Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Fourth Council of Constantinople (Eastern Orthodox) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Fourth Council of Constantinople: Historical Context and Theological Disputes

Cheat Sheet:
The Fourth Council of Constantinople: Historical Context and Theological Disputes Study Guide

Council Identification and Recognition

Within the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the council convened in 879-880 is recognized as the Eighth Ecumenical Council.

Answer: True

Explanation: The council held from 879 to 880 is designated as the Eighth Ecumenical Council by the Eastern Orthodox Church, distinguishing it from the council of 869-870 recognized by the Roman Catholic Church.

Return to Game

Was the Fourth Council of Constantinople held exclusively within the year 879?

Answer: False

Explanation: The council convened and took place between the years 879 and 880, not exclusively within 879.

Return to Game

Approximately 400 bishops attended the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880).

Answer: False

Explanation: The council was attended by 383 bishops, not approximately 400.

Return to Game

The council held from October 869 to February 870 deposed Photius and reinstated Ignatius.

Answer: True

Explanation: This council, recognized by the Catholic Church as the Eighth Ecumenical Council, deposed Photius and reinstated Ignatius as Patriarch.

Return to Game

Did the council convened in 879 include representatives from only the Eastern patriarchates?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the council convened in 879 included representatives from all five patriarchates, including that of Rome, and was attended by 383 bishops.

Return to Game

Does the Catholic Church recognize the 879 council as ecumenical?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the Catholic Church recognizes the council of 869-870 as the eighth ecumenical council and does not include the council of 879-880 among its ecumenical councils.

Return to Game

Is the Second Council of Nicaea listed as a subsequent council following the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880)?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the Fifth Council of Constantinople is listed as the subsequent council, not the Second Council of Nicaea.

Return to Game

Does the infobox state that the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880) is accepted by Eastern Orthodoxy?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the infobox explicitly states that the council is accepted by Eastern Orthodoxy.

Return to Game

Does the Eastern Orthodox designation of the 879-880 council as the Eighth Ecumenical Council imply it supersedes the council recognized by Catholics as the eighth?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the Eastern Orthodox designation signifies their belief that the 879-880 council holds universal authority and effectively annulled or superseded the council of 869-870, which the Catholic Church recognizes as the eighth ecumenical council.

Return to Game

How many bishops were recorded as attending the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880)?

Answer: Exactly 383

Explanation: The records indicate that exactly 383 bishops attended the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880).

Return to Game

The council recognized by Catholics as the eighth ecumenical council took place between which years?

Answer: 869-870

Explanation: The council recognized by the Catholic Church as the eighth ecumenical council convened and concluded between the years 869 and 870.

Return to Game

What was the outcome of the council held from October 869 to February 870?

Answer: Ignatius was reinstated, and Photius was deposed.

Explanation: The council held from October 869 to February 870 resulted in the deposition of Photius and the reinstatement of Ignatius as Patriarch of Constantinople.

Return to Game

The designation of the 879 council as the 'Eighth Ecumenical Council' by the Eastern Orthodox Church signifies:

Answer: Their belief that it annulled the council of 869.

Explanation: By designating the 879-880 council as the Eighth Ecumenical Council, the Eastern Orthodox Church signifies their belief that this council superseded or annulled the council of 869-870, which the Catholic Church recognizes as the eighth.

Return to Game

Which council is listed in the 'See also' section related to the Eastern Orthodox view of the Fourth Council of Constantinople?

Answer: Fifth Council of Constantinople

Explanation: The Fifth Council of Constantinople is listed in the 'See also' section, indicating its chronological relationship to the Fourth Council of Constantinople.

Return to Game

The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts the council of 879-880 as ecumenical because:

Answer: It annulled the council of 869 which had deposed Photius.

Explanation: The Eastern Orthodox Church views the 879-880 council as ecumenical because they believe it annulled the council of 869, which had previously deposed Photius.

Return to Game

The Patriarchal Dispute: Ignatius and Photius

Did the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880) confirm the deposition of Photius I from the patriarchal office?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the council confirmed the reinstatement of Photius I as the patriarch of Constantinople. The council of 869-870 had deposed him.

Return to Game

Was the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880) convened to resolve a dispute concerning the legitimacy of Patriarch Ignatius?

