Metrophanes

Metrophanes (Μητροφάνης), a Greek theologian, bishop of Smyrna, flourished in the 9th century. He is particularly known for his opposition to Photius. He was already bishop of Smyrna when his friend, the patriarch Ignatius, was replaced by Photius, and, although he at first recognised the new patriarch, he subsequently opposed him so fiercely as to be himself deposed and cast into prison. When Ignatius was restored by emperor Basil I, Metrophanes regained his see, and in the Council of Constantinople (869) showed himself one of the most ardent of Photius's adversaries. After the death of Ignatius, in 879, Photius became again patriarch, and Metrophanes was again deposed. He nevertheless continued to speak and to write against Photius, and was excommunicated in 880. We have no details concerning his life after that date. He wrote a letter to Manuel concerning the dispute with Photius from 858 to 870, which is preserved both in Greek and Latili in Labbe, Concilia, vol. viii, and in Raderus, Acta Concilii (Ingolstadt, 1604, 4to). See Fabricius, Biblioth. Graca, 11:700; Baronius, Annal. ad ann. 870; Hankius, Scriptores Byzantini, 17:1; 18:66; Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Genrcale, 35:220. (J. N. P.)