Tryphon of Constantinople was a 10th-century monk who served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Following the death of Stephen II in 928, the Byzantine Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos appointed him to the position. This appointment included a specific agreement that Tryphon would resign once the Emperor's son, Theophylact, reached adulthood. Although he initially agreed to this arrangement, Tryphon later refused to step down, citing his belief that a minor should not hold the patriarchal throne.
Life and downfall
After refusing to vacate his office for the young Theophylact, Tryphon faced the wrath of Emperor Romanos I. To avoid public unrest caused by the Patriarch's popularity, imperial advisors orchestrated a deception. By tricking Tryphon into signing a blank document under the guise of proving his literacy, officials were able to forge his resignation. Once the deception was complete, he was forced to retire to a monastery, where he died in 933.
Veneration
The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes Tryphon as a saint. He is commemorated annually on his feast day, which is observed on 19 April.