Answer: False

Explanation: The council was convened to resolve the dispute concerning the legitimacy of Photius I's patriarchate, which arose after Ignatius's deposition and subsequent reinstatement. The council confirmed Photius's legitimacy after Ignatius's death.

Return to Game

Ignatius was appointed Patriarch of Constantinople in an uncanonical manner, leading to conflict.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ignatius was indeed appointed Patriarch of Constantinople in an uncanonical manner, which precipitated the conflict and subsequent events leading to the councils.

Return to Game

Was Photius's elevation to Patriarch considered straightforward and uncontroversial at the time?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Photius's elevation was highly controversial due to Ignatius being deposed without a formal ecclesiastical trial and Photius's sudden rise to the patriarchal office.

Return to Game

Was Photius reappointed Patriarch after the death of Ignatius in 877?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, following the death of Patriarch Ignatius in 877, Photius I was reappointed Patriarch of Constantinople by Emperor Basil I.

Return to Game

Did the Photian Schism occur after the Council of 879-880?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the Photian Schism occurred prior to the Council of 879-880, lasting roughly from 863 to 867, and led to the events surrounding the councils.

Return to Game

Was Photius deposed in 869 without a formal ecclesiastical trial?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Ignatius was deposed in 858 without a formal ecclesiastical trial. Photius was deposed by the council held in Constantinople from October 869 to February 870.

Return to Game

Did the Photian Schism primarily concern jurisdictional disputes between Rome and Constantinople?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the Photian Schism involved significant jurisdictional disputes between Rome and Constantinople, alongside theological disagreements.

Return to Game

Is a patriarchate considered a minor bishopric within the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, a patriarchate refers to the high office and jurisdiction of a patriarch, a supreme leader within the hierarchy of the Eastern Orthodox Church, not a minor bishopric.

Return to Game

Was the charge of treason used to depose Ignatius of Constantinople?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, Ignatius of Constantinople was deposed and confined on the charge of treason, orchestrated by Caesar Bardas and Emperor Michael III.

Return to Game

Was Photius a simple monk before his sudden elevation to Patriarch?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Photius was a renowned scholar and statesman, a kinsman of Caesar Bardas, before his elevation, not a simple monk.

Return to Game

What was the primary subject debated and decided at the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880)?

Answer: The reinstatement and legitimacy of Photius I as Patriarch of Constantinople

Explanation: The central issue addressed and decided at the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880) was the confirmation of Photius I's legitimacy and his reinstatement as Patriarch of Constantinople.

Return to Game

Who was re-elected Patriarch of Constantinople after Ignatius died in 877?

Answer: Photius I

Explanation: Following the death of Patriarch Ignatius in 877, Photius I was reappointed to the patriarchal office.

Return to Game

What does the term 'patriarchate' refer to in the context of the council's main subject?

Answer: The office and jurisdiction of a patriarch.

Explanation: In the context of the council's subject matter, 'patriarchate' refers to the high office, authority, and jurisdiction held by a patriarch, such as the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Return to Game

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the controversy surrounding Photius's initial appointment?

Answer: Pope Nicholas I initially supported Photius.

Explanation: Pope Nicholas I actually condemned Photius's appointment and supported Ignatius; therefore, this statement is not a reason for the controversy.

Return to Game

What was the primary reason Ignatius was deposed in 858?

Answer: He opposed Caesar Bardas, who then engineered his deposition.

Explanation: Ignatius was deposed in 858 primarily because he opposed Caesar Bardas, who subsequently engineered his deposition on charges of treason.

Return to Game

The deposition of Ignatius in 858 was controversial primarily because:

Answer: It occurred without a formal ecclesiastical trial.

Explanation: The deposition of Ignatius in 858 was highly controversial because it was carried out without a formal ecclesiastical trial, violating canonical procedures.

Return to Game

Papal Involvement and Authority

Was the Fourth Council of Constantinople convoked by Pope John VIII?

Answer: False

Explanation: The council was convoked by Emperor Basil I. Pope John VIII sent papal legates, but he did not convoke the council.

