Saint Rufus (Greek Roufos) was Bishop of Thessaloniki in the early fifth century, holding the see from about 407 until his death in 434. Thessaloniki was at that time the principal metropolitan see of Eastern Illyricum, and Rufus governed it during a period in which the city served as a focal point in the administration of the wider region. He is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on September 9.
Contributions & Legacy
3 contributions
ReadHide
Episcopate and the Vicariate of Thessaloniki
Rufus succeeded Anysios as bishop of Thessaloniki and occupied the see during a significant period in the development of its ecclesiastical authority. By a letter dated June 17, 412, Pope Innocent formally established the Vicariate of Thessaloniki and defined the duties of the papal vicar, so that the bishop of Thessaloniki exercised a supervisory role over the churches of Eastern Illyricum. Rufus received correspondence from several Roman bishops, including, in later accounts, Boniface and Celestine, concerning synodal and administrative matters.
The Council of Ephesus and opposition to Nestorianism
Rufus was associated with Cyril of Alexandria in the controversy over Nestorianism, and letters of Cyril addressed to him survive that speak of him in warm and respectful terms. For reasons that are not recorded, Rufus was unable to attend the Third Ecumenical Council, convened at Ephesus in 431. In his absence he was represented by his vicar Flavian, Bishop of Philippi, who subscribed to the acts of the council in the place of Rufus, the bishop of Thessaloniki.
Death and commemoration
The year 434 is taken as the date of Rufus's death, since by 435 his successor Anastasios had already ascended the episcopal throne of Thessaloniki. He is commemorated in the Orthodox calendar on September 9.
