Saint Tigrius

Biography

Saint Tigrius, also known as Tygrius, was a priest hailing from Constantinople, known for his active support of Saint John Chrysostom during the latter's exile. Tigrius played a crucial role in standing up for Chrysostom's teachings and defending his character, which eventually led to his own arrest and exile. Tigrius' life as a priest was marked by his dedication to the Church and the pursuit of justice. He aligned himself closely with Chrysostom, a prominent theologian and Archbishop of Constantinople, who had been unjustly banished from the city in 404 AD. Tigrius, undeterred by the potential consequences, openly advocated for Chrysostom's cause. As a firm supporter of Chrysostom's teachings, Tigrius boldly spoke out against the corrupt and oppressive practices that plagued the city's religious and political institutions. In an attempt to silence Tigrius and weaken the impact of his support for Chrysostom, his adversaries devised a scheme to falsely accuse him of attempting to burn down the Constantinople cathedral and senate. The fabricated charges against Tigrius were unsubstantiated and baseless, serving only as a pretext to remove him from Constantinople. He was arrested and subsequently exiled, forced to leave his beloved city behind and face an uncertain future. Despite these unjust circumstances, Tigrius maintained his faith and resilience, relying on his unshakeable devotion to God. Although the details of Tigrius' life during his exile are largely undocumented, it is known that he remained faithful to his priestly calling. Despite the physical distance between him and Chrysostom, Tigrius continued to offer support through letters and prayers, ensuring that his voice would not be silenced. Saint Tigrius passed away around 405 AD in Asia Minor, a region of significant Christian influence during that time. He died peacefully, having dedicated his life to serving the Church and championing the cause of justice. While his canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Tigrius is recognized as a saint within the Catholic tradition. Although he is not specifically associated with any patronage, Saint Tigrius remains an inspiration for his unwavering dedication to the truth, his defense of fellow believers, and his commitment to the principles of justice and righteousness. His feast day is celebrated on January 12th, a time when the faithful remember and honor his life and contributions to the Christian faith.