Translation of the Relics of Venerable Maximus the Confessor — August 13 / August 26 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, August 13 according to the Julian Calendar (August 26 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Translation of the Relics of Venerable Maximus the Confessor.

Venerable Maximus the Confessor was born in the year 580 in Constantinople, into a pious Christian family. Having received a thorough education, he entered the imperial service and became the first secretary of the Emperor Heraclius (610–641). At that time the heresy of the Monothelites was spreading, and the sovereign himself sympathized with it. Maximus left the imperial court and was tonsured a monk at the monastery of Chrysopolis, near Chalcedon. Distinguished by his piety, the father was soon elected abbot of the monastery as well.

In the year 633, by the will of God, the saint set out for Africa and preached fervently, first in Alexandria and afterwards in Carthage. Venerable Maximus faithfully defended the Orthodox faith, and for this he was cruelly persecuted. The blessed one was sent into exile several times. At last the saint’s tongue and right hand were cut off, so that he might confess the truth neither by word nor by pen, and he was exiled to Western Georgia, where his power of speech and of writing was miraculously restored to him.

Venerable Maximus foresaw the approach of his departure and on August 13 of the year 662 peacefully commended his soul to the Lord. The blessed one was buried in the city of Tsageri, and miracles were worked at his grave. On January 21 the Church commemorates the uncovering of the incorrupt relics of Venerable Maximus.