Stephen of Ephesus

Stephen of Ephesus (448-51), was a Bishop of Ephesus, an attendee of the Second Council of Ephesus and the Council of Chalcedon. Some argue that he is the author of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus.[1][2][3]

Early Life

Stephen became a presbyter in the city of Ephesus about 400AD and then Bishop in 448AD. He was a staunch rival of his predecessor Bassianus.

Council of Ephesus

Stephen of Ephesus supported Dioscorus at the Robber Council of 449. Dioscorus followed the heresy of Eutyches. For this Stephen and another bishop in Ephesus were deposed as bishop.

Stephen then sought to depose his rival Bassianus from the cathedra of Ephesus in 444AD but Theodosius II deferred the dispute to the Council of Chalcedon which deprived both bishops of their see.

Council of Chalcedon

Stephen addressed the Council of Chalcedon,[4] though his reputation was sorely questioned by the Council [5] Stephen was closely examined on his role at the Ephesus Council, and asked to provide records of the discussions there. He replied that he signed the Councils document under duress and that records were not preserved. The Council didn't accept his defenses.

Bassianus and Stephen were then both retired on a pension with episcopal dignity, the council having found the behavior of both bishops unworthy of their seat.[6]

In his career Stephen was allied with Flavian of Constantinople.

Seven Sleepers of Ephesus

Stephen is also the first recorded source of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus.[7][8][9] A tale best known through its adaptation into the Quran. While some,[10] see the story as based in a genuine conviction of the time, other modern scholars have claimed Stephen used the seven sleepers legend to increase the presage of the bishopric in Ephesus.[11]

References
  1. The Historicity of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus .
  2. Ernst Honigmann. " Stephen of Ephesus (April 15- 448 - October 29, 451) and the Legend of the Seven Sleepers." Patristic Studies, vol. 173 (= Studi e testi) ( 1953): 125-168.
  3. Hugh O’Reilly, The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus.
  4. Richard Price, Michael Gaddis, The Acts of the Council of Chalcedon, Volume 1(University of Liverpool, 2005), p153.
  5. Richard Price, Michael Gaddis, The Acts of the Council of Chalcedon, Volume 1(University of Liverpool, 2005), p14.
  6. Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Ephesus and All Asiana.
  7. The Historicity of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus .
  8. Ernst Honigmann. " Stephen of Ephesus (April 15- 448 - October 29, 451) and the Legend of the Seven Sleepers." Patristic Studies, vol. 173 (= Studi e testi) ( 1953): 125-168.
  9. Hugh O’Reilly, The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus.
  10. John SanidopoulosThe Historicity of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus.
  11. [Stephen Honigmann, Stephen of Ephesus.
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