Online Encyclopedia Search Tool

Your Online Encyclopedia

 

Online Encylopedia and Dictionary Research Site

Online Encyclopedia Free Search Online Encyclopedia Search    Online Encyclopedia Browse    welcome to our free dictionary for your research of every kind

Online Encyclopedia



Michael Cerularius

Michael Cerularius, (b. Constantinople c. 1000 - d. 1059), also known as Michael Keroularios or Patriarch Michael I, was the Patriarch of Constantinople from 1043 to 1059. In 1054 he quarrelled with legates sent by Pope Leo IX over church practises which had been differing from the Roman Church for centuries, especially the use of unleavened bread in the Eucharist. The legates excommunicated him, and he likewise excommunicated them, starting the Great Schism. This schism led to the end of the alliance between the Emperor and the Papacy, and caused later Popes to ally with the Normans against the Empire. In 1965, those excommunications were rescinded by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras when they met in the Second Vatican Council. This was a significant step towards restoring communion between Rome and Constantinople.

Michael also quarrelled with Emperor Isaac I Comnenus over confiscation of church property. Isaac planned to depose Michael when Michael suddenly died in 1059, though there was no suspicion that he was murdered.


Preceded by:
Alexius I
List of Constantinople patriarchs Followed by:
Constantine III


Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45