§ 113. CCXLIII. But we have not done with Images yet, An. 814. There was a Council called at Constantinople, which damned the Council of Nice 2. Irene having set up Images, and murdered the Emperor her own Son, (as is aforesaid) was deposed by Nicephorus, who Reigned near ten years, with Stauratius his Son; he was no Friend to the Clergies power, and was killed in Fight by the Bulgarians, and his wounded Son Reigned a few months. Michael Curopalates succeeded, a Man of great Piety and Peace, but unfit for War, who being overcome by the Bulgarians, he consented to give up the Empire to Leo Armenus, a better and prosperous Soldier. This Leo the 5th, was of the mind of the former Leo's against Images, and his mind being known, the Bishops conformed presently, insomuch that in his 2d year this Council called by him, Anathematized the Bishops that would not renounce the Nicene 2d Council; and when they lay prostrate on the earth, it's said some trod on some of them, and they turned them at a Back-door out of the Council: For the Patriarch Nicephorus, that was for Images, was deposed, and Theodorus Melissenus that was against them put in his place, and led the rest. Thus did Council against Council thunder Anathema's, and curse each other by separating them from Christ, till few were left uncursed. The Rulers of the Monasteries also were called in, and those that would not consent against Images, were rejected. Nicetas & Theodorus Studita were the Champions for Images, and were both banished and imprisoned. Theodore wrote to the Council for Images, and tells them that [To take away the venerable Adoration of the Images of Christ, 1and of the Mother of God, and of all the Saints, was to overthrow the Economy of Christ.] And he continued in Prison to preach and write for Images.
§ 113. CCXLIII. But we have not done with Images yet, An. 814. There was a Council called at Constantinople, which damned the Council of Nice 2. Irene having set up Images, and murdered the Emperor her own Son, (as is aforesaid) was deposed by Nicephorus, who Reigned near ten years, with Stauratius his Son; he was no Friend to the Clergies power, and was killed in Fight by the Bulgarians, and his wounded Son Reigned a few months. Michael Curopalates succeeded, a Man of great Piety and Peace, but unfit for War, who being overcome by the Bulgarians, he consented to give up the Empire to Leo Armenus, a better and prosperous Soldier. This Leo the 5th, was of the mind of the former Leo's against Images, and his mind being known, the Bishops conformed presently, insomuch that in his 2d year this Council called by him, Anathematized the Bishops that would not renounce the Nicene 2d Council; and when they lay prostrate on the earth, it's said some trod on some of them, and they turned them at a Back-door out of the Council: For the Patriarch Nicephorus, that was for Images, was deposed, and Theodorus Melissenus that was against them put in his place, and led the rest. Thus did Council against Council thunder Anathema's, and curse each other by separating them from Christ, till few were left uncursed. The Rulers of the Monasteries also were called in, and those that would not consent against Images, were rejected. Nicetas & Theodorus Studita were the Champions for Images, and were both banished and imprisoned. Theodore wrote to the Council for Images, and tells them that [To take away the venerable Adoration of the Images of Christ, 1and of the Mother of God, and of all the Saints, was to overthrow the Oeconomy of Christ.] And he continued in Prison to preach and write for Images.
- 1Bin p. 470 Epist. Theod.
