First Synod of Tyre facts for kids
The First Synod of Tyre, also called the Council of Tyre, was a big meeting of church leaders (bishops) that happened in 335 AD. It was called by the Roman Emperor Constantine I. The main reason for this meeting was to look into serious accusations made against Athanasius, who was the top church leader (Patriarch) in Alexandria.
Why the Meeting Happened
Athanasius was a key figure in early Christian discussions about Jesus and the nature of God. He strongly supported the ideas decided at an earlier meeting called the First Council of Nicaea. This was different from the beliefs of Arius and his followers, who had different ideas about Jesus.
In 328, Athanasius was chosen to be the leader of the church in Alexandria. This was a bit tricky because Alexandria was also where Arius, a priest, lived. Plus, Athanasius was not yet 30 years old, which was usually the minimum age for a bishop.
After Athanasius became the leader, Arius's supporters made many accusations against him. They claimed he acted wrongly, illegally taxed people, and even supported rebels against the Emperor. More importantly, Emperor Constantine wanted Athanasius to let Arius back into the church, but Athanasius refused. Because of these issues, Athanasius was asked to attend a meeting in Caesarea in 334, but he did not go.
The Synod Meeting
Emperor Constantine had planned for bishops to gather in Jerusalem to celebrate the opening of a new church he had built. He told them that on their way, they should first meet in Tyre. Their job there was to examine the charges against Athanasius. The Emperor also sent a clear message to Athanasius: if he didn't come willingly, he would be brought to the meeting by force.
Eusebius of Nicomedia played a very important role at this meeting. According to Epiphanius of Salamus, he was in charge of the assembly. About 310 church leaders attended. Athanasius came this time, bringing 48 bishops from Egypt with him. The meeting decided that Athanasius was guilty of the charges. So, Athanasius traveled to Constantinople to speak directly with the Emperor.
What Happened Next
Athanasius met with Emperor Constantine. The Emperor cleared him of most of the charges. However, one charge stuck: Athanasius was accused of threatening to stop the grain supply from Egypt to Constantinople. This single accusation was enough for the Emperor to send Athanasius away. He was exiled to Trier, which was then part of the Roman Empire in what is now Germany.
Athanasius stayed in exile until Emperor Constantine died in 337.
The ideas supported by the Synod of Tyre, which leaned towards Arius's beliefs, were later changed. This happened at another important meeting called the Council of Constantinople.
See also
- 4th century in Lebanon
