishop of Constantinople, and it was decreed that the bishop of Constantinople should rank second only to the Pope of Rome.

Isaakios founds a monastery in Constantinople
[14] Isaakios wished to return to the desert, but Satorninos and Viktor asked him to stay with them. Initially reluctant, he asked of them to build a cell for him. Both men started building on their estates, Satorninos outside the city walls, and Viktor in Psamatheia, near Helenianae. Isaakios chose to live in the cell built by Satorninos, because it was simpler.

[15-16] Isaakios’ holiness and teaching attracted many people, including the emperor Theodosius. His community introduced monastic life to Constantinople for the first time. Satorninos transferred to him the ownership of all his estates.

[17] Being about to die, Isaakios summoned his disciples, gave them his last instructions, and appointed Dalmatios as his successor. When he died, everyone, including the emperor, grieved his loss. His body was brought to the cathedral of Saint Irene, where his funeral was celebrated by bishop Nectarius.

[18] In front of the monastery of Isaakios, there was a shrine (martyrion) of *Stephen the First Martyr [S00030] , which had been built by the imperial official Aurelianos. Using a large crowd of monks, Aurelianos managed to have Isaakios’ body stolen during the funeral, and buried it inside the church, next to the altar.

Isaakios died on 26 May, during the reign of Theodosius and Arcadius, and the consulship of Merobaudes (second term) and Saturninus [= AD 383].

Text: Acta Sanctorum, Maii
Summary: Efthymios Rizos and Giovanni Hermanin de Reichenfeld.