Maximus, also known as Maximus I or Maximus the Cynic, was the intrusive patriarch of Constantinople in 380, where he became a rival of Gregory Nazianzus. Born in Alexandria into a poor family, he was the son of Christian parents, who had suffered on account of their religion; but whether from Pagan or Arian violence is not clear. Maximus united the faith of an orthodox believer with the garb and deportment of a Cynic philosopher. He was initially held in great respect by the leading theologians of the orthodox party. Athanasius, in a letter written about 371, pays him several compliments on a work written in defence of the orthodox faith.