Patriarch
Saint Tryphon, Patriarch of Constantinople, from his youth was a monk and was distinguished by meekness, guilelessness, complete submission to the will of God, firm faith, and love for the Church.
The Byzantine Emperor Romanos, having a son named Theophylact, intended to make him Patriarch of Constantinople after the death of Patriarch Stephen. However, since Theophylact was only sixteen years old, the monk Tryphon was elected as locum tenens and governed the patriarchal throne for a time. Leading a blameless life, Tryphon was soon consecrated bishop and assumed full patriarchal authority.
When Theophylact reached the age of twenty, the emperor began to press Tryphon to yield the throne to his son. Tryphon, considering Theophylact too young and inexperienced, refused. The emperor, having no grounds for accusations against Tryphon, turned to Bishop Theophanes, who proposed a deceitful plan.
Theophanes persuaded Tryphon to write his name and title on a sheet of paper, supposedly to refute rumors of his illiteracy. Tryphon, suspecting nothing, complied. The emperor then took what was written and added that Tryphon relinquished the throne, considering himself unworthy. After this, he forcibly removed Tryphon from the patriarchal palace and appointed Theophylact.
Thereafter unrest arose in the Church, as many continued to regard Tryphon as the rightful patriarch. Tryphon, having patiently endured this humiliation, withdrew to a monastery, where he lived for two years and five months, after which he reposed in the Lord. His body was transferred to the Great Patriarchal Church and laid near the tombs of the patriarchs.
After his death the ecclesiastical disturbances ceased, and all accepted the election of Theophylact to the patriarchate. The memory of Saint Tryphon was honored, with glory given to God.
