He succeeded Flavian I of Antioch in 404 and died in 414 to be replaced by Patriarch Alexander of Antioch.
In the aftermath of John Chrysostom's deposal by the Synod of the Oak and a subsequent Synod in 404, John's opponents Severian, Acacius and Antiochus sought to place priests opposed to John into positions of influence.
When Flavian I died shortly after the exile of John[1] they pushed through a rapid election and consecration of Porphyrus while many residents were at the Olympic games customarily held in July or August.
[1] The populace was offended that Constantius, Flavian's adjunct and a supporter of John's, was not installed.
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