Saint Maximus the Confessor, who is commemorated by the Curch today, was born in Constantinople in 580 AD to wealthy and noble parents.
He received an exceptional education in theology, philology, and philosophy, showcasing his profound intellectual prowess in these fields.
Thanks to his spiritual and administrative capabilities, he was appointed as the chief secretary of Emperor Heraclius. Nevertheless, he promptly resigned from his role to ardently defend the tenets of his faith against the heresy of Monothelitism.
He became a monk and initiated a rigorous and unrelenting campaign against heretics. In the course of the struggle, he encountered many obstacles, primarily orchestrated by Emperor Constantius. The emperor was an advocate of Monothelitism and went so far as to convene a spurious synod that condemned and excommunicated the saint, ultimately delivering him into the hands of the city governor for punishment
He was flogged and his tongue and suffered the amputation of his tongue and right hand.
Despite the mutilation, his miraculous endurance allowed him to serve the Church for three more years, becoming the most eloquent testimony of his unwavering faith and devotion to God. Following a brief illness, he peacefully departed from this world, surrendering his blessed soul in the place of his exile, Lazica of Pontus, within the fortress of Schemarum, in the year 662 AD.
His holy relic was buried in the monastery of Saint Arsenios in Lazica. A divine radiance emanated from his tomb each night, illuminating the surroundings and serving as a testament to his holiness.
The translation of the relic of Saint Maximus the Confessor is celebrated on August 13 and his feast is also celebrated on September 20.
Source: To Vema / Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos