Born at
Sivas in the second half of the 4th century, Atticus early embraced a
monastic life and received his education from
Macedonian monks, a fact which restricted his philosophical learning and ensured he would always have an Armenian accent considered unpleasant to Greek ears. Removing to Constantinople, he adopted the orthodox faith, was ordained
presbyter, and soon became known as a rising man for his intelligence, charm, and political moderation. He proved himself one of Chrysostom's most bitter adversaries. If not, as
Palladius of Galatia asserts, the architect of the whole cabal, he certainly took a leading part in carrying it into execution. The organization of the
Synod of the Oak owed much to his practical skill and he was one of the seven witnesses called to testify against Chrysostom. The expulsion of Chrysostom took place 10 June 404 and his successor, the aged
Arsacius of Tarsus who was the brother of Chrystom's predecessor
Nectarius of Constantinople, died 5 November 405. Four months of intrigue ended in the selection of Atticus. Vigorous measures were at once adopted by Atticus in conjunction with the other members of the triumvirate to which the Eastern church had been subjected,
Theophilus I of Alexandria, and
Porphyrus of Antioch, to crush the adherents of Chrysostom. An imperial rescript was obtained imposing the severest penalties on all who dared to reject the communion of the
patriarchs. A large number of the bishops of the East persevered in the refusal and suffered a cruel persecution; while even the inferior clergy and laity were compelled to keep themselves in concealment or to flee the country. The small minority of Eastern bishops who, for peace's sake, deserted Chrysostom's cause were made to feel the guilt of having once supported it, being compelled to leave their sees and take other
dioceses in the inhospitable regions of
Thrace, where they might be more under Atticus's eye and hand. Unity seemed hardly nearer when the death of Chrysostom (14 September 407) removed the original ground of the
schism. A large proportion of the Christian population of Constantinople still supported their former bishop, with many refusing communion with the man they considered a usurper and continuing to hold their religious assemblies, more numerously attended than the churches, in the open air in the suburbs of the city. Atticus subsequently made strides to reconcile with the "Johannites", placing Chrysostom's name in the diptychs of the Church around 412–415. Nevertheless, the internal schism would last until the late bishop's memory was fully rehabilitated with the transfer of his relics to the capital two decades later. In 408
Roman emperor Arcadius died, leaving behind a son,
Theodosius II, and three daughters, all of whom were children. Thus the affairs of state and the education of the youthful Imperial Family were managed by a regency government of which Atticus played a leading part. Atticus gained particular influence over the princesses,
Pulcheria,
Arcadia, and Marina. His episcopacy saw a period of prosperity and peace for church and empire; shrines, monasteries and churches were built throughout the capital, the walls of which were greatly expanded in 412. The iconic
Church of the Holy Wisdom was rebuilt after a fire. Some time before 425, Atticus received a delegation of
Armenian clergymen who sought to secure approval for using the newly invented
Armenian alphabet. Persian and Syrian influence was growing in the Armenian Church during this time, and Bishop Atticus had to navigate a diplomatically sensitive affair. Atticus's 19-year archepiscopal endeavours were vigorously directed to the maintenance and enlargement of the authority of the
see of Constantinople. He obtained a rescript from Roman emperor Theodosius II subjecting to it the whole of
Illyria and the "Provincia Orientalis". This gave great offence to
Pope Boniface I and the Roman emperor
Honorius, and the decree was never put into execution. Another rescript declaring his right to decide on and approve of the election of all the bishops of the province was more effectual. Silvanus was named by him bishop of
Philippopolis and afterwards removed to
Alexandria Troas. Atticus asserted his right to ordain in
Bithynia, and put it in practice at
Nicaea in 425. He died on 10 October 425. == Teachings ==