Epiphanius of Constantinople facts for kids

Epiphanius (also known as Epiphanios; Greek: Ἐπιφάνιος) was a very important church leader. He was the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from February 25, 520, until he died on June 5, 535. He took over this role from John II Cappadocia.

Epiphanius: A Church Leader

The Byzantine Empire was a powerful and growing empire during Epiphanius's time. Its armies, led by generals like Belisarius and Narses, won many battles. The empire also had strong religious policies. They worked to stop the worship of old religions and idolatry. This sometimes involved burning books and destroying old statues.

Epiphanius and Emperor Justinian

During Epiphanius's time as patriarch, Emperor Justinian I was very involved in church matters. He made new laws about how bishops were chosen and what their jobs were. Epiphanius and his clergy followed these laws. This shows that the emperor had a lot of say in church affairs back then.

Early Life and Election

Before becoming patriarch, Epiphanius had an important job. He was in charge of teaching new members of the church, called catechumens, in Constantinople. In 519, he was sent on a special mission to Macedonia. He went with John II and Count Licinius. Their job was to collect documents from people who wanted to reunite with the Catholic Church.

On February 25, 520, Epiphanius was chosen to be the new bishop. Emperor Justin I approved his election. The bishops, monks, and people of Constantinople also agreed. A letter from the church leaders in Constantinople described Epiphanius. They said he had the right faith and cared for orphans like a father.

Working for Church Unity

Epiphanius worked hard to keep peace between the Eastern and Western churches. He accepted the peace agreements made by his predecessor, Patriarch John II, and Pope Hormisdas. He confirmed these agreements at a church meeting in Constantinople. At the same meeting, he also supported the rules from the Council of Chalcedon.

Dioscorus, who represented Pope Hormisdas, watched Epiphanius closely. He thought Epiphanius's words were promising. However, he wasn't sure if Epiphanius would follow through. Epiphanius sent four letters to Pope Hormisdas. In these letters, he told the Pope about his election. He also shared his beliefs and condemned those the Pope had forbidden to be mentioned in church records.

Epiphanius followed the teachings of important church councils. These included the Council of Nicaea, Ephesus, Constantinople, and Chalcedon. He also supported the letters of Pope Leo I that defended the Christian faith.

Gifts and Leniency

Epiphanius sent gifts to the Roman church with his second letter to the Pope. These gifts included a gold chalice with jewels and a gold patina. He also sent a silver chalice and two silk veils. He wanted to ensure peace throughout the church. He suggested that the Pope be kind to bishops who had made mistakes in the past.

Pope Hormisdas responded to Epiphanius's letters. He trusted Epiphanius's wisdom and experience. The Pope agreed to be lenient with those who returned to the church. However, he wanted to be strict with those who refused to change. Epiphanius was given the job of finishing the process of reuniting the churches.

Challenges and Papal Visit

Emperor Justin's strict rules to make the Catholic Church supreme caused problems. Theodoric the Great, the Arian ruler of Italy, was upset. He was an Arian, which was a different Christian belief. Theodoric wanted to get back at the Eastern Empire.

Pope John I, who became Pope after Hormisdas, became worried. In 525, he traveled to Constantinople. He went because Theodoric demanded that the Emperor change his rules against the Arians. Theodoric also wanted their churches to be given back.

Pope John received a great welcome in Constantinople. People met him outside the city with candles and crosses. Emperor Justin bowed before the Pope. He even wanted the Pope to crown him. Patriarch Epiphanius invited the Pope to lead a church service. However, the Pope refused until he was given the most important seat. On Easter Day, the Pope led the service with great ceremony. He shared communion with all the Eastern bishops. Only Patriarch Timothy of Alexandria, who strongly disagreed with the Council of Chalcedon, did not join.

Later Disputes and Death

In 531, a disagreement started again between Rome and Constantinople. Stephen, a church leader from Larissa, appealed to Pope Boniface II. He was challenging a decision made by Epiphanius. Even though Stephen appealed, he was eventually removed from his position.

Epiphanius died after serving as patriarch for 14 years and 3 months. The information we have about him shows him in a good light. Besides his letters to Pope Hormisdas, we also have records of church decisions. These include rulings against Severus of Antioch and Peter Mongus. Epiphanius is also known for creating forty-five church rules, called canons.