Michael IV of Constantinople facts for kids

Michael IV Autoreianos (Greek: Μιχαὴλ Αὐτωρειανός) was an important leader of the Christian Church. He served as the Patriarch of Constantinople from 1208 until his death in 1212. The Patriarch of Constantinople is like a main bishop for many Orthodox Christians.

Early Life and Church Role

Michael was a very smart and educated person. He was part of a group of writers and thinkers. Before the year 1204, he held an important church position called megas sakellarios. This was around the time the city of Constantinople was attacked. The attack happened during the Fourth Crusade in 1204.

A letter from 1222 says that Michael was chosen to be a bishop in a city called Amastris. However, a ruler named David Komnenos did not agree to this. He felt it interfered with his own power.

Becoming Patriarch

In 1208, Michael IV was chosen to be the Patriarch. He took over from John X, who had passed away in 1206. The new emperor, Theodore I Laskaris, appointed Michael.

Theodore Laskaris had created a new Greek state in Asia Minor. This state was called the Empire of Nicaea. He wanted the previous Patriarch, John X, to join him there. But John X was too old and died soon after.

Important Actions as Patriarch

Shortly after becoming Patriarch, Michael IV performed a special ceremony. On March 20, 1208, he crowned Theodore Laskaris as emperor. Theodore had already been recognized as emperor in 1205.

Michael also did something very unusual for the time. He promised that soldiers who died fighting for Laskaris would have their sins forgiven. This was not a common practice in the Orthodox Church. It seems this promise did not last for a long time.

Michael IV Autoreianos passed away on August 26, 1212, in the city of Nicaea.