Constantinople council of 869–870
Convened during the conflict over the patriarchal succession, this council deposed Photios and recognized Ignatios. The subsequent council of 879–880 confirmed Photios, who had returned to the patriarchal throne in 877, and annulled the earlier condemnation in Orthodox reception.
Historical context
The Catholic Church numbers this gathering as the Fourth Council of Constantinople and the eighth ecumenical council; Eastern Orthodoxy does not receive it as ecumenical. The councils of 869–870 and 879–880 should be read together with the political and ecclesiastical circumstances of the Photian dispute.
Key points
- Distinguish the council's original judgment from its later Orthodox reception.
- The 879–880 council is a separate gathering, not a second session of the 869–870 council.
- The numbering of later councils differs across Christian traditions.
Scripture
- Exodus 25:18-22 — An editorial comparison: the commanded cherubim provide a biblical example of sacred representations. Canon 3's quoted clause does not cite this passage.
Primary sources
The conciliar canon states:
Canon 3 of the council decrees that the sacred icon of Christ should be venerated with the same honor accorded to the book of the holy Gospels.
should be venerated with honour equal to that given to the book of the holy gospels.
Passage context and translation
Canon 3 applies this clause to the sacred image of Jesus Christ. It explains the comparison through the instructive effect of written words and painted colours, then describes the honour as derivative from the depicted archetype. This canon does not establish the council's reception in every Christian tradition.
Before the excerpt
the redeemer and saviour of all people,