He was born in Constantinople around the year 580 in a pious Christian family. He received a diverse education, studying philosophy, grammar, rhetoric, and theological dialectics. He served as the first secretary to Emperor Heraclius, but, tired of court life, withdrew to the Chrysopolis monastery, where he took monastic vows and soon became the abbot.
In 633, at the request of Saint Sophronius, he left the monastery and went to Alexandria, where he began his preaching activity. The venerable one became known as an opponent of the Monophysite heresy, which threatened the ecclesiastical unity of the East. In 638, Emperor Heraclius issued the edict 'Ekthesis', which commanded the confession of the teaching of one will of the Savior. The venerable Maximus actively defended Orthodoxy, addressing people of various social classes.
After the death of Patriarch Sergius in 638 and Emperor Heraclius in 641, Constans II ascended to the throne, a supporter of the Monophysites. The venerable Maximus went to Carthage, where he continued to preach. In 645, there was an open dispute with Patriarch Pyrrhus, who acknowledged his errors. The venerable one returned to Africa, where at the councils of bishops, Monophysitism was condemned as heresy.
In 649, at the Lateran Council, Monophysitism was condemned, and its defenders were anathematized. Constans II ordered the capture of both Pope Martin and the venerable Maximus. In 654, he was imprisoned, where he suffered severe torture. The venerable one predicted his death and passed away on August 13, 662.
He left the Church a significant theological legacy, including exegetical works and letters in which he outlined the Orthodox teaching on the Divine essence and hypostasis. The venerable Maximus also wrote three hymns, continuing the traditions of church hymnography.
