Basiliscus Supports Monophysitism in Circular Letter

April 9th, 475

April 9th, 475

Basiliscus Supports Monophysitism in Circular Letter
How Long Ago?

1549 years, 11 months, 6 days ago

Location

Byzantine Empire

Category

Religion & Philosophy

People
  • Basiliscus
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Basiliscus Supports Monophysitism in Circular Letter

Basiliscus, the Byzantine emperor, issued a significant circular letter, known as the Enkyklikon, to the bishops across his empire, affirming the Monophysite position of Christ's nature. This action aimed to unify the church under this controversial doctrine while diminishing the influence of the Chalcedonian position, which emphasized two distinct natures in Christ. The letter sought to stabilize religious divisions within the empire and promote Monophysitism as the state-supported doctrine, thus solidifying Basiliscus's political and religious agenda.

Basiliscus ruled the Byzantine Empire from 475-476.

The Enkyklikon supported Monophysite doctrine.

The circular letter aimed to unify church factions.

Monophysite views were controversial in the empire.

What Happened?

Basiliscus, who ruled from 475 to 476, was a Byzantine emperor known for his complex relations with the various Christian sects of his time, particularly concerning the nature of Christ. The Enkyklikon, or circular letter, issued in a time of great theological debate, was directed to the bishops throughout the Byzantine Empire. It articulated a strong affirmation of the Monophysite view, which posits that Christ has a single divine nature rather than two coexisting human and divine natures as affirmed by the Council of Chalcedon in 451. This theological stance was controversial and had significant implications for the religious and political landscape of the empire.The letter sought to consolidate support for Monophysitism, appealing to various factions within the church that had been marginalized or persecuted since the Chalcedonian definition gained prominence. By aligning himself with the Monophysite position, Basiliscus aimed not only to unify the church but also to legitimize his rule, drawing support from diverse groups that opposed the Chalcedonian orthodoxy. The Enkyklikon was a strategic move in a broader context of power dynamics within the empire, where religious alignment often influenced political authority and stability.Basiliscus's decision to issue the Enkyklikon reinforced a major theological divide in the Christian world and underscored the intertwining of religious and political authority. While the manifest purpose was to enhance the unity of the church and populace under his rule, it also set the stage for ongoing conflicts between Monophysites and Chalcedonians, affecting communal relations and leading to further theological disputes that characterized the late Roman Empire. The imperial backing afforded to Monophysite Christians under Basiliscus had lasting implications for the church's development and the socio-religious landscape of the Byzantine Empire.

Why Does it Matter?

The issuance of the Enkyklikon is significant as it illustrates the tumultuous relationship between imperial authority and religious doctrine in the Byzantine Empire. This event reveals how political leaders leveraged religious affiliation to secure loyalty and maintain power, impacting church-state relations for centuries. The subsequent tensions it exacerbated between Monophysite and Chalcedonian factions contributed to a legacy of division within Christianity that would echo through medieval and modern times.

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