Maximos was a noble who served the imperial family as private secretary. However, as the monothelite controversey arose (promoted by the emperor and the then Patriarch Paul), Maximos became an outspoken critic of the new teaching. Unable to persuade the imperial court and the Patriarch, Maximos left the city for the Monastary at Chrysopolis – where he eventually became abbot. The emperor Constans tried to censure him with no success until he had Maximos’ tongue removed, and his right hand severed. Maximos died in the Caucasus on 13 August 662.

Monotheletism – “single will” – taught that while Christ had two natures he only had one “will” or “energy”. This debate began in the early fifth century with the Nestorian controversy and to be sure has never been solved satisfactorily. Nice thing about being catholic – we like a bit of mystery (grin).

We can learn from the example of Maximos and Constans. Maximos was steadfast in his position, and made every available effort to persuade people through his writing, speech, even to the point of instigating a council to engage with the matter properly. Constans, on the other hand resorted to brute force in an effort to silence the troublesome saint.