Tarasios

Tarasios was a prominent figure in the Eastern Roman Empire, most notably serving as the Patriarch of Constantinople from 784 to 806. He played a crucial role in the Seventh Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea in 787. This council is significant for its role in restoring the veneration of icons, which had been suppressed by iconoclasm for several decades. Tarasios presided over the council's sessions, guiding the deliberations and ultimately contributing to the triumph of the iconodules.

Born into a noble family in Constantinople, Tarasios received a good education and entered imperial service. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a high-ranking imperial official before his unexpected elevation to the patriarchate. His appointment was somewhat controversial, as he was a layman at the time, but Emperor Constantine VI and Empress Irene favored him. Tarasios's tenure as patriarch was marked by his diplomatic efforts to reconcile the Eastern and Western Churches, although full unity remained elusive. He also engaged in administrative reforms within the Church. Despite facing some opposition, his leadership at the Seventh Ecumenical Council solidified his place as a key figure in the history of Orthodox Christianity and the resolution of the iconoclastic controversy. He died in office in 806.