(A.D. 638.)
[Greek Menologium and Menæa on this day, also the Roman Martyrology.
Authorities:--His Life collected from various sources, by Bollandus,
and an epitome of his life in the Greek Menæa.]
Sophronius, surnamed the Sophist, was the son of pious parents
at Damascus. His learning and virtue caused his election to the
patriarchal throne of Jerusalem. On the invasion and capture of
Jerusalem, by Chosroes, king of Persia, Sophronius fled to his friend,
S. John the Almsgiver, (Jan. 23rd,) patriarch of Alexandria, who
supported him till he was able to return to his see. He held a synod at
Jerusalem, against the Monothelites, and drew up a synodal letter on
that occasion, which was sent to pope John IV.