Alexander of Constantinople

Alexander of Constantinople Opel (* 250, † 337 or 340 in Constantinople Opel ) was bishop of Constantinople from 326 to 337 Opel

Of his youth little is known, at least he must have acquired a classical education. His contemporary, Alexander of Alexandria wrote to him to warn him of Arianism. 314 or 317 he was ordained a deputy bishop ( Chorepiskopos ), he is said to have counted at that time already 73 years.

Alexander is mentioned in a document in the files of the first Council of Nicaea, in which he participated as a representative of his bishop of Constantinople Metrophanes Opel, who was unable to attend because of his advanced age. He was also the spokesman for Emperor Constantine. Alexander was one of the Arian dispute to the Nicene party and was a staunch opponent of Arianism.

When the emperor ordered him 335, take Arius back into the church, Alexander refused and was subsequently threatened by Eusebius of Nicomedia with deposition. According to the report of the Socrates Scholasticus ( Church History 1, 38) have Alexander, who held communion with Arius sacrilege, locked himself and prayed that God either himself or Arius should take away before Arius to communion in the Church of Peace would allow. Arius died the day before he had the Communion to receive.

Alexander is venerated in the Roman Catholic and the Orthodox Church as a saint. His feast day is August 30.