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Social and political developments. Church affairs
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Page 4
The deposition of Photius by Leo VI can be explained by Leo's fear of the growing political influence of the patriarch and his party, as well as by Leo's desire to raise his brother Stephen to the patriarchal throne. Through this latter measure he hoped to acquire unlimited authority in the church affairs of the Empire; Photius' strong will would have opposed the Emperor's tendency to rule over ecclesiastical matters. Under Leo's successors there was a noticeable tendency toward a reconciliation with the Roman church through mutual concessions.
The church problems of the Byzantine Empire became especially complicated at the beginning of the tenth century during the patriarchate of Nicholas Mysticus, a relative and pupil of Photius and the most remarkable of his successors. According to one historian, the most noble traits of Photius were reincarnated in his pupil, Nicholas Mysticus, who, more than any one else, strove to follow the ideal example of a patriarch symbolized by Photius. This patriarch left a very interesting collection of letters invaluable from the historical and ecclesiastical points of view.
Strong disagreements arose between Leo and Nicholas Mysticus on account of the Emperor's fourth marriage, vehemently opposed by the patriarch on the basis that it was against all church laws. In spite of this, the Emperor forced a presbyter to perform the marriage ceremony between him and Zoe, who thus became his fourth wife (his first three wives had died in rapid succession). After the wedding had been performed, in the absence of a patriarch, Leo himself placed the imperial crown upon Zoe's head; this later gave Nicholas Mysticus occasion to say that the Emperor was to Zoe both groom and bishop. The eastern patriarchs, when questioned with regard to this problem, expressed themselves in favor of allowing Leo to marry for the fourth time. This marriage excited great confusion among the population of the Empire. The recalcitrant Nicholas Mysticus was deposed and exiled. At the Constantinopolitan council it was determined to grant a dispensation to the Emperor without dissolving his fourth marriage. After long deliberations the rank of patriarch was conferred upon Euthymius.
A History of the Byzantine Empire - Table of Contents
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Reference address : https://www.ellopos.net/elpenor/vasilief/social-political-developments.asp?pg=4
