The Acts of the Council of Constantinople of 869-70

The Council of Constantinople of 869-70 was a dramatic event that saw the trial and condemnation of Patriarch Photius and a tussle of wills between the papal legates, imperial representatives, and bishops. It was church politics and personalities rather than issues of doctrine that dominated the debates, and its protest against secular interference in ecclesiastical elections led to it being accorded full ecumenical status.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2024
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The Council of Constantinople of 869-70 was a highly dramatic event, marked by the trial and condemnation of Patriarch Photius, a towering figure in Byzantium at the time, and the intense power struggles between the papal legates, imperial representatives, and bishops present. Rather than focusing on doctrinal issues like icon veneration, the debates at the council revolved around church politics and personalities. Among all the significant acts of the early councils, the acts of this particular council, which is the first modern translation of this text, are the closest to providing an accurate and comprehensive record. Its strong protest against secular interference in ecclesiastical elections later gained traction in the West, leading to the recognition of this council as a full ecumenical body, despite its initial repudiation in Byzantium. This council uniquely captures the tension between Rome's claim to supreme authority and the Byzantine perspective, which reduced this claim to a primacy of honor.

The Council of Constantinople of 869-70 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Byzantine Empire, marked by a series of dramatic events and intense power struggles. The council was convened to address a number of pressing issues facing the church, including the controversy surrounding the veneration of icons and the role of the emperor in ecclesiastical affairs. However, the council's proceedings were far more complex and contentious than initially anticipated.

One of the most significant events of the council was the trial and condemnation of Patriarch Photius, a prominent figure in Byzantium who had been accused of heresy and promoting secularism. Photius had been a staunch opponent of icon veneration, arguing that it was a violation of the teachings of the Bible and the early church fathers. He had also been critical of the emperor's role in church affairs, accusing him of meddling in religious matters and seeking to undermine the authority of the patriarch.

The trial of Patriarch Photius was a highly controversial affair, with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence to the council. The emperor's representatives, led by the imperial court eunuch John Beccus, presented a case against Photius, accusing him of promoting heresy and undermining the authority of the church. They also presented a series of documents and witnesses who claimed to have seen Photius engaging in inappropriate behavior and spreading false teachings.

On the other hand, Photius and his supporters presented a strong defense of their position. They argued that icon veneration was a long-standing tradition in the church and that it was not a violation of the Bible or the early church fathers. They also pointed to the emperor's past actions, including his support for the restoration of the Hagia Sophia and his appointment of Orthodox bishops to important positions, as evidence of his support for the church.

The tussle of wills at the council between the papal legates, the imperial representatives, and the bishops was another notable aspect of the proceedings. The papal legates, representing the Pope in Rome, were determined to assert their authority over the Byzantine church and to condemn Photius and his supporters for their heresy. They argued that the emperor's role in church affairs was subordinate to that of the Pope and that the patriarch's authority should be limited to his role as the spiritual leader of the church.

The imperial representatives, on the other hand, were determined to defend the emperor's right to participate in church affairs and to assert his authority over the church. They argued that the emperor was the supreme ruler of the empire and that he had the right to appoint bishops and other officials in the church. They also pointed to the historical tradition of the emperor's involvement in church affairs, including his support for the restoration of the Hagia Sophia and his appointment of Orthodox bishops to important positions.

The bishops present at the council were caught in the middle of these power struggles, with many of them torn between their loyalty to the Pope and their loyalty to the emperor. Some bishops supported Photius and his supporters, while others supported the imperial representatives. The tension between these factions was palpable, and it often led to heated debates and confrontations.

Despite the intense drama and controversy surrounding the council, it ultimately led to a significant shift in the power dynamics within the Byzantine church. The council's condemnation of Patriarch Photius and his supporters for heresy marked a significant victory for the papal legates and the imperial representatives. It also demonstrated the emperor's power and authority over the church, a power that would continue to be asserted and challenged for centuries to come.

However, the council's impact was not limited to Byzantium. The controversy surrounding the trial and condemnation of Patriarch Photius and his supporters also led to a broader debate about the role of the church in society and the relationship between the church and the state. The council's actions and decisions were widely criticized and condemned in the West, particularly in Rome, where many saw them as a violation of the church's independence and a threat to the unity of the Christian world.

In conclusion, the Council of Constantinople of 869-70 was a highly dramatic and contentious event that marked a significant moment in the history of the Byzantine Empire. The trial and condemnation of Patriarch Photius and the power struggles between the papal legates, imperial representatives, and bishops were a testament to the complex and contentious nature of church politics and personalities in the Byzantine world. The council's impact was far-reaching, leading to a shift in the power dynamics within the Byzantine church and a broader debate about the role of the church in society and the relationship between the church and the state.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802073690