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The Greek Schism

Rivalries Greeks and Latins, East and West  Caesaropapism had stronger consequences in the East (heretics like Leo III). The Filioque Controversy: the Spanish council of Toledo in 589 added the word to the Creed.  Meant to clarify the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father “and the Son.”  By 800, this wording was standard in the Frankish Empire of Charlemagne.  Patriarch of Constantinople rejected the wording, saying that the Creed was not be changed ever! 

The Photian Schism (857-867) 

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Photius (815-891) Father of the Greek Schism

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Emperor Michael III replaced Patriarch Ignatius with Photius. Ignatius refused to step down. Both sides wrote letters to the pope. Pope St. Nicholas I judged in favor of Ignatius as the rightful Bishop. Meanwhile, Photius was stirring anti-Latin sentiments in Byzantium: Objected to Latin missionaries in Bulgaria Charged the papacy with tampering with the Nicene Creed

Turning Point 867: Pope St. Nicholas I dies; Michael III assassinated during a revolution in Constantinople.  New Emperor Basil I wished to reconcile with the new pope, Adrian II.  Photius was removed at the Eighth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople IV) and restored Ignatius.  Resentment continued over Bulgaria (King Boris) and the Filioque.

King Boris I of Bulgaria (d. 2 May 907)

The Return of Photius 877: Ignatius dies; Photius becomes legitimate patriarch. Photius renewed his anti-Latin campaign: excommunicated the entire Latin Church in the west!  the eastern bishops recognized this stupidity, but were afraid of Photius’ political power. 886: Leo IV becomes Emperor; forces Photius to resign.  Relations became normal again…but not for long.

The Great Schism - 1054 Final split between East and West Patriarch Michael Cerularius (10431058): Greek monk heavily influenced by Photius’ anti-Latin polemics.  Closed the Latin parishes in Constantinople  Took the consecrated hosts from Latin churches and had them trampled upon.  Pope Leo IX and many bishops saw this as an attack on the Latin Church.  Sent his legates: Cardinal Humbert and Cardinal Frederick of Lorraine.

Rift 16 July 1054: Papal Legates attended the Divine Liturgy at Hagia Sophia.  Promulgated a decree of excommunication for Patriarch Cerularius.  The Patriarch incited riots when Emperor had called for reconciliation (he needed western help against the invading Normans) 24 July 1054: Cerularius burns the excommunication of Cardinal Humbert and excommunicates the Latin Church.