Pyrrhus of Constantinople facts for kids

Pyrrhus (Greek: Πύρρος; died 1 June 654) was an important leader of the Christian church in Constantinople. He served as the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople twice. His first time was from December 20, 638, to September 29, 641. He then served again from January 9 to June 1, 654.

Early Role and Beliefs

Pyrrhus was a strong supporter of a religious idea called Monotheletism. This idea was promoted by the Emperor Heraclius. Monotheletism taught that Jesus had two natures (human and divine) but only one will. This was a big debate in the church at the time.

In 638, with the support of Emperor Heraclius, Pyrrhus was chosen to become the patriarch. This meant he was the main church leader in Constantinople, a very powerful position.

Political Challenges and Exile

After Emperor Heraclius died, there was a lot of political trouble. Pyrrhus was accused of being involved in plans against the new emperor, Emperor Constantine III. People thought he was working with Empress Martina to help her son, Heraklonas, become emperor.

Because of these accusations, the army and the people of Constantinople became very angry. A powerful leader named Valentinus removed Pyrrhus from his position. Pyrrhus was then sent away to Africa. Soon after, Empress Martina and Heraklonas were also removed from power and sent into exile. Constans II, who was Emperor Constantine's son, then became the only emperor.

Life in Exile and Return

While Pyrrhus was in exile, he had an important public discussion about faith in 645. This discussion was with a famous religious scholar named Maximus the Confessor. After this talk, Pyrrhus changed his mind and said he no longer believed in Monotheletism.

He then traveled to Rome in 647. From Rome, he went to Ravenna. Eventually, he returned to Constantinople. However, once he was back in Constantinople, he changed his mind again. He decided to believe in Monotheletism once more.

Because he changed his beliefs back, Pope Theodore I officially removed him from the church. This is called being excommunicated. Despite this, Pyrrhus managed to become patriarch again in early 654. He held this important job until he died on June 1 of the same year.

Legacy and Later Judgment

Many years after his death, Pyrrhus was officially declared to have held wrong religious beliefs. This happened at the Third Council of Constantinople in 680/681. A council is a big meeting of church leaders. They decided that his support for Monotheletism was a heresy, which means a belief that goes against official church teachings.