OrthodoxWiki - User contributions [en]

Ancient of Days

2010-06-07T22:39:30Z

Agapornis:

This term comes from [[Prophet Daniel]] 7:13-14 which says,

“I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin."

== Who is the Ancient of Days ==

In [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] Christian hymns and [[icon]]s, the Ancient of Days is identified with [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. This is because the Old Testament is always explained in the light of the New Testament, and in the Revelation Chapter 1 we read:

12 I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt around his chest. 14 His head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, and his eyes were like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun shining at full strength. 17 When I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, 18 and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! (Rev. 1:11-18, NET).

So Orthodox saints and hymns demonstrate clearly that the Ancient of Days is [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]:

«The Ancient of Days became an infant». St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]]. (Homily on
the Birth of Christ).

"For it is His humanity that he names son of man." St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]],
(Epistle to Antiochus)

"But if he was a man honored as God because of a conjunction with God, Daniel
would have said he saw one coming on the clouds like the Son of God, but rather
says this, namely, like the Son of man." St. [[Cyril of Alexandria]], (Epistle to
Anastasius, Alexander, Martinian, John...No.55.30)

"Daniel saw a type and image of what was to be in the future, i.e., the
invisible Son and Word of God was to become truly man so He could be united with
our nature." (St. [[John of Damascus]], On Div. Images, 3.26)

"In the likeness of a son of man, he foresees the incarnation of the
Only-begotten One." St. [[Ammonius]], (P.G. 85, l380A)

"But what can I say? For the wonder astounds me. The Ancient of Days Who sits
upon a high and exalted throne is laid in a manger." St. [[John Chrysostom]]
(Homily on the Saviour's Birth).

"Let the earth bow down, let every tongue sing, chant, and glorify the Child
God, forty-day old and pre-eternal, the small Child and Ancient of Days, the
suckling Child and Creator of the ages." St. [[Cyril of Jerusalem]] (Homily on the
Presentation of the Lord)

"The just Symeon received into his aged arms the Ancient of Days under the form
of infancy, and, therefore, blessed God saying, ‘Now lettest Thy servant depart
in peace...’" St. [[Methodius of Olympus]] (P.G.18, 3658)

"Thou hast borne incomprehensibly the Ancient of Days as a new Child Who showed
us new paths of virtue upon the earth..." Theotokion, 1st Ode of Friday Matins in
the 5th tone.

"Thou hast borne the Ancient of Days as a new Child unto us..." Theotokion, 8th
Ode of Tues. Matins in the 6th tone.

"Thou hast surpassed the laws of nature, O pure Daughter, in bringing a new
Child upon the earth Who is both the Lawgiver and the Ancient of Days..."
Theotokion, 8th Ode, Matins, 5th Sunday of Lent.

==The Ancient of Days depiction ==

Eastern Christian art will sometimes portray Jesus Christ as an old man, the Ancient of Days, to show symbolically that he existed from all eternity, and sometimes as a young man to portray him as he was incarnate. This [[iconography]] emerged in the 6th century, mostly in the Eastern Empire.<ref>Cartlidge and Elliott, 69-72</ref> It was declared by the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] at the [[Stoglavy Sobor|Great Synod of Moscow]] in 1667 that the Ancient of Days was the Son and not the Father.<ref>The Tome of the Great Council of Moscow (1666-1667 A.D.), Ch. 2, 43-45; tr. [[Hierodeacon]] Lev Puhalo, ''Canadian Orthodox Missionary Journal''</ref>

==Footnotes==
<References/>

[[el:Παλαιός των Ημερών]]
[[Category:Scripture]]

Ancient of Days

2010-06-07T22:34:58Z

Agapornis:

This term comes from [[Prophet Daniel]] 7:13-14 which says,

“I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin."

== Who is the Ancient of Days ==

In [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] Christian hymns and [[icon]]s, the Ancient of Days is identified with [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. This is because the Old Testament is always explained in the light of the New Testament, and in the Revelation Chapter 1 we read:

12 I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt around his chest. 14 His head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, and his eyes were like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun shining at full strength. 17 When I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, 18 and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! (Rev. 1:11-18, NET).

So Orthodox saints and hymns demonstrate clearly that the Ancient of Days is [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]:

«The Ancient of Days became an infant». St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]]. (Homily on
the Birth of Christ).

