Dionysius II of Antioch facts for kids

Dionysius II was a very important leader of the Syriac Orthodox Church. He was the Patriarch of Antioch, which means he was the head of this church. He served in this role from about 896 or 897 AD until he passed away in 908 or 909 AD.

Who Was Dionysius II?

Dionysius II started his journey by studying and becoming a monk. He lived at a place called the monastery of Beth Batin. This monastery was located near Harran in a region known as Upper Mesopotamia.

Becoming a Church Leader

After the previous patriarch, Theodosius Romanus, passed away, Dionysius was chosen to take his place. He became the Patriarch of Antioch through a special kind of election. This was done by drawing lots, like picking names from a hat.

He was officially made patriarch on April 23, 896 or 897 AD. This important ceremony happened at a village called Ashit, near Sarug. Archbishop Jacob of Emesa led the ceremony. We know these details from historical writings by Michael the Syrian and Bar Hebraeus.

His Time as Patriarch

Soon after becoming patriarch, Dionysius II held a big meeting. This meeting, called a synod, took place at the monastery of Saint Shila. Thirty-five bishops attended this important gathering.

During the synod, Dionysius created twenty-five new church rules. These rules are known as canons. He continued to lead the Syriac Orthodox Church until his death.

He died on April 18, 908 or 909 AD. He was buried at the monastery of Beth Batin, the same place where he had studied as a monk. During his time as patriarch, Dionysius helped many new bishops get started. Michael the Syrian's Chronicle says he ordained fifty bishops. Another historian, Bar Hebraeus, says it was fifty-one bishops.