www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Photios

Alex,

I meant it in the way John VIII restored himself to communion with the Church. Although his faith was Orthodox, the Orthodox would not commune him until he confessed.

Sorry for the confusion...

Dear OOD,

Gotcha!

What I've always found fascinating surrounding this issue is Fr. Romanides' discussion of the Romans in the West and their struggle with Charlemagne and the Franks who were the proponents of the Filioque.

In any event, the teaching of St Photios that the Spirit proceeds from the Father alone is the touchstone of Apostolic Orthodoxy.

By the way, how can one understand the phrase used by St Maximos the Confessor and St John Damskinos that the Spirit proceeds "from the Father through the Son?"

Is this in any way a contradiction of the procession of the Spirit from the Father alone?

Alex

[ 02-07-2002: Message edited by: Orthodox Catholic ]

OOD,

I agree with much of what you wrote in substance, but you have a few points off. I would suggest you read, "The Photian Schism" by Francis Dvornik. Out of print, but can be obtained easily through interlibrary loan.

For instance, the synod in question was 869/870, which was condemned by the 879/880 Synod. Both took place in Constantinople, not at the lateran.

I hate how a great saint like Photios was slandered by someone sharing my name, namely the evil Anastasius the Librarian!!!

anastasios

Dear Anastasios,

He was a librarian?

"Book 'em, Dano!"

Alex

Anatasios (that is my fathers name),

I wote those dates from memory as I don't have my books around me right now, you are right, it was 869, not 863. And 869 was held at Constantinople, not the Lateran.

But there was in fact a Lateran Council of 863 which condemned Photios, I'm pretty sure.

I don't think I was misleading, my dates are just off, it must be because they were on the old calendar

Thanks for the book suggestion but I have already read three on the subject. I even started to read a Latin version but only got halfway through it before my stomach got so twisted that I had to be put in contraction.

Thanks for the corrections.

Dear Friends,

Since we're on the name of "Anastasios," I just wanted to note FYI that the Church of St Anastasia in Rome was originally dedicated to the Resurrection or "Anastasis" in Greek.

Over time, when Greek fell into disuse in Rome (it was the national and liturgical language there), people didn't know what "Anastasis" really meant and, slowly, the Church's dedication became that to the female Martyr-saint.

Alex