Bishop Methodius of Constantinople (Istanbul) (AD 847)

Methodius studied in Constantinople and became the spiritual leader of a monastery in Bithynia (north- west Turkey). After returning to Constantinople, Methodius became an opponent of the anti-icon emperor Leo V. He was arrested and exiled in 821. However, empress Theodora restored the use of Christian icons in 842, and Methodius became Constantinople’s bishop and served for five years, from 843 to 847. He led a triumphal procession and re-installed Christian icons in the Church of Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia). Methodius died in 847.