The Eighth Synod: Constantinople's Defining Council
An academic exploration of the Fourth Council of Constantinople (879-880), its historical context, theological significance, and its acceptance within Eastern Orthodoxy.
Explore Background ⏳ The Council Details 🗓️Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Overview
The Synod of 879-880
The Fourth Council of Constantinople, convened in 879–880, stands as a pivotal event in the history of Eastern Christianity. This council formally confirmed the reinstatement of Photius I as the Patriarch of Constantinople. Its proceedings and conclusions are recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church as having the authority of an ecumenical council, often referred to by adherents as the eighth ecumenical council.
Ecumenical Significance
While the first seven ecumenical councils are universally acknowledged by both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, the status of subsequent councils remains a point of divergence. The Eastern Orthodox Church views the 879-880 council as the Eighth Ecumenical Council, a designation not shared by the Catholic Church, which recognizes a different council held in 869-870 as the eighth ecumenical gathering.
Resolving Disputes
This council aimed to resolve significant ecclesiastical and political disputes that had fractured relations between the Eastern and Western churches. Central to its agenda was the legitimacy of Photius's patriarchate and the theological nuances surrounding the Nicene Creed, particularly the controversial addition known as the Filioque clause.
Historical Context
The Deposition of Ignatius
The council's roots lie in the complex political and ecclesiastical landscape of the 9th century. A major schism emerged following the deposition of Ignatius as Patriarch of Constantinople in 858. Ignatius, who had himself been appointed in a questionable manner, had opposed Caesar Bardas, a powerful figure in the Byzantine court. Bardas orchestrated Ignatius's removal and confinement, paving the way for the elevation of Photius, a respected scholar and Bardas's kinsman, to the patriarchal throne.
Papal Intervention
This irregular succession caused considerable consternation. Pope Nicholas I of Rome sided with Ignatius, condemning Photius's election as uncanonical and deposing him in 863. Photius, supported by Emperor Michael III and Bardas, retaliated by convening a council that excommunicated the Pope. This marked a significant escalation in the growing tensions between Rome and Constantinople.
Shifting Alliances
The political climate shifted dramatically with the assassination of Bardas and Emperor Michael III in 866 and 867, respectively, by Basil the Macedonian. Basil, now Emperor, sought to mend ties with the Papacy. He removed Photius and reinstated Ignatius. Subsequently, a council held in Constantinople from October 869 to February 870 condemned Photius and reaffirmed Ignatius's position.
The Council of 879–880
Reinstatement of Photius
Following the death of Ignatius in 877, Emperor Basil I, seeking to consolidate his authority and potentially secure papal recognition, appointed Photius as Patriarch once more. A new council was convened in Constantinople in 879. This assembly was notable for its broad representation, including delegates from all five major patriarchates, and the presence of papal legates who brought a pallium for Photius, signifying a degree of papal acknowledgment.
The council, attended by over 400 bishops, formally confirmed Photius's rightful claim to the patriarchate. This action effectively annulled the proceedings and decisions of the earlier 869-870 council that had condemned Photius.
The Filioque Controversy
A significant theological issue addressed by the council was the addition of the Filioque clause ("and the Son") to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. This addition, which had gained traction in the West but was rejected by the East, altered the doctrine of the Trinity by stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. The council implicitly condemned this addition by reading the original Creed and denouncing those who introduced "invented phrases" or falsified its antiquity. Eastern Orthodox scholars interpret this as a condemnation of both the addition and the doctrine itself, a stance strongly advocated by Photius.
Bulgarian Church Status
Beyond the Photius affair and the Filioque, the council also addressed the status of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Following prolonged negotiations involving papal and Eastern delegates, an agreement was reached that affirmed the Bulgarian Church's Eastern Christian affiliation, solidifying its position within the Byzantine sphere of influence.
Reception and Legacy
Eastern Orthodox Recognition
The Eastern Orthodox Church universally accepts the Council of 879-880 as the Eighth Ecumenical Council. This recognition stems from its role in affirming the Orthodox understanding of the Trinity, condemning the Filioque addition, and resolving the Photian Schism, thereby restoring unity within the Eastern Church. Its pronouncements are considered authoritative and binding.
Catholic Perspective
The Catholic Church, however, maintains a different historical interpretation. It regards the Council of 869-870 as the Eighth Ecumenical Council and does not recognize the 879-880 council as ecumenical. Historical accounts suggest that while Pope John VIII initially assented to the council's acts, possibly due to incomplete information provided by his legates, the Papacy later repudiated these decisions. This divergence remains a significant point of historical and theological difference between the two traditions.
Lasting Impact
The council's decisions, particularly regarding the Filioque and the authority of the Patriarch of Constantinople, had profound implications for the relationship between the Eastern and Western churches. While it temporarily resolved disputes, the underlying theological and jurisdictional differences continued to contribute to the eventual Great Schism. The council's affirmation of Photius and its stance on the Creed underscore the distinct theological trajectory of Eastern Orthodoxy.
Related Topics
Fifth Council of Constantinople
The Fifth Council of Constantinople, held in 1341–1351, is recognized by some Eastern Orthodox scholars as another ecumenical council, further illustrating the differing canons of ecumenicity between East and West.
The Filioque Clause
A detailed examination of the Filioque clause, its theological implications, and its role as a major point of contention between Eastern Orthodoxy and the Roman Catholic Church.
Patriarchate of Constantinople
Understanding the historical significance and jurisdictional authority of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, particularly its role in convening and presiding over major church councils.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "Fourth Council Of Constantinople Eastern Orthodox" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- "Photius." Cross, F. L., ed. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. New York: Oxford University Press. 2005. Quote: "It was only after Ignatius' death (877) that Photius, by order of the Emperor, once more became Patriarch."
- Philip Schaff, Conflict of the Eastern and Western Churches
- Zlatarski, History of the Bulgarian State during the Middle Ages, vol. 1, ch. 2, Sofia, 1971, p. 159
- Even though the Council was moved to Ferrara in 1438 and later to Florence, some bishops refused to move and remained in a parallel Council at Basel.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional or theological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical, theological, or academic consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for specific research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.