Bishop Euthymius of Sardis (AD 751-831)

Euthymius was born in the Galatia region of central Asia Minor (modern Turkey) around 751. He became the bishop of Sardis (modern Sart) and served for nineteen years, from 785 to 804. Euthymius emerged as a leading opponent of imperial anti-icon policies and participated in Nicea’s Ecumenical Church Council in 787, where Christian icons were restored. Euthymius opposed emperor Leo V when he initiated a new anti-icon movement in Asia Minor in 813. Euthymius was arrested, whipped, and exiled. He died around 831.