Saint Germanus I of Constantinople – 12 May – Saint Of The Day
Saint Germanus I of Constantinople. A Patriarch and a supporter of preserving icons. A eunuch and a writer of scripture expositories and hymns..
Germanus I Herman I was the Patriarch (equivalent to the Pope) of Constantinople in 715-730. He is venerated as a saint in both, Catholic Church and Orthodox Church.
Germanus was born during the reign of Emperor Constantine IV in Constantinople in 645 into an influential family. His father was involved in the murder of Emperor Constans II, the predecessor of Constantine IV, that’s why he (Germanus’ father) was executed by order of Constantine IV, and Germanus was castrated and sent to a monastery, where he studied the Holy Scriptures.
Years later Germanus was appointed as Bishop of one of the smaller islands and in 715 was elected Patriarch of Constantinople. Germanus I was a dedicated supporter of the preservation of icons in the church and an ardent opponent of iconoclast. He died at age of 95.
Iconography symbols – the Patriarch’s attire. In his hands the saint is holding a book or a scroll and an icon.