Return to Game

Did Pope Nicholas I immediately recognize Photius as the legitimate Patriarch of Constantinople?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Pope Nicholas I supported Ignatius and condemned Photius's election as uncanonical. He deposed Photius and reinstated Ignatius in 863.

Return to Game

Did Photius excommunicate Pope Nicholas I in response to the Pope's condemnation?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, Photius, with imperial support, responded to Pope Nicholas I's condemnation by calling a council and excommunicating the Pope.

Return to Game

Did Pope John VIII send papal legates who approved the proceedings of the 879-880 council?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, Pope John VIII sent papal legates to the council, and they approved its proceedings, contributing to the complex reception of the council's acts.

Return to Game

Do historians agree that Pope John VIII unconditionally accepted all acts of the 879-880 council?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, there is historical debate regarding Pope John VIII's acceptance. Some suggest qualified assent, while others dispute unconditional acceptance.

Return to Game

Was the conflict between Photius and Pope Nicholas I primarily about differing liturgical practices?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the conflict was primarily about jurisdictional disputes and the legitimacy of Photius's patriarchate, not differing liturgical practices.

Return to Game

Which Pope initially condemned Photius's appointment and supported Ignatius?

Answer: Pope Nicholas I

Explanation: Pope Nicholas I was the pontiff who initially condemned Photius's election and supported the cause of Ignatius.

Return to Game

What action did Photius take in response to Pope Nicholas I's condemnation?

Answer: He called a council and excommunicated Pope Nicholas I.

Explanation: In response to Pope Nicholas I's condemnation, Photius, with the backing of Emperor Michael III, convened a council and excommunicated the Pope.

Return to Game

Which historical debate exists regarding Pope John VIII's acceptance of the 879-880 council's acts?

Answer: Whether his assent was unconditional or qualified.

Explanation: A significant historical debate concerns whether Pope John VIII's acceptance of the council's acts was unconditional or qualified, with various scholars offering differing interpretations.

Return to Game

What is a 'pallium' as mentioned in relation to Pope John VIII's legates?

Answer: A sacred vestment symbolizing authority

Explanation: A pallium is a sacred vestment worn by bishops and archbishops, symbolizing their authority and jurisdiction, which Pope John VIII sent as a gift to Photius.

Return to Game

The historical debate surrounding the Pope's acceptance of the 879-880 council's acts involves differing views on:

Answer: The extent and nature of papal approval.

Explanation: Scholarly debate primarily centers on the extent and nature of papal approval, specifically whether Pope John VIII's assent to the council's acts was unconditional or qualified.

Return to Game

What was the role of papal legates at the Council of 879-880?

Answer: To represent Pope John VIII and approve the council's proceedings.

Explanation: Papal legates, representing Pope John VIII, were present at the Council of 879-880 and approved its proceedings, although the Pope's ultimate acceptance of all acts remains debated.

Return to Game

What does the term 'qualified assent' suggest about Pope John VIII's reaction to the 879-880 council?

Answer: He agreed to the council's acts, but with reservations or conditions.

Explanation: 'Qualified assent' implies that Pope John VIII agreed to the council's acts, but with specific reservations or conditions, indicating that his approval was not absolute.

Return to Game

Theological Debates: The Filioque Clause

Was the theological debate over the Filioque clause the central focus of the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880)?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, while the Filioque clause was addressed and implicitly condemned, the primary focus of the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880) was the resolution of the dispute concerning the legitimacy of Photius I's patriarchate.

Return to Game

Did the Council of 879-880 explicitly add the Filioque clause to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the council implicitly condemned the addition of the Filioque clause by condemning those who imposed their own invented phrases or falsified the ancient creed.

Return to Game

Do Eastern Orthodox Christians believe the 879 council denounced the Filioque clause as orthodox?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Eastern Orthodox Christians argue that the council condemned the Filioque clause as heretical, not orthodox.

Return to Game

Do Roman Catholics believe the Filioque clause is theologically incorrect?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, Roman Catholics believe the Filioque clause is theologically correct, distinguishing its orthodoxy from the act of its addition to the creed.

Return to Game

Does the term Filioque refer to a condemnation of the addition of new phrases to the Nicene Creed?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the term Filioque refers to the Latin phrase 'and the Son,' which was added to the Nicene Creed in the West. The council implicitly condemned this addition, but the term itself denotes the phrase, not the condemnation.

