Tarasius belonged to a noble family and had been clothed with the dignity of senator and head of the imperial chancery in the 8th century. Although he was a simple layman, by designation of the late patriarch Paul, he was chosen to receive a difficult inheritance, which he accepted under the condition that Empress Irene and the senate commit to convening a council. This was the only possible way to restore the orthodoxy against the iconoclastic heresy, and bring ecclesial peace. Tarsius was also a defender of Christian morality and above all of marriage, opposing even Emperor Constantine VI, who wanted a divorce judgment so he could remarry. St. Tarasius was also a great devotee to the Virgin Mary.

What are your deepest convictions? How do you defend them?