Biography
Procopius of Decapolis
About Procopius of Decapolis
Procopius lived during the eighth century in Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee. The received Orthodox account describes his entry into a monastery and a life of prayer and fasting.
He opposed Emperor Leo the Isaurian’s campaign against icons. The account explains his defense as a distinction between worship and veneration: the honor shown to an image referred to the person depicted. It says that he was arrested, beaten, and imprisoned alongside Basil. Both were released after Leo’s death. Procopius then continued guiding others in monastic life and died at an advanced age, around 750. The notice does not identify his monastery or establish an exact death day.
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