The Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD) and the Condemnation of the Three Chapters unsuccessful effort to reunite the church

The Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD) and the Condemnation of the Three Chapters

unsuccessful effort to reunite the church

• The Second Council of Constantinople was held in the year 553 AD.
• It was called by Emperor Justinian I.
• The main goal was to heal the division with the Miaphysite churches.
• Justinian wanted religious unity and political stability in the Roman Empire.
• The main issue discussed was the condemnation of the Three Chapters (Tria Kephalaia).
• The three chapters referred to: the person and all writings of Theodore of Mopsuestia. Certain writings of Theodoret of Cyrus. And a specific letter written by Ibas of Edessa.
• These three theologians came from the Antiochene tradition.
• They strongly emphasised the distinction between Christ’s divine and human natures.
• Because of this emphasis, many Christians linked them with Nestorian ideas.
• At the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, Theodore and Ibas were restored to communion.
• This restoration caused serious concern among Miaphysites.
• Many Miaphysites believed Chalcedon had accepted Nestorian theology.
• By condemning the Three Chapters, Emperor Justinian tried to answer Miaphysite objections. Show that Chalcedon was faithful to the teaching of St Cyril of Alexandria. And prove that “two natures” does not mean separation after the union.
• The specific condemnations were as follows:
• Theodoret of Mopsuestia His person and all his writings were condemned. He was often called the “Father of Nestorianism”. He was the main representative of Antiochene Christology.
• Theodoret of Cyrus Only his writings attacking Cyril of Alexandria were condemned. His attacks against the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) were rejected. His earlier defence of Nestorius was no longer accepted.
• Ibas of Edessa: The council condemned his letter to Maris the Persian. The letter criticised Cyril of Alexandria and the Council of Ephesus. His earlier acquittal at Chalcedon made this condemnation very controversial.
• Theologically, the council promoted what is called Neo-Chalcedonianism.
• This teaching affirmed two natures in Christ. Strongly emphasised the hypostatic union. Used the language and theology of St Cyril of Alexandria. Taught one person, the divine Word, incarnate.
• Despite these efforts, the council did not reconcile the Miaphysites.
• Separate Miaphysite churches continued to grow.
• These churches became closely linked to local culture and national identity.
• In the Western Church, Pope Vigilius resisted the condemnations at first.
• He hesitated and changed his position several times.
• Eventually, he accepted the council under strong imperial pressure.
• His submission caused unrest in the West.
• A temporary schism developed between Rome and parts of the Western Church.
• The council can be compared to a translation effort: It tried to explain Chalcedon using the Cyrillic language. It aimed to make Chalcedon acceptable to the Eastern churches. The differences between the churches were already too deep.
• The condemnation of the Three Chapters was also like a political peace treaty: leaders condemned figures once cleared of error. This was done to satisfy the opposing side. Instead of peace, it caused new tensions and divisions.

References

•  https://www.britannica.com/event/Second-Council-of-Constantinople-553   Encyclopædia Britannica, Second Council of Constantinople
• https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3812.htm Catholic Encyclopaedia (New Advent), Second Council of Constantinople
• https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14707b.htm Catholic Encyclopaedia (New Advent), Three Chapters
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Council_of_Constantinople