This week in Christian history: First woman ordained in Lutheran Church, Constantinople patriarch banished

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, November 21, 2021

Patriarch banished from Constantinople – Nov. 23, 857

Patriarch Ignatius of Constantinople (797-877), a prominent Church leader in the Byzantine Empire. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Patriarch Ignatius of Constantinople was banished and deposed from the capital city of the Byzantine Empire by Emperor Michael III.

A focal point was Patriarch Ignatius’ treatment of Caesar Bardas, an uncle of the emperor, who was living in incest with his daughter-in-law, prompting Ignatius to deny Bardas communion.

Michael banished and deposed Ignatius, blaming the church leader for a recent small-scale revolt, and then appointed a layman named Photius as patriarch in his place.

“In 867 the tide turned for Ignatius. Basil I, ‘the Macedonian,’ assassinated Michael III. One of his first acts as emperor was to depose Photius and replace him with Ignatius,” explained the Christian History Institute.

“Ignatius lived another decade, peaceably occupying the office of Patriarch until his death in 877. He recommended Photius as his successor, and Photius returned as ecumenical patriarch.”