By T.K. Wilson
Not much is known about the early life of Paul the Confessor of Constantinople. We first learn of him as he was elected bishop of Constantinople, over the violent objections of the Arian minority on the council. However, Paul wasn’t bishop for very long. The Emperor of Constantinople at the time was an Arian and was furious that an Orthodox Christian had been elected Bishop, and so banished Paul. He then escaped to Rome, where he sought the protection of the Emperor of Rome, Constans, and Pope Julius 1. While in Rome, the future Saint Paul met another future saint, Athanasius, and they became friends.
After the death of the previous Arian bishop, Paul was allowed to return to Constantinople to the joy of his parishioners. However, the Emperor Constantius was still not a fan of Paul and exiled him a second time to Rome. His brother Constans, was very displeased, and wrote him a letter threatening military action if Paul were not allowed back to his see. Fearing his brother’s wrath, Constantinus agreed.
Paul was deposed and banished a third time after Constans was murdered in a coup. He was sent to Armenia, and was martyred there by Arian extremists, according to some accounts, while he was celebrating the Liturgy.
Like Paul, let us have the strength of our convictions and hold them no matter what.
LogoSophia Magazine 
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