"For it is His humanity that he names son of man." St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]],
(Epistle to Antiochus)

"But if he was a man honored as God because of a conjunction with God, Daniel
would have said he saw one coming on the clouds like the Son of God, but rather
says this, namely, like the Son of man." St. [[Cyril of Alexandria]], (Epistle to
Anastasius, Alexander, Martinian, John...No.55.30)

"Daniel saw a type and image of what was to be in the future, i.e., the
invisible Son and Word of God was to become truly man so He could be united with
our nature." (St. [[John of Damascus]], On Div. Images, 3.26)

"In the likeness of a son of man, he foresees the incarnation of the
Only-begotten One." St. [[Ammonius]], (P.G. 85, l380A)

"But what can I say? For the wonder astounds me. The Ancient of Days Who sits
upon a high and exalted throne is laid in a manger." St. [[John Chrysostom]]
(Homily on the Saviour's Birth).

"Let the earth bow down, let every tongue sing, chant, and glorify the Child
God, forty-day old and pre-eternal, the small Child and Ancient of Days, the
suckling Child and Creator of the ages." St. [[Cyril of Jerusalem]] (Homily on the
Presentation of the Lord)

"The just Symeon received into his aged arms the Ancient of Days under the form
of infancy, and, therefore, blessed God saying, ‘Now lettest Thy servant depart
in peace...’" St. [[Methodius of Olympus]] (P.G.18, 3658)

"Thou hast borne incomprehensibly the Ancient of Days as a new Child Who showed
us new paths of virtue upon the earth..." Theotokion, 1st Ode of Friday Matins in
the 5th tone.

"Thou hast borne the Ancient of Days as a new Child unto us..." Theotokion, 8th
Ode of Tues. Matins in the 6th tone.

"Thou hast surpassed the laws of nature, O pure Daughter, in bringing a new
Child upon the earth Who is both the Lawgiver and the Ancient of Days..."
Theotokion, 8th Ode, Matins, 5th Sunday of Lent.

==The Ancient of Days depiction ==

Eastern Christian art will sometimes portray Jesus Christ as an old man, the Ancient of Days, to show symbolically that he existed from all eternity, and sometimes as a young man to portray him as he was incarnate. This [[iconography]] emerged in the 6th century, mostly in the Eastern Empire.<ref>Cartlidge and Elliott, 69-72</ref> It was declared by the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] at the [[Stoglavy Sobor|Great Synod of Moscow]] in 1667 that the Ancient of Days was the Son and not the Father.<ref>The Tome of the Great Council of Moscow (1666-1667 A.D.), Ch. 2, 43-45; tr. [[Hierodeacon]] Lev Puhalo, ''Canadian Orthodox Missionary Journal''</ref>

==Footnotes==
<References/>

[el:Παλαιός_των_Ημερών]
[[Category:Scripture]]

God the Father

2010-06-07T22:33:41Z

Agapornis: /* God the Father in iconography */

'''God the Father''' ''(Abba)'' is the fountainhead (source) of the [[Holy Trinity]], and the maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
{{stub}}
==Creator==
[[God]] the Father created all things through the [[Jesus Christ|Son]], in the [[Holy Spirit]] ([[Genesis]] 1 and 2; [[Gospel of John|John]] 1:3; [[Book of Job|Job]] 33:4), and Orthodox Christians are called to [[worship]] Him (John 4:23). The Father loves us and sent His Son to give us everlasting life (John 3;16).
==First person of the Trinity==
The [[scripture]]s reveal the one God is Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternally sharing the one divine nature. From the Father the Son is begotten before all ages and all time ([[Psalm]] 2:7; [[II Corinthians]] 11:31). It is also from the Father the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds (John 15:26). The Orthodox Church teaches that we come to know the Father through Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 11:27).
==The name Father==
In the [[Old Testament]] the intimate name of Father was not used to address God in [[prayer]]. Only in Christ and because of Christ can Christians have such boldness. Only Christians can properly say the [[Lord's Prayer]] that was taught to them by the Son of God. Only those who have died and risen with Christ in [[baptism]], and have received the power to become sons of God by the Holy Spirit in [[Chrismation]] are enabled to approach the Almighty God most high as their Father (John 1:12; Matthew 6:9; [[Romans]] 8:14; [[Galatians]] 4:4).

