Callinicus I of Constantinople was a 7th-century prelate who served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople between 693 and 705. During his tenure, he played a significant political role by assisting in the removal of Emperor Justinian II, which allowed Leontius to ascend the Byzantine throne. Following the eventual return of Justinian II to power, Callinicus faced severe retaliation, resulting in his arrest, blinding, and subsequent imprisonment within a monastery.
Life and career
Serving as the archbishop of Constantinople, Callinicus was deeply involved in the political shifts of the Byzantine Empire. His involvement in the deposition of Justinian II marked a pivotal moment in his leadership. However, this political engagement led to his downfall when the emperor regained his position, leading to the physical punishment and confinement of the patriarch.
Veneration
The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes him as a saint. He is commemorated annually on 23 August. His legacy is tied to his role as a hierarch during a period of significant imperial and ecclesiastical transition in the Byzantine era.