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Maximus was born at Constantinople c. 581 and died at Batumi on the Black Sea c. 662. He comes from a noble family of Constantinople and was the chief secretary to Emperor Heraclius, later he resigned from his office and became a monk at the monastery of Chyrsopolis ( modern Uskudar ) on the Asian bank of the Bosphorus. He was elected abbot of the Community, later he left his position, and under thread from Persians, he moved to Alexandria and on to Rome. He was a supporter of the Pope St. Martin in opposition to the unorthodox doctrine - Monotheism - and a decree of Emperor Constans II. He was taken back to Constantinople as a prisoner. After years of bad treatment and bad living conditions in the prison, he was brought before the emperor to declare his loyalty. Upon his refusal, he was ordered that his tongue, right hand would be cut off. The old man was exiled to a fortress near Batum on the Black Sea, and soon died there. St. Maximus was an important theologian and mystic of great capacity, and is known for his mystical and ascetical writings. One of them, the four Centuries of Charity is said to be one of the most beautiful in the Christian literature. |