==God the Father in iconography==
[[Icon]]s depicting God the Father do not conform to the teachings of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council]]. God the Father is invisible and not able to be depicted. Since Christ was born of the indescribable Father, the Father cannot have an image.

But icons such as the ''[[Ancient of Days]] icon'' depict God the Father as an old man with a white beard, sometimes at the top of other icons. Russian ''Trinity icons'' sometimes show Christ and the Father setting on two thrones with a dove between them.

Another icon, that depicts the Father, is the ''Paternity icon''. It also depicts God the Father as an old man with a white beard with the young boy Jesus, sitting on his lap, holding a dove.

==External link==
*[http://oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=12 God] - [[OCA]] website

{{Orthodoxchristianity/wide}}

[[Category:Theology]]

[[el:Θεός Πατήρ]]
[[ro:Dumnezeu Tatăl]]

Ancient of Days

2010-06-07T20:19:24Z

Agapornis: /* Who is the Ancient of Days */

This term comes from [[Daniel]] 7:13-14 which says,

“I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin."

== Who is the Ancient of Days ==

In [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] Christian hymns and [[icon]]s, the Ancient of Days is identified with [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. This is because the Old Testament is always explained in the light of the New Testament, and in the Revelation Chapter 1 we read:

12 I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt around his chest. 14 His head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, and his eyes were like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun shining at full strength. 17 When I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, 18 and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! (Rev. 1:11-18, NET).

So Orthodox saints and hymns demonstrate clearly that the Ancient of Days is [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]:

«The Ancient of Days became an infant». St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]]. (Homily on
the Birth of Christ).

"For it is His humanity that he names son of man." St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]],
(Epistle to Antiochus)

"But if he was a man honored as God because of a conjunction with God, Daniel
would have said he saw one coming on the clouds like the Son of God, but rather
says this, namely, like the Son of man." St. [[Cyril of Alexandria]], (Epistle to
Anastasius, Alexander, Martinian, John...No.55.30)

"Daniel saw a type and image of what was to be in the future, i.e., the
invisible Son and Word of God was to become truly man so He could be united with
our nature." (St. [[John of Damascus]], On Div. Images, 3.26)

"In the likeness of a son of man, he foresees the incarnation of the
Only-begotten One." St. [[Ammonius]], (P.G. 85, l380A)

"But what can I say? For the wonder astounds me. The Ancient of Days Who sits
upon a high and exalted throne is laid in a manger." St. [[John Chrysostom]]
(Homily on the Saviour's Birth).

"Let the earth bow down, let every tongue sing, chant, and glorify the Child
God, forty-day old and pre-eternal, the small Child and Ancient of Days, the
suckling Child and Creator of the ages." St. [[Cyril of Jerusalem]] (Homily on the
Presentation of the Lord)

"The just Symeon received into his aged arms the Ancient of Days under the form
of infancy, and, therefore, blessed God saying, ‘Now lettest Thy servant depart
in peace...’" St. [[Methodius of Olympus]] (P.G.18, 3658)

"Thou hast borne incomprehensibly the Ancient of Days as a new Child Who showed
us new paths of virtue upon the earth..." Theotokion, 1st Ode of Friday Matins in
the 5th tone.

"Thou hast borne the Ancient of Days as a new Child unto us..." Theotokion, 8th
Ode of Tues. Matins in the 6th tone.

"Thou hast surpassed the laws of nature, O pure Daughter, in bringing a new
Child upon the earth Who is both the Lawgiver and the Ancient of Days..."
Theotokion, 8th Ode, Matins, 5th Sunday of Lent.

==The Ancient of Days depiction ==

Eastern Christian art will sometimes portray Jesus Christ as an old man, the Ancient of Days, to show symbolically that he existed from all eternity, and sometimes as a young man to portray him as he was incarnate. This [[iconography]] emerged in the 6th century, mostly in the Eastern Empire.<ref>Cartlidge and Elliott, 69-72</ref> It was declared by the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] at the [[Stoglavy Sobor|Great Synod of Moscow]] in 1667 that the Ancient of Days was the Son and not the Father.<ref>The Tome of the Great Council of Moscow (1666-1667 A.D.), Ch. 2, 43-45; tr. [[Hierodeacon]] Lev Puhalo, ''Canadian Orthodox Missionary Journal''</ref>

==Footnotes==
<References/>

Ancient of Days

2010-06-07T20:18:20Z

Agapornis:

This term comes from [[Daniel]] 7:13-14 which says,

“I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin."

