A portrait of St. Maximus the Confessor
St. Maximus the Confessor
c. 580 – 662
Feast
August 13 · VII c.
Patron of
Theologians · Confessors · Defenders of orthodoxy
Order
Monk / Theologian / Confessor
Greek monk and theologian (c. 580-662), former imperial secretary turned monk; foremost theological opponent of Monothelitism. Arrested in old age, taken to Constantinople with Pope St. Martin I, tongue and right hand cut off to silence his teaching, exiled to Lazica (modern Georgia) where he died. His Christological vindication came at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in 681.
Life & Times
Born: c. 580 · Died: 662 · From: Constantinople / North Africa / Georgia.
Patronage
St. Maximus the Confessor is invoked as the patron of theologians, confessors, defenders of orthodoxy. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Theology without action is the theology of demons.”— St. Maximus the Confessor (traditionally attributed)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Maximus the Confessor, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.