The Byzantine Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of Saint Maximus the Confessor (ca. 580-662) today. He's known for his defense of the orthodox faith against heretical teachings, particularly monothelitism (that Christ had only one will). His significant work in the study of Christ was his work on the Incarnation and the Trinity. Among the other theological interests was his respect for and obedience to the Church of Rome of whom Maximus said held true faith in the Trinity. His defense of the Roman Church set him against those who maintained that the Romans were heretics because they didn't espouse Hellenism.
Champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship, Enlightener of the universe and adornment of hierarchs: All-wise father Maximus, your teachings have gleamed with light upon all things. Intercede before Christ God to save our souls. Troparion (Tone 8)
Let us the faithful
fittingly praise the lover of the Trinity, The great Maximus who taught the
God-inspired faith, That Christ is to be glorified in His two natures, wills,
and energies; And let us cry to him: "Rejoice, herald of the faith." Kontakion
(Tone 8)
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