Macarius of Jerusalem

Macarius of Jerusalem, who served as the Bishop of Jerusalem from three hundred twelve until shortly before three hundred thirty-five, is a revered figure in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. His leadership during a pivotal time in early Christianity is noted by historians, including Sozomen, who chronicled his contributions to the faith.

In his orations against Arianism, Athanasius highlighted Macarius as a model of the honest and simple style characteristic of apostolic men. His accession to the episcopate in three hundred twelve is corroborated by Jerome's version of Eusebius of Caesarea's Chronicle, establishing him as a significant ecclesiastical leader of his time.

Around three hundred twenty-five, Macarius played a crucial role in accompanying Helena Augusta, the mother of Constantine I, in her quest for the relics of Jesus' Passion in Jerusalem. This endeavor included the search for the cross on which Jesus was believed to have been crucified, further solidifying his importance in the early Christian community.

According to Eusebius, Macarius received a notable letter from Constantine regarding the construction of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. The letter expressed awe at the discovery of the site of Christ's Passion, emphasizing the need for the monument to be adorned with precious materials, reflecting its significance as a sacred place.

Macarius was also among the bishops who received warnings from Pope Alexander of Alexandria against the teachings of Arius. His death occurred prior to the Council of Tyre in three hundred thirty-five, where his successor, Maximus, was present, marking the end of an influential episcopate.