March 12 – St. Theophanes the Chronicler
Born: c. 759
Died: c. 818
Nationality: Greek
Vocation: hermit
Canonization: pre-congregation
Theophanes was born in Greece and orphaned at a young age. He was left a large inheritance and cared for by a guardian who forced him to marry very young. He and his wife lived celibately for many years, but when his wife eventually joined a religious community with his blessing, Theophanes became a hermit.
He became well known for his wisdom and holiness and founded two monasteries. He served as abbot of one of them.
Iconoclasm was rampant in the Church during his life, and as a result of his fidelity to Rome in this matter, he was arrested, imprisoned, and banished to the island of Samothrace by the emperor of Constantinople. He died there around the year 818.
Theophanes engaged in the scholarly work of writing a history of Christianity, which is why he is known as “the Chronicler.”
St. Theophanes the Chronicler, pray for us.