Theodore II of Constantinople
Theodore II of Constantinople | |
---|---|
Church of Constantinople | |
In office | 28 September 1213 – 31 January 1216 |
Predecessor | Michael IV of Constantinople |
Successor | Maximus II of Constantinople |
Personal details | |
Born | ? |
Died | 31 January 1216 |
Theodore II Eirenikos (
Patriarch of Constantinople
in exile in 1214–1216.
Political career
An intelligent, well-spoken and educated man, he rose to power following the disgrace and exile of Alexios' hitherto favourite official,
pansebastos sebastos.[1][2] According to the account of the contemporary historian Niketas Choniates, Eirenikos feared that he would share Mesopotamites' fate, and therefore exercised his power with great restraint. He was anxious not to displease the hereditary aristocracy that dominated the imperial court and that had undermined Mesopotamites' position. To that effect he also neglected to undertake any of the reforms that the Empire desperately needed.[3]
Exile and church career
In April 1204, Constantinople
Patriarchate of Constantinople, re-established in Nicaean exile. Laskaris also awarded him with the title hypatos ton philosophon,[1] a prestigious title given to the head of the faculty of philosophy in Constantinople.[4]
On 28 September 1214, Eirenikos was elected as Patriarch of Constantinople by the patriarchal
Latin princes.[5]
Theodore Eirenikos died on 31 January 1216.[5]
References
Sources
- Brand, Charles M. (1968). Byzantium Confronts the West, 1180–1204. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. OCLC 795121713.
- ISBN 0-19-504652-8.
- Vougiouklaki, Penelope (2003). "Theodore II Irenikos". Encyclopedia of the Hellenic World, Eastern Mediterranean. Foundation of the Hellenic World. Retrieved 21 June 2012.