Constantinople synod concerning Palamas (1347)

Council · 1347 CE · Constantinople

Amid political and ecclesiastical conflict, a Constantinopolitan synod reaffirmed the Palamite position and restored Gregory Palamas.

Historical context

The sequence from 1341 to 1351 is complex; this record identifies a major moment of reception, not an isolated new dogmatic system. Its linked 1347 primary excerpt is mediated through a named modern study; a complete critical edition of the Greek act has not been collated here.

Reception

No ecumenical authority in Oriental Orthodoxy is assigned here. Read the named witnesses and differences in reception.

Perspective note

Comparative historical/source study. The original author's or church's reception is retained; inclusion does not make every claim Oriental Orthodox teaching. Historical documents retain their original claims. The reception label follows the selected church perspective; library access does not imply assent.

Key points

Compare this decision with the earlier synod of 1341.
Follow the continued controversy to the synod of 1351.

Scripture

John 1:16 — An editorial theological connection to participation in grace; the quoted commendation does not itself cite this verse or define divine energies.

Primary sources

In the Tome excerpt quoted by Hierotheos, the synod says of them:

The 1347 Tome commends Palamas and the monks agreeing with him as defenders of the Church's faith; the excerpt is transmitted in Hierotheos's discussion.

we state that they are protectors of the Church and contenders for the right faith
— Synod of Constantinople (1347), Synodal Tome of 1347 (Passage defending Gregory Palamas and the monks; quoted in Hierotheos, The Synodikon of Orthodoxy, section 4(b), paragraph beginning The tome of the Synod of 1347), trans. English rendering quoted by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos; translator not identified on the linked page

Passage context and translation

The linked discussion identifies its quotation as the 1347 Tome and explains that the subject is Gregory Palamas and the monks agreeing with him. This is a synodal commendation of their defence of the Church's faith. Verification here is of the English excerpt as transmitted in that named study; the complete Greek act has not been independently collated. This clause does not formulate the essence–energies distinction.

Before the excerpt

but

After the excerpt

and procurers and helpers of it

Continuous phrase from the primary Tome excerpt quoted in Hierotheos's discussion, section 4(b). The linked page does not supply a complete critical edition of the Tome or identify the English translator.

Sources and further reading

Hierotheos: The Synodikon of Orthodoxy, section 4(b), quotation of the 1347 Tome (Historical discussion transmitting a primary synodal excerpt)
OCA: Palamas and the 1341, 1347, and 1351 synods (Orthodox historical overview)
Reception: Eastern-Oriental Orthodox Joint Commission · Second Agreed Statement (Website)
Joint commission agreement. Section 8 explicitly distinguishes the families' reception of later councils; section 10 submits recommendations to churches for action.

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