On the twenty-fifth of this month [February], we commemorate our Holy Father Tarasios, Archbishop of Constantinople.
Verses
The people received salvation from the tumult of the storm,
From Tarasios who was anchored and unwashed by the waves.
On the twenty-fifth Tarasios flew away from commotion.
From Tarasios who was anchored and unwashed by the waves.
On the twenty-fifth Tarasios flew away from commotion.
Our Holy Father Tarasios dogmatized the veneration of the holy icons, which were in danger of being completely done away with and be lifted from the Church of Christ. With his cooperation the Holy and Seventh Ecumenical Synod gathered in the year 787, during the reign of Constantine and his mother Irene. Through this Synod, the Roman Emperors were turned once again to the revered traditions of the Holy and All-Praised Apostles, and the Saints of the former Ecumenical Synods, and the Holy Church of Christ was united with the Patriarchates.
Having lived piously, he became honored and revered by the above-mentioned emperors. He built a sacred Monastery across the straits of Constantinople, and he assembled there a large number of Monks. Also he was merciful to the poor, and governed the Church of God for twenty-two years, though according to others it was twenty-one years and two months. He reposed in peace and was buried at the above-mentioned Monastery, which he established. As for his physical description, he looked like Gregory the Theologian, except for the white hairs of the Theologian and the mark on his eye. His Synaxis is celebrated in the most-holy Great Church.*
Notes:
* Saint Tarasios was the uncle of Saint Photios the Great, who also became Patriarch of Constantinople and is celebrated on February 6th. Portions of the Sacred Relics of Saint Tarasios can be venerated in the Monasteries of Panteleimon in Mount Athos and Tatarnes in Evrytania.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
A model of faith and the image of gentleness, the example of your life has shown you forth to your sheep-fold to be a master of temperance. You obtained thus through being lowly, gifts from on high, and riches through poverty. Tarasios, our father and priest of priests, intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.
Another Apolytikion in the Third Tone
Thou didst shine as a light of the Spirit, adorned with an exemplary life and clothed in hierarchical vesture. Thou didst still the turbulence of heresy and become a pillar and foundation of the Church. O holy Father Tarasios, she praises thy struggles.
Kontakion in the Third Tone
Thou didst illumine the Church with Orthodox doctrines, and didst teach all to venerate and worship Christ's holy icon. Thou didst expose the godless opinion of the iconoclasts. Wherefore we cry to thee: Rejoice, wise Father Tarasios.
