Saint Photios the Great

Patriarch of Constantinople and Confessor Feast Day: February 6

Saint Photios the Great (c. 810-893 AD) stands as one of the most brilliant and influential figures in Orthodox history. As Patriarch of Constantinople, he defended Orthodox theology against Western innovations, promoted missionary work among the Slavs, and left an indelible mark on Byzantine scholarship and spirituality.

Early Life and Education

Born into a noble Byzantine family, Photios received the finest education available in the 9th century. He mastered classical literature, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and natural sciences, becoming one of the most learned men of his age.

Before his ecclesiastical career, Photios served as a professor at the Imperial University of Constantinople and as chief secretary (protasekretis) to Emperor Michael III. His vast learning and administrative skills made him one of the most respected intellectuals in the Byzantine Empire.

Unexpected Elevation to the Patriarchate

In 858 AD, Patriarch Ignatius of Constantinople was deposed by Emperor Michael III due to political conflicts. In a surprising move, the emperor chose Photios, then a layman, to replace him. Within six days, Photios was ordained through all the clerical ranks and consecrated as Patriarch.

This rapid elevation, while canonically valid, created controversy and would lead to one of the most significant ecclesiastical disputes of the 9th century.

The Photian Schism

Photios’s appointment was contested by supporters of the deposed Patriarch Ignatius and by Pope Nicholas I of Rome, who refused to recognize the new patriarch. This led to the “Photian Schism,” a complex dispute involving:

• Questions of papal authority over Eastern patriarchs
• The legitimacy of Photios’s rapid ordination
• Broader tensions between Eastern and Western Christianity
• Political conflicts between Byzantium and the Frankish Empire

The dispute was eventually resolved at the Council of Constantinople in 879-880, which vindicated Photios and established important principles regarding patriarchal authority and the limits of papal jurisdiction.

Defense Against the Filioque

One of Photios’s most significant theological contributions was his opposition to the Filioque clause - the Western addition to the Nicene Creed stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father “and the Son” (Filioque).

In his Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit, Photios argued that:

• The addition violated the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils
• It introduced theological confusion about the Trinity
• It represented an unauthorized change to the universal Creed
• It implied two sources (archae) within the Trinity

His theological arguments against the Filioque remain foundational to Orthodox theology and continue to be cited in ecumenical dialogues today.

Missionary Work Among the Slavs

Photios played a crucial role in the evangelization of the Slavic peoples. He:

• Sent Saints Cyril and Methodius on their famous mission to Moravia
• Supported the development of the Slavonic liturgy and alphabet
• Promoted the translation of Scripture and liturgical texts into Slavonic
• Established the principle that peoples could worship in their native languages

This missionary vision helped establish Orthodox Christianity among the Bulgarians, Moravians, and eventually the Russians, creating a lasting Orthodox Slavic civilization.

Scholarly Achievements

Photios was one of the greatest scholars of the Byzantine period. His major works include:

The Bibliotheca (Library): A massive collection of summaries and excerpts from 280 works of classical and early Christian literature, many of which are now lost. This work preserves invaluable information about ancient literature and thought.

The Lexicon: A comprehensive dictionary of rare and difficult Greek words, demonstrating his mastery of the Greek language.

Letters: Over 300 letters survive, providing insight into 9th-century Byzantine politics, theology, and culture.

Homilies: Theological sermons that demonstrate his pastoral care and spiritual insight.

Theological Contributions

Beyond his opposition to the Filioque, Photios made significant contributions to Orthodox theology:

• Defended the use of icons against lingering iconoclastic sentiment
• Clarified the relationship between divine essence and energies
• Developed sophisticated arguments for Orthodox positions on papal authority
• Advanced understanding of the role of tradition in theological development

Second Patriarchate and Final Years

After being deposed in 867 AD during political upheavals, Photios was restored to the patriarchate in 877 AD by Emperor Basil I. His second tenure was marked by:

• Reconciliation with Rome at the Council of 879-880
• Continued scholarly and pastoral work
• Training of a new generation of Byzantine theologians
• Consolidation of Orthodox positions on major theological issues

He was finally deposed again in 886 AD by Emperor Leo VI and spent his final years in exile, dying around 893 AD.

Canonization and Veneration

The Orthodox Church canonized Photios as a saint and confessor, recognizing his defense of Orthodox faith and his contributions to the Church. His feast is celebrated on February 6.

He is particularly venerated for:

• His defense of Orthodox theology against Western innovations
• His role in Slavic evangelization
• His scholarly preservation of classical learning
• His pastoral care during difficult times

Legacy and Impact

Saint Photios’s influence on Orthodox Christianity is immeasurable:

• His theological arguments shaped Orthodox-Catholic relations for centuries
• His missionary vision established Orthodox Christianity among the Slavs
• His scholarship preserved classical learning for future generations
• His ecclesiology influenced Orthodox understanding of patriarchal authority

Modern Relevance

Saint Photios’s example speaks to contemporary Orthodox Christians about:

• The importance of theological education and scholarship
• The need to defend Orthodox faith against innovations
• The value of missionary work and cultural adaptation
• The role of tradition in preserving authentic Christianity
• The possibility of combining intellectual brilliance with pastoral care

His life demonstrates that the Church needs both scholars and pastors, and that the highest learning should serve the Gospel and the salvation of souls.

Prayer to Saint Photios: Holy Patriarch Photios, defender of Orthodox faith and brilliant teacher of the Church, you preserved the deposit of faith against innovation and brought the Gospel to new peoples. Intercede for us that we may have wisdom to discern truth from error, courage to defend the faith, and zeal to share the Gospel with all nations. Help us to use our learning in service of Christ and His Church. Amen.