== Who is the Ancient of Days ==

In [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] Christian hymns and [[icon]]s, the Ancient of Days is sometimes identified with [[God the Father]]; but most properly, in accordance with Orthodox theology he is identified with [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]. This is because the Old Testament is always explained in the light of the New Testament, and in the Revelation Chapter 1 we read:

12 I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt around his chest. 14 His head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, and his eyes were like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun shining at full strength. 17 When I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, 18 and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! (Rev. 1:11-18, NET).

So Orthodox saints and hymns demonstrate clearly that the Ancient of Days is [[God the Son]], or [[Jesus]] [[Christ]]:

«The Ancient of Days became an infant». St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]]. (Homily on
the Birth of Christ).

"For it is His humanity that he names son of man." St. [[Athanasius of Alexandria]],
(Epistle to Antiochus)

"But if he was a man honored as God because of a conjunction with God, Daniel
would have said he saw one coming on the clouds like the Son of God, but rather
says this, namely, like the Son of man." St. [[Cyril of Alexandria]], (Epistle to
Anastasius, Alexander, Martinian, John...No.55.30)

"Daniel saw a type and image of what was to be in the future, i.e., the
invisible Son and Word of God was to become truly man so He could be united with
our nature." (St. [[John of Damascus]], On Div. Images, 3.26)

"In the likeness of a son of man, he foresees the incarnation of the
Only-begotten One." St. [[Ammonius]], (P.G. 85, l380A)

"But what can I say? For the wonder astounds me. The Ancient of Days Who sits
upon a high and exalted throne is laid in a manger." St. [[John Chrysostom]]
(Homily on the Saviour's Birth).

"Let the earth bow down, let every tongue sing, chant, and glorify the Child
God, forty-day old and pre-eternal, the small Child and Ancient of Days, the
suckling Child and Creator of the ages." St. [[Cyril of Jerusalem]] (Homily on the
Presentation of the Lord)

"The just Symeon received into his aged arms the Ancient of Days under the form
of infancy, and, therefore, blessed God saying, ‘Now lettest Thy servant depart
in peace...’" St. [[Methodius of Olympus]] (P.G.18, 3658)

"Thou hast borne incomprehensibly the Ancient of Days as a new Child Who showed
us new paths of virtue upon the earth..." Theotokion, 1st Ode of Friday Matins in
the 5th tone.

"Thou hast borne the Ancient of Days as a new Child unto us..." Theotokion, 8th
Ode of Tues. Matins in the 6th tone.

"Thou hast surpassed the laws of nature, O pure Daughter, in bringing a new
Child upon the earth Who is both the Lawgiver and the Ancient of Days..."
Theotokion, 8th Ode, Matins, 5th Sunday of Lent.

==The Ancient of Days depiction ==

Eastern Christian art will sometimes portray Jesus Christ as an old man, the Ancient of Days, to show symbolically that he existed from all eternity, and sometimes as a young man to portray him as he was incarnate. This [[iconography]] emerged in the 6th century, mostly in the Eastern Empire.<ref>Cartlidge and Elliott, 69-72</ref> It was declared by the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] at the [[Stoglavy Sobor|Great Synod of Moscow]] in 1667 that the Ancient of Days was the Son and not the Father.<ref>The Tome of the Great Council of Moscow (1666-1667 A.D.), Ch. 2, 43-45; tr. [[Hierodeacon]] Lev Puhalo, ''Canadian Orthodox Missionary Journal''</ref>

