Polyeuctus of Constantinople

Polyeuctus was Patriarch of Constantinople in the 10th century.

Polyeuctus was born in Constantinople. He was very educated and entered the monastic life at a very young age.

On April 3, 956, a month after the death of Patriarch Theophylactus, Polyeuctus was ordained as his successor. He became known for his simplicity of lifestyle and his donations to the poor. During his reign, the monasteries of Vatopedi, Lavra and Ivires were built on Mount Athos.

In 957, Polyeuctus baptised the Russian ruler, Olga, when the latter came to Constantinople.

Polyeuctus was the Patriarch who refused to crown John I Tzimisces as Byzantine emperor unless the latter punished those who were responsible for his predecessor's (Nicephorus Phocas) death.

He died on January 16, 970.