On 25 August 450, Emperor Marcian was crowned by Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople. This was the first time in history that a secular authority was crowned by a religious figure. It will serve as an example and model for the establishment of the Christian coronation ceremony used both in the East and the West. It would also demonstrate the growing ties between church and state.

Marcian’s reign will include the important Council of Chalcedon, at which he supported the position of Pope St. Leo I. Moreover, Marcian will be considered one of the good Emperors and will later be canonized by the Orthodox Church.