==Footnotes==
<References/>

Talk:Irene of Athens

2008-11-21T19:17:06Z

Agapornis: /* "Iconolater" language */

==Canonisation of Irene of Athens==
This is interesting I hope that this is not true though. It would be nice to know that she IS a saint of our church. [[User:Ixthis888|Vasiliki]] 21:47, November 20, 2008 (UTC)
: I can't find her in any of the standard saints' lives sources. There is, of course, another Empress named Irene who ''is'' a saint in the Church, celebrated on August 13, the wife of the Emperor John Comnenus II (r. 1118-43). —[[User:ASDamick|Fr. Andrew]] [[User_talk:ASDamick|talk]] [[Special:Contributions/ASDamick|contribs]] ('''[[User:ASDamick/Wiki-philosophy|THINK!]]''') 22:08, November 20, 2008 (UTC)
::[[Manuel Gedeon]], the author of Byzantinon Heortologion (Constantinople, 1899) calls Irene "arrogant" and says that if her name is found in some synaxarion, this is due to St. Theodore the Studite. Constantine Manassis calls her "Medea" because she blinded her son. No Orthodox writer ever praised her - except St. Theodore the Studite - and there is no info that she was canonized, except in the writings of the Bollandistes. --[[User:Agapornis|Agapornis]] 23:45, November 20, 2008 (UTC)
:::I dont mean to be rude but who is [[Manuel Gedeon]]? Is he an authorised representative of the Orthodox church in 1899?? Maybe I may not be phrasing this question right ... what makes him an authority on the topic? Not being pompous ... just want to learn more about this ...
:::If [[Manuel Gedeon]] is historically important since he has contributed significant work towards Orthodoxy, maybe you could start up an Orthodox Wiki article about him so we can learn more .. I know that I would be interested.[[User:Ixthis888|Vasiliki]] 00:23, November 21, 2008 (UTC)
*That's a good idea. Unfortunately I don't have much time - I am a sysop in the Greek Orthodox Wiki but I rarely do something there as well. But I will try to write something.--[[User:Agapornis|Agapornis]] 18:33, November 21, 2008 (UTC)

== "Iconolater" language ==

Unless there is a clear preponderance of evidence that Irene '''worshiped''' icons as '''idols''', it is extremely inappropriate to use the term ''iconolater''. The technical term is ''iconodule''. (''Iconophile'' is a bit fanciful and not really accurate, either.) I'll revert any further edits along these lines. —[[User:ASDamick|Fr. Andrew]] [[User_talk:ASDamick|talk]] [[Special:Contributions/ASDamick|contribs]] ('''[[User:ASDamick/Wiki-philosophy|THINK!]]''') 15:08, November 21, 2008 (UTC)

*Thank you for this clarification. In Greek the term "iconolater" is used for both the "icon worshipper" which is heresy, and the one who is venerating the icons, the proper thing to do. It is widely used and "latreia" here is understood as "veneration".
"Iconophile" in modern Greek is understood as "friend of the icons" while with the ancient meaning of "-phile", means someone who loves icons. But "iconodule" means "slave of the icons" which is a quite derogatory term... Dule (dulos) means a worker or slave. It's o.k. to be a slave to God, but to the icons? That's why I changed it - my native language is Greek.--[[User:Agapornis|Agapornis]] 18:30, November 21, 2008 (UTC)

: If you read the works of St. John of Damascus, he writes that ''latreia'' is due to God alone, while ''proskynesis'' is due icons (and the saints). This language was of course a bit more fluid before him, but it's been standard in Orthodox theology ever since. ''Iconodule'' is the standard term in English scholarship for those who defended the icons. —[[User:ASDamick|Fr. Andrew]] [[User_talk:ASDamick|talk]] [[Special:Contributions/ASDamick|contribs]] ('''[[User:ASDamick/Wiki-philosophy|THINK!]]''') 18:39, November 21, 2008 (UTC)
: Since "Iconodule is the standard term in English scholarship" I cannot disagree.--[[User:Agapornis|Agapornis]] 19:17, November 21, 2008 (UTC)

