Theodore II of Constantinople facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
Seal of Theodore Eirenikos when he was hypatos ton philosophon, ca. 1208–1214
Church	Church of Constantinople
In Office	28 September 1213 – 31 January 1216
Predecessor	Michael IV of Constantinople
Successor	Maximus II of Constantinople
Personal details
Born	?
Died	31 January 1216

Theodore II Eirenikos (also known as Theodore Kopas) was an important leader in the Byzantine Empire. He served as a top official and chief minister for Byzantine emperor Alexios III Angelos from 1195 to 1203.

After the city of Constantinople was captured in 1204, Theodore fled. He became a monk and later served as the Patriarch of Constantinople (a top church leader) from 1214 to 1216. He led the church while it was in exile in Nicaea.

Theodore's Political Career

Theodore Eirenikos was a very smart and educated man. He was also a good speaker. He became powerful in the Byzantine government around 1197. He took over from another official who had lost the emperor's favor.

Theodore became the emperor's main secretary, known as epi tou kanikleiou. This meant he was in charge of the imperial inkpot and was a very trusted advisor. He also became the chief minister, guiding the emperor's decisions. He held a high court title called pansebastos sebastos.

A historian from that time, Niketas Choniates, wrote about Theodore. He said Theodore was careful not to upset the powerful noble families at court. These families had caused trouble for the previous minister. Because he was so careful, Theodore did not make the big changes the empire really needed.

Life in Exile and Church Leadership

In April 1204, soldiers from the Fourth Crusade attacked and captured Constantinople. Like many other Byzantine leaders, Theodore fled the city. He found safety in Asia Minor. There, he became a monk, which means he joined a religious community.

In 1209, a new emperor, Theodore I Laskaris, came to power in Nicaea. This new empire was formed by Byzantines who had fled Constantinople. Emperor Laskaris gave Theodore Eirenikos an important church job. He made him the chartophylax for the Patriarchate of Constantinople. This was the main office for the church, which had moved to Nicaea.

Laskaris also gave Theodore a special title: hypatos ton philosophon. This was a respected title for the head of the philosophy school in Constantinople.

On September 28, 1214, Theodore Eirenikos was chosen to be the Patriarch of Constantinople. This was decided by a group of church leaders called the patriarchal synod. During his time as Patriarch, he strongly disagreed with the Catholic Church. He especially argued about whether the Latin Patriarchate of Constantinople (the Catholic church leadership in Constantinople) was truly in charge. He also opposed Catholic control over Greek Orthodox people living under Latin rulers.

Theodore Eirenikos passed away on January 31, 1216.