The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

Flavian was born in the eastern Roman world, though the place and date of his birth are not known. He served as a presbyter of the great Church of Constantinople and was entrusted as guardian of its sacred vessels, gaining a reputation for a holy and upright life. Chosen to succeed Proclus, he became Archbishop of Constantinople in 446, shepherding the Church during a bitter controversy over the mystery of Christ’s true divinity and true humanity. In 448 Flavian presided over a synod in Constantinople that examined the teaching of the monk Eutyches and, finding it contrary to the faith received from the apostles, deposed him. This decision drew fierce political opposition at court, and Flavian was targeted by imperial intrigue. At the Second Council of Ephesus in 449, he was condemned, deposed, and sent into exile. Soon after, he died from the violence and harsh treatment he endured, and the Church venerates him as a martyr for the truth. He is honored as patron of Barisciano, Basciano, Capitignano, Giulianova, Saint-Flavien, Torano Nuovo, and Villa Bizzarri. His feast day is February 17.