|
With his enthronement to Patriarch, Photios thereby accepted the Seven Ecumenical Councils and supported all anathemas decided upon by the Church up to that time. He went forward humbly and in the fear of God to walk his Patriarchal path. Ignatios watched from the shadows while his followers became increasingly restless at the enthronement of Photios. They refused to recognize Photios as patriarch and maintained that Ignatios was the lawful patriarch. Although Ignatios had, himself, submitted his resignation, he did not hinder their actions. The fanatic Ignatios monks decided to involve Pope Nicholas I of Rome in the affairs of the enthronement of Photios. The Pope took great interest in the situation, though knowing very little of it's circumstances. He was desiring to bring the entire church under his control and leadership and saw this as a golden opportunity. In response to the workings of the fanatical bishops and monks, the tender and loving Photios was forced to act. He called together the Council of 859 at which it was stated that the enthronement of Ignatios was invalid because it was not decided upon by a synod, but rather he was appointed by Theodora. There was much upheaval at this council from both sides and Bardas handled the protestors in an improper manner. Bardas blamed Ignatios for the actions of his bishops and monastic followers. As a result, he ordered Ignatios to be exiled to the island of Mytilene. Likewise he enforced cruel acts upon those followers. Photios rebuked Bardas, stating that if the acts upon these men did not cease, he would step down from the Patriarchate. The actions were curbed and Ignatios was allowed to return and his belongings were given back to him. Despite this, Ignatios still refused to recognize Photios' position. Dismissing the true cannons of the Eastern Church, the Pope formed his false foundation of authority over all of the sees of Orthodoxy. He boldly addressed Photios, in writing, stating that Photios' appointment to the Patriarchal throne was not canonical in that he was elevated from among the laity. Emperor Michael ordered what came to be known as the First-Second Council. Pope Nicholas had sent representatives to this council to determine the validity of Photios' enthronement and to respect that position, should it be found valid. However, he demanded that he be given authority over southern Italy, Sicily, the Balkans and the Slavic lands which had just recently embraced the faith. This Council accepted the enthronement of Photios as canonical. In response to the behavior of the followers of Ignatios, it also defined that in order to not disrupt the unity of the church, no clergy shall independently denounce the authority of their bishop or create schism without the issue having been decided on by a council. However, they encouraged defense of the faith against any bishop who professes a concept that has been deemed heretical by the Holy Fathers and Councils of the Church. Rather than instigating a schism, such people are properly condemning a false bishop and striving for the unity of the Faith. Photios responded to Pope Nicholas and gently rebuked his behavior using the Truth of the Church. He stated that nowhere in the canons of the church did it address the elevation of a layman to the bishopric. Therefore, since he had violated no canons through his appointment, there should not be made such a controversy. He reiterated his stance of being in his position against his will and the pain of heart that he continued to endure as a result. He spoke kindly and with brotherly love to Nicholas, to no avail. In addition, when Nicholas' emissaries returned from the council with the news that the Pope's wishes for the acquisition of land had not been granted, he became enraged. In 863, in the Roman Lateran, Nicholas excommunicated Photios. He was still insisting that Photios' appointment as Patriarch was not canonical. In turn, he insisted upon recognizing Ignatios as Patriarch, despite the fact that Ignatios was no longer serving this position, by his own resignation. He went on to inform Emperor Michael and the Patriarchs of all of the Eastern sees of his self-proclaimed superiority over all the churches. He claimed this based upon the flawed Western interpretation of the supremacy of the Apostle Peter and erroneous documents 'Donation of Constantine' & 'The Isidorian Decretals'. Emperor Michael ceased communications with the Pope and Photios chose to remain silent. Continued on page 3 |
|
