On this day, June 4 according to the Julian Calendar (June 17 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Metrophanes, the first Patriarch of Constantinople (+326).
Saint Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople, lived and served during the reign of Constantine the Great (306–337). His father, Dometios, was a full brother of the Roman Emperor Probus (276–282). Dometios came to recognize the powerlessness of paganism and embraced the Christian faith. At that time, a fierce persecution of Christians had begun in Rome, and the holy man fled with his two sons, Probus and Metrophanes, to Byzantium. There, under the guidance of Bishop Titus (242–272), who was distinguished for his holiness, they began to study the Holy Scriptures. Titus, seeing the divine zeal of his disciple and his tireless desire to serve the glory of God, ordained him to the priesthood. After Titus’s death, the episcopal staff was entrusted to Dometios (272–303), and after him, his sons succeeded to the episcopal throne: first Probus (303–315), and then Metrophanes (from 316).
On one occasion, Emperor Constantine visited Byzantium and was struck with admiration for the beauty and strategic location of the city. He also saw the holy life of Metrophanes, radiant with wisdom, and took him to Rome. Shortly afterward, Constantine the Great moved the imperial capital to Byzantion and returned the holy father to what had now become the royal city. In 325, the First Ecumenical Council was held at Nicaea to condemn the Arian heresy. The holy Emperor invited the holy fathers of the council to elect Saint Metrophanes as Patriarch, and thus he became the first Patriarch of Constantinople. Being already very advanced in years, the saint could not attend the council and sent his auxiliary bishop Alexander in his place. After the council concluded, the Emperor visited the ailing patriarch together with the holy fathers. At the request of Constantine the Great, Metrophanes named his worthy successor — Bishop Alexander — and prophesied that after the latter, the helm of the Church would be taken by Paul, who at that time served as a reader. After Paul, the patriarchal throne would be occupied by Archdeacon Athanasius.
Saint Metrophanes reposed around the year 326, at the age of 117. His incorrupt relics rest in Constantinople, in the church dedicated to him.
May the intercessions of Saint Metrophanes be with us all.