869–870 · Constantinople
Fourth Council of Constantinople
Why this council matters
This council must be approached through the conflict over the patriarchate of Constantinople and its relations with Rome and imperial authority. It dealt with Photius and Ignatius, disputed appointments and the order of the Church.
Catholic lists count the council of 869–870 as the eighth ecumenical council. Byzantine reception and the later councils surrounding Photius followed a different course. A useful account must name that difference instead of implying that every Christian communion accepts the same list or interpretation.
Read and investigate
The acts and canons are currently available through an external primary edition.
Controversies
The conflict involving Photius, Ignatius, episcopal appointments and ecclesial communion.
Decrees
Addressed disputed ordinations and issued canons concerning Church order and authority.
Definitions
This council’s place and reception differ between Catholic and Byzantine historical accounts.