Return to Game

How did the Council of 879-880 address the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed regarding the Filioque?

Answer: It implicitly condemned the addition of the Filioque clause.

Explanation: The Council of 879-880 implicitly condemned the addition of the Filioque clause to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed by denouncing those who imposed their own invented phrases or falsified the ancient creed.

Return to Game

What is the Eastern Orthodox view on the Filioque clause, according to the source?

Answer: They believe the council condemned it as heretical.

Explanation: Eastern Orthodox Christians interpret the council's actions as a condemnation of the Filioque clause as heretical, a position strongly advocated by Photius.

Return to Game

According to the source, the council implicitly condemned the addition of which phrase to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed?

Answer: Filioque

Explanation: The council implicitly condemned the addition of the Latin phrase 'Filioque' (meaning 'and the Son') to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.

Return to Game

Which statement accurately reflects the differing perspectives on the Filioque clause after the council?

Answer: The East condemned the clause as heretical, while the West defended its theological orthodoxy.

Explanation: The Eastern Orthodox Church interprets the council's actions as condemning the Filioque clause as heretical, whereas the Roman Catholic Church maintains the theological orthodoxy of the clause itself.

Return to Game

Political Context and Imperial Influence

Was Caesar Bardas solely responsible for the deposition of Patriarch Ignatius?

Answer: False

Explanation: Caesar Bardas engineered the deposition of Patriarch Ignatius, but Emperor Michael III was also instrumental in this action.

Return to Game

Emperor Michael III supported the deposition of Ignatius and the appointment of Photius.

Answer: True

Explanation: Emperor Michael III, influenced by Caesar Bardas, supported the deposition of Ignatius and the subsequent elevation of Photius to the patriarchal throne.

Return to Game

Did the murder of Basil the Macedonian lead to the reinstatement of Photius?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the murder of Bardas and Emperor Michael III by Basil the Macedonian led to Basil's rise to power. Basil then deposed Photius and reinstated Ignatius, prior to the 879 council.

Return to Game

Which emperor convoked the Fourth Council of Constantinople in 879-880?

Answer: Emperor Basil I

Explanation: The Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880) was convoked by Emperor Basil I.

Return to Game

Who were the key political figures supporting Photius whose deaths preceded the 879 council?

Answer: Caesar Bardas and Emperor Michael III

Explanation: The deaths of Caesar Bardas and Emperor Michael III, key political figures who supported Photius, occurred prior to the 879 council, significantly altering the political landscape.

Return to Game

Resolution and Legacy

Did the Bulgarian Orthodox Church become Eastern Christian following the council's proceedings and subsequent agreements?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, following the council and dissatisfaction with the Pope's position, the Bulgarian Church reached an agreement with the Byzantines, aligning itself with Eastern Christianity.

Return to Game

Is the restoration of Photius listed as a document or statement from the 879-880 council in the infobox?

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, the infobox lists the restoration of Photius as a document or statement attributed to the 879-880 council.

Return to Game

Were the Bulgarian ambassadors satisfied with the Pope's position regarding their church?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the Bulgarian ambassadors were dissatisfied with the Pope's position, which led them to seek and reach an agreement with the Byzantines.

Return to Game

Did the Council of 879-880 mark a period of increased unity between the Eastern and Western Churches?

Answer: False

Explanation: No, the council and the surrounding events, particularly the differing interpretations and recognitions, highlighted and arguably deepened the divergence between the Eastern and Western Churches.

Return to Game

Why did the Bulgarian Church ultimately align with the Byzantines rather than the Pope after the council?

Answer: The Bulgarians were dissatisfied with the Pope's position.

Explanation: The Bulgarian Church aligned with the Byzantines because their ambassadors were dissatisfied with the positions offered by the Pope, leading them to seek and finalize an agreement with the Eastern Empire.

Return to Game

The Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880) is significant in church history primarily due to:

Answer: Its confirmation of Photius's patriarchate and its differing recognition by East and West.

Explanation: The council's significance lies in its confirmation of Photius's patriarchate and the subsequent divergence in its recognition by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, contributing to historical divisions.

Return to Game