On this day, July 3 according to the Julian Calendar (July 16 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who reposed in the year 458.
Saint Anatolius was born in Alexandria in the second half of the fourth century. He received a philosophical education and then entered the service of Christ. In the year 431 he participated in the Third Ecumenical Council held at Ephesus in the capacity of a deacon, representing the Patriarch of Alexandria, Saint Cyril.
After the death of the Patriarch Flavian of Constantinople, who was condemned at the Robber Council of 449 and died shortly thereafter from the injuries he received, Anatolius was appointed as Patriarch of Constantinople in 449. He then took part in the Fourth Ecumenical Council at Chalcedon in 451, which condemned the Monophysite heresy and established the orthodox definition of the two natures of Christ. At this council, Patriarch Anatolius played an important role, and it was under his presidency that the famous 28th canon was adopted, which elevated the See of Constantinople to a position of honor second only to Rome.
During the years of his patriarchate, Anatolius worked tirelessly to strengthen Orthodoxy, to heal the divisions in the Church caused by the preceding heresies, and to restore peace among the bishops. He governed the Church of Constantinople for approximately nine years, from 449 to 458.
Saint Anatolius is revered as a defender of Orthodoxy and a faithful steward of the Church. He reposed peacefully in the year 458.
May the intercessions of Saint Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople, be with us all.