Rufus of Thessalonica

Saint Rufus of Thessalonica was archbishop of Thessalonica from 407 to 434, in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, and a defender of Orthodoxy against Nestorianism in the Church struggles of the first half of the fifth century. He is counted a saint, and the Church commemorates him on 9 September.

Rufus succeeded Anysius in the see of Thessalonica. His correspondence with the see of Rome is an important source for the history of Thessalonica in the early fifth century. In a letter of Pope Innocent I of 17 June 412, the pope gives directions to his vicar at Thessalonica, that is, the archbishop of Thessalonica, and sets out his duties. Two letters from Innocent's successor, Pope Boniface I, were also addressed to Rufus. One dates from 419 and concerns the election of Perigenes, bishop of Corinth. The second, of 422, announces that a synod is to be convened to re-⁠examine the election of Perigenes of Corinth.

Boniface's successor, Celestine I, sent letters in 424 to the bishops of Illyricum, placing them under the authority of the papal vicar, Bishop Rufus of Thessalonica, which shows that there was a crisis between the archbishop of Thessalonica and the bishops of Illyricum. Rufus also received a second letter from Pope Celestine, of 11 August 430, informing him of the council of western bishops which had condemned Nestorianism.

Rufus of Thessalonica was a friend and close collaborator of Saint Cyril of Alexandria in his struggle against Nestorianism. Two letters of Cyril are addressed to him, dealing with doctrinal questions and Church events of the age. As is clear from the opening of the first, they have the purpose of giving information. In both of them Rufus is spoken of warmly and with praise. His part in Church affairs is also noted in a letter of Cyril of Alexandria to John I of Antioch.

For reasons unknown, Rufus did not take part in the Third Ecumenical Council at Ephesus, in 431, which condemned Nestorianism and Pelagianism. His representative at the council was Bishop Flavian of Philippi. Rufus reposed probably in 434, because by 435 the archbishop of Thessalonica was already Anastasius I.