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Modern Coptic-inspired portrait of Saint Maximus the Confessor

6th–7th century

St Maximus the Confessor

Μάξιμος ὁ Ὁμολογητής

A monk-theologian who defended the full human will and activity of Christ.

Datesc. 580–662 RegionConstantinople, North Africa, and Rome Primary languageGreek FeastJanuary 21 · August 13

Life and significance

Confession through theology and suffering

Maximus left imperial service for the monastic life and became one of the most important theological voices of the seventh century. He opposed the teaching that Christ had only one will or activity, insisting that the incarnate Word possesses a complete human will and activity united without confusion to the divine.

His resistance brought imprisonment, trial, mutilation, and exile. His writings unite Christology, biblical interpretation, liturgical contemplation, ascetic practice, and the doctrine of deification, presenting the whole creation as called to communion with God in Christ.

Biography source: Venerable Maximus the Confessor · Orthodox Church in America