Saint Maximus The Confessor (Fiorenzo) - S697

Maximus was born in the year 580 AD in Constantinople. He was raised as a pious Christian and received a thorough education. He eventually attained a high position in the government of the time, serving as the secretary and counselor of the emperor Heraclius.

In response to widespread corruption in the leadership of the government and church, Maximus resigned his position and received the monastic tonsure. He lived simply as a monk, and by his humble virtue won the love and admiration of his monastic brethren who chose him as their “igumen” (equal in position to an abbot in the West).

Maximus is renowned for his steadfastness and courage in proclaiming the truth, both in word and deed. He wrote extensively on a wide range of spiritual topics, commenting on the works of others as well as writing works of his own to add to the body of knowledge.

There was great division in the church during his life over the Monothelite heresy. This heresy stated that there was only one (Mono-) divine will (-thelema). This contradicted the teaching of Scripture as understood through the tradition and counsels of the Church, which held that Christ has two distinct natures and therefore wills (man and God).

Maximus fought long and arduously against the spread of this heresy and achieved much by his labor. However, in accordance with the orders of Heraclius’ grandson, Emperor Constans II, Maximus was tortured and exiled to Scythia. Here he died in suffering in the year 662 AD, ever faithful to the truth for which he gave his life. His feast day is January 21. 

Painted by the hand of iconographer Mark Fiorenzo, this contemporary Byzantine icon depicts this staunch warrior for truth. It follows in the traditions of generations of iconographers and serves as a ‘window to heaven’ and a support for prayer. It is faithfully reproduced from premium materials in the Legacy Icons woodshop in Zeeland, Michigan.