Patriarch Photius of Constantinople and Byzantine сhurch of the IX century

Abstract

The article is devoted to the multifaceted activities of one of the most prominent figures in the Byzantine history of the IX century, a prominent church and political figure, scientist and theologian – Patriarch Photius of Constantinople. The special stages of development of theological thought are analyzed with account of specificity and connection of spiritual knowledge of humanity with state administration. The main attention is paid to those church leaders, theologians who advocated universal human values, creativity, and freedom in the context of the interaction of the state and the church. Church historians call this epoch the era of Patriarch Photius, a prominent theologian, historian, scholar, diplomat, religious figure and church writer. The object of the study is the state and church policies of the Byzantine Empire in the nineth century, as well as the personality of Patriarch Photius and his church activities. Photius’ activities had a huge impact not only on church-state relations in Byzantium, but also identified the nature of relations between the churches of East and West. He reflected the tendency to unite and independence the Byzantine internal forces from Rome. These tendencies were inherent in the state life of the Roman Empire also in the subsequent period.The study of complex and contradictory historical events and phenomena that led to the church schism is based on methodological guidelines and principles of religious studies and historical science, and the research focus of the article is aimed at illustrating the historical and socio-political background, jurisdictional transformations and ecclesiastical transformations, the struggle of the popes and patriarchs of Constantinople for ecclesiastical universalism in Christendom, which eventually led to the proclamation of mutual anathemas and the final split of the Church of Christ. The methodology of the Byzantine missionaries and their usual practice are studied. The problems of chronology and nature of Rus-Byzantine relations in the late tenth century are being revised.