Talk:Irene of Athens

2008-11-21T18:33:18Z

Agapornis: /* Canonisation of Irene of Athens */

Talk:Irene of Athens

2008-11-21T18:30:57Z

Agapornis: /* "Iconolater" language */

==Canonisation of Irene of Athens==
This is interesting I hope that this is not true though. It would be nice to know that she IS a saint of our church. [[User:Ixthis888|Vasiliki]] 21:47, November 20, 2008 (UTC)
: I can't find her in any of the standard saints' lives sources. There is, of course, another Empress named Irene who ''is'' a saint in the Church, celebrated on August 13, the wife of the Emperor John Comnenus II (r. 1118-43). —[[User:ASDamick|Fr. Andrew]] [[User_talk:ASDamick|talk]] [[Special:Contributions/ASDamick|contribs]] ('''[[User:ASDamick/Wiki-philosophy|THINK!]]''') 22:08, November 20, 2008 (UTC)
::[[Manuel Gedeon]], the author of Byzantinon Heortologion (Constantinople, 1899) calls Irene "arrogant" and says that if her name is found in some synaxarion, this is due to St. Theodore the Studite. Constantine Manassis calls her "Medea" because she blinded her son. No Orthodox writer ever praised her - except St. Theodore the Studite - and there is no info that she was canonized, except in the writings of the Bollandistes. --[[User:Agapornis|Agapornis]] 23:45, November 20, 2008 (UTC)
:::I dont mean to be rude but who is [[Manuel Gedeon]]? Is he an authorised representative of the Orthodox church in 1899?? Maybe I may not be phrasing this question right ... what makes him an authority on the topic? Not being pompous ... just want to learn more about this ...
:::If [[Manuel Gedeon]] is historically important since he has contributed significant work towards Orthodoxy, maybe you could start up an Orthodox Wiki article about him so we can learn more .. I know that I would be interested.[[User:Ixthis888|Vasiliki]] 00:23, November 21, 2008 (UTC)

== "Iconolater" language ==

Unless there is a clear preponderance of evidence that Irene '''worshiped''' icons as '''idols''', it is extremely inappropriate to use the term ''iconolater''. The technical term is ''iconodule''. (''Iconophile'' is a bit fanciful and not really accurate, either.) I'll revert any further edits along these lines. —[[User:ASDamick|Fr. Andrew]] [[User_talk:ASDamick|talk]] [[Special:Contributions/ASDamick|contribs]] ('''[[User:ASDamick/Wiki-philosophy|THINK!]]''') 15:08, November 21, 2008 (UTC)

*Thank you for this clarification. In Greek the term "iconolater" is used for both the "icon worshipper" which is heresy, and the one who is venerating the icons, the proper thing to do. It is widely used and "latreia" here is understood as "veneration".
"Iconophile" in modern Greek is understood as "friend of the icons" while with the ancient meaning of "-phile", means someone who loves icons. But "iconodule" means "slave of the icons" which is a quite derogatory term... Dule (dulos) means a worker or slave. It's o.k. to be a slave to God, but to the icons? That's why I changed it - my native language is Greek.--[[User:Agapornis|Agapornis]] 18:30, November 21, 2008 (UTC)

Irene of Athens

2008-11-21T00:09:24Z

Agapornis:

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule|iconophile]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. In 802 Irene was deposed and exiled to Prinkipo (now Büyükada) and then to Lesbos, where she died [[August 9]], 803.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Legacy==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>''Theodori Studitae Epistulae'', by Theodore, Georgios Fatouros. Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991 ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting icons. This letter became the beginning of the misconception that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Though this claim is not supported by the [[Menaion]], the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other related book of the Orthodox Church, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church, based on the writings of the Bollandists.

After Irene's deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong [[iconodule|iconophile]] leader, the Empress Theodora.

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[[Wikipedia:Irene of Athens]]

==References==
[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Irene of Athens

2008-11-21T00:05:17Z

Agapornis: /* Legacy */

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. In 802 Irene was deposed and exiled to Prinkipo (now Büyükada) and then to Lesbos, where she died [[August 9]], 803.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Legacy==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>''Theodori Studitae Epistulae'', by Theodore, Georgios Fatouros. Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991 ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting icons. This letter became the beginning of the misconception that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Though this claim is not supported by the [[Menaion]], the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other related book of the Orthodox Church, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church, based on the writings of the Bollandists.

After Irene's deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconolater leader, the Empress Theodora.

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[[Wikipedia:Irene of Athens]]

==References==
[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Talk:Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T23:45:24Z

Agapornis:

Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T21:46:18Z

Agapornis: /* Iconolater */

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. She was deposed in 802 and was exiled to Lesbos.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Iconolater==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>Theodori Studitae Epistulae
By Theodore, Georgios Fatouros
Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991
ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting iconolatry. This letter