441 AD
Cyrus Panopolites was a renowned poet and a high-ranking official in the Eastern Roman Empire, achieving the lofty post of Praetorian Prefect. He was successful in his diplomatic negotiations and was responsible for rebuilding the walls of Constantinople. For some reason, he fell afoul of the emperor Theodosius II who accused him of being pagan and stripped him of his position. Rumour had it that the emperor was jealous of Cyrus’s popularity with the people of Constantinople.
Having no future in the civil service, Cyrus entered the Church and became a priest. To his surprise, the emperor named him a bishop and sent him to preside over the see of Cotaeum in Phrygia, far from the capital. The reason for this appointment was apparent: the unruly citizens of Cotaeum had murdered their last four bishops and the emperor was clearly hoping that that they would do the same to Cyrus.
On Christmas day Cyrus was officiating at his church when the mob, anxious to see what sort of man their new bishop was and whether he was really a pagan, loudly demanded that he preach to them. Cyrus mounted to the pulpit and gave the following sermon.
Brethren, let the birth of God our Saviour Jesus Christ be honoured with silence, because the Word of God was conceived in the holy Virgin through hearing alone. To him be glory for ever. Amen.
The oration was greeted with great enthusiasm instead of a lynching and Cyrus went to become a beloved bishop.