Photios I of Constantinople (b. 810)

Photios I: A Pillar of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Byzantine Intellect

Photios I (Greek: Φώτιος, Phōtios; c. 810/820 – 6 February 893), often spelled Photius, stands as one of the most prominent and influential figures in the history of the Christian Church. He twice served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, from 858 to 867 and again from 877 to 886. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, he is revered as Saint Photios the Great, a testament to his profound theological contributions and his leadership during a pivotal era for Byzantium and Christendom.

A Towering Intellectual and Scholar of the Ninth-Century Renaissance

Photios is widely acknowledged as the most powerful and influential church leader in Constantinople since the time of Saint John Chrysostom's archbishopric around the turn of the fifth century. His unparalleled intellect led contemporaries to regard him as "the leading light of the ninth-century renaissance," a period often referred to as the Macedonian Renaissance. This cultural revival saw a resurgence of classical learning and literary activity in the Byzantine Empire, and Photios was at its very heart. His monumental scholarly output included the *Myriobiblos*, also known as the *Bibliotheca*, a compilation of summaries and critiques of nearly 300 books he had read, encompassing a vast array of subjects from classical Greek literature, philosophy, and history to theology and medicine. This work serves as an invaluable source for texts that are now lost, demonstrating his immense erudition and his pivotal role in preserving ancient knowledge.

Architect of Christian Expansion and Eastern Church Law

Beyond his intellectual pursuits, Photios was a central figure in the significant expansion of Christianity among the Slavic peoples. He actively supported the missionary efforts of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the "Apostles to the Slavs," whose development of the Glagolitic alphabet (the precursor to Cyrillic) and translation of liturgical texts into Old Church Slavonic were crucial for the evangelization of Moravia and Bulgaria. This initiative laid the foundations for Slavic Orthodoxy and profoundly shaped the cultural and religious landscape of Eastern Europe.

Furthermore, Photios is celebrated as "the great systematic compiler of the Eastern Church," holding a position akin to that of Gratian in the West, whose *Decretum Gratiani* codified Western canon law. Photios's "collection in two parts," primarily referring to the *Nomocanon in XIV Titles* and other canonical compilations, formed and continues to form the classic source of ancient Church Law for the Greek Church. This comprehensive legal framework integrated imperial laws with ecclesiastical canons, providing a structured basis for the administration and discipline of the Eastern Church.

The Controversial Patriarch: Navigating Imperial and Papal Strife

Photios hailed from a distinguished Constantinopolitan family with deep ties to the church; his great uncle was the previous patriarch, Saint Tarasius. Though he initially considered a monastic life, he ultimately chose a career as a scholar and statesman. His rise to the patriarchal throne was remarkably swift and controversial: in 858, despite being a layman, he was elevated to patriarch by Emperor Michael III (r. 842–867) following the forced resignation and confinement of Patriarch Ignatius. This rapid promotion of a layman to such a high ecclesiastical office, bypassing traditional monastic pathways, immediately sparked contention within the Church and with the papacy in Rome.

Photios's first tenure was marked by intense power struggles between the Byzantine emperor and the Pope, particularly Pope Nicholas I, over issues such as the legitimacy of Photios's election, jurisdictional claims over Bulgaria, and later, the theological dispute over the *Filioque* clause (the addition of "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church). These conflicts led to the first "Photian Schism" of 863, with both Rome and Constantinople issuing anathemas against each other. Ignatius was subsequently reinstated. However, upon Ignatius's death in 877, Photios resumed the patriarchal position by order of the new Byzantine emperor, Basil I. Crucially, the new Pope, John VIII, approved Photios's reinstatement, seeking to restore unity.

Despite this reconciliation, the legacy of Photios remains a point of divergence between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, particularly regarding the legitimacy of two rival "Fourth Councils of Constantinople." Roman Catholics regard as legitimate the council held from 869-870, which anathematized Photios and condemned his actions. Conversely, Eastern Orthodox Christians consider legitimate a subsequent council held from 879-880 (often called the Council of Hagia Sophia), which reversed the decisions of the former council and affirmed Photios's legitimacy. These contested councils highlight the growing theological and ecclesiastical differences that ultimately contributed to the Great Schism of 1054, marking the end of the unity that had characterized the first seven Ecumenical Councils.

Legacy and Enduring Veneration

Historical studies indicate that Photios was venerated as a saint by many within the Eastern Church as early as the 9th century, and remarkably, even by parts of the Roman Church as late as the 12th century. This early veneration underscores his widespread esteem, despite the political and ecclesiastical controversies surrounding his career. Nonetheless, it was not until 1847 that Photios was formally canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church, solidifying his place as Saint Photios the Great, a defender of Orthodoxy and a beacon of scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photios I

What was Photios I's primary role in the Byzantine Empire?
Photios I served twice as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the highest ecclesiastical office in the Byzantine Empire. He was also a prominent statesman, scholar, and legal compiler, profoundly influencing Byzantine intellectual life and church administration.
Why is Photios I considered "the leading light of the ninth-century renaissance"?
He earned this title due to his exceptional intellect and vast scholarly output, notably his *Myriobiblos* (Bibliotheca), which preserved and critiqued numerous ancient texts. His work significantly contributed to the revival of classical learning during the Macedonian Renaissance in Byzantium.
What was the "Photian Schism" and why is it significant?
The "Photian Schism" refers to a series of ecclesiastical disputes and political conflicts during Photios's first patriarchate (858-867) with the papacy, particularly over his legitimacy, jurisdictional claims (e.g., over Bulgaria), and eventually theological differences like the *Filioque* clause. It is significant as a major precursor to the Great Schism of 1054, highlighting fundamental disagreements between Eastern and Western Christianity.
How did Photios I contribute to Eastern Orthodox canon law?
He is considered the "great systematic compiler of the Eastern Church." His compilations, particularly the *Nomocanon in XIV Titles*, integrated imperial laws with ecclesiastical canons, creating a foundational legal framework that remains a classic source of ancient Church Law for the Greek Church.
When was Photios I formally canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church?
Despite being venerated as a saint much earlier, Photios I was formally canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1847.