E07020: The Greek Life of *Anatolios (bishop of Constantinople, ob. 458) provides a general outline of the career of its hero, mainly focusing on the doctrinal conflicts between the Councils of Ephesus (431) and Chalcedon (451). Written in Constantinople, possibly in the 6th century, or later.

Life of Anatolios (BHG 91)

Short summary:

Born to a noble family of Alexandria, Anatolios was dedicated by his parents to the Church, during the episcopate of Cyril of Alexandria. He was ordained deacon, sent by Cyril on embassies to Constantinople, and participated in the Council of Ephesus (431). After the deposition of Nestorius, his successor as bishop of Constantinople, Flavian, deposes the heretical archimandrite Eutyches. The latter seeks protection under the patrician Chrysaphius and appeals to the emperor Theodosius II and Dioscorus of Alexandria. The latter summons the Second Council of Ephesus (449), which restores Eutyches and condemns Flavian. Anatolius is elected bishop of Constantinople with the support of Dioscorus, but refuses to admit Eutyches to communion. Under pressure from the emperor, he agrees to meet Eutyches, but, by his prayers, the heretic dies just before the meeting. The Council of Chalcedon (451) is convoked and both the doctrines of Eutyches and the actions of Dioscurus are condemned.

Text: Acta Sanctorum.
Summary: Efthymios Rizos.