Το μεγάλο Σχίσμα Ανατολής και Δύσης: Τα θρησκευτικά και πολιτικά αίτια

Summary

The video script explores the complex and often strained relationships between the Church of Rome and the Byzantine Patriarchate throughout late antiquity and the Middle Ages. It covers theological disputes, jurisdictional conflicts, and significant events such as the Iconoclast controversy, papal independence, and the formation of the Papal States. The script also details pivotal crises, including the 860s schism with Patriarch Photius, the papal opposition in Bulgaria and Moravia, and the final rupture in 1054. This rift, culminating in the eventual sacking of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade, marks a decisive split in Christian history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The relationship between the Church of Rome and the Byzantine Patriarchate was often tense due to jurisdictional disputes and theological differences.
• 😀 The Byzantine emperors frequently intervened in religious matters, sometimes forcefully, to impose religious unity or challenge heretical groups.
• 😀 The Iconoclast controversy (Iconoclasm) led to a division between the Eastern and Western churches, with Rome defending orthodoxy and the veneration of icons.
• 😀 The rise of the Papal States and the coronation of Charlemagne in the 9th century contributed to a growing divide between Rome and Constantinople.
• 😀 The 860s saw a major crisis when Pope Nicholas I opposed the election of Patriarch Photius, leading to a conflict over ecclesiastical autonomy and doctrinal differences.
• 😀 The conflict escalated with the Bulgarians, where Rome attempted to exert control over the newly established Bulgarian Church, while the Byzantines sought to protect their influence.
• 😀 In 867, Emperor Basil I reinstated Patriarch Ignatius after deposing Photius, temporarily restoring relations with Rome.
• 😀 The Council of Constantinople in 879-880 officially recognized Photius, and for a while, relations between Rome and Constantinople remained tenuous but without open conflict.
• 😀 Over the next century, doctrinal differences, especially over the Filioque clause, remained unresolved, leading to continued tensions between the two churches.
• 😀 The ultimate break came in 1054 when a delegation from Rome excommunicated Patriarch Michael Cerularius, leading to the formal split between the Eastern and Western churches.
• 😀 The schism of 1054 was intensified by the political and military pressures of the time, including the Norman invasions of southern Italy, which strained Byzantine-Papal relations.

Q & A

What were the main sources of tension between the Church of Rome and the Byzantine Patriarchates in the later antiquity and Middle Ages?

The primary sources of tension were jurisdictional conflicts and theological differences. The disputes included issues like heretical groups, such as the Monophysites, and the theological disagreements over the nature of Christ, as well as the introduction of the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed.

How did the Byzantine emperors intervene in religious matters during the early centuries?

Byzantine emperors often intervened forcefully in religious matters, attempting to impose reconciliation between the Church and heretical groups, such as the Monophysites, and sometimes even altering religious beliefs, as seen in the case of iconoclasm.

What role did Rome play during the period of iconoclasm?

During the period of iconoclasm, Rome was seen as a defender of ecclesiastical orthodoxy and the persecuted Christians, standing in opposition to the Byzantine Emperor's policy of iconoclasm.

What was the significance of the papal states and Charlemagne's empire in the separation between Rome and Byzantium?

The independence of the papacy from Byzantium, the creation of the Papal States in Italy, and Charlemagne's coronation as emperor, which was supported by the Pope but not recognized by Byzantium, were significant steps in the eventual separation between Rome and Byzantium.

What triggered the crisis between Rome and Constantinople in the 860s?

The crisis in the 860s was triggered by the appointment of Patriarch Photius of Constantinople, which was considered irregular by Pope Nicholas I, leading to a dispute over the rightful patriarch and theological differences.

How did the Byzantine Church respond to the papal claims during the 860s crisis?

Patriarch Photius of Constantinople defended the autonomy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, rejecting papal interference and criticizing Western innovations in faith, such as the Filioque clause, clerical celibacy, and the use of unleavened bread in the Eucharist.

What was the outcome of the 879–880 Council of Constantinople?

The 879–880 Council of Constantinople resulted in a resolution where Patriarch Photius was recognized by Pope John VIII, and the conflict between the two churches temporarily subsided.

What was the key theological disagreement that continued to strain relations between Rome and Constantinople after the 9th century?

A key theological disagreement was the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed. The introduction of this clause by the Western Church and its rejection by the Eastern Church continued to be a significant point of division.

How did the Norman invasions affect the relationship between the Byzantine Empire and Rome?

The Norman invasions of southern Italy in the 11th century intensified the conflict between the Byzantine Empire and Rome, with the Normans pushing for the Latin liturgical practices, and the Papacy aligning with them against the Byzantines.

What was the outcome of the 1054 conflict between the Byzantine and Roman Churches?

The conflict culminated in the excommunication of Patriarch Michael Cerularius by papal representatives in 1054, leading to the formal split between the Byzantine and Roman Churches, a schism that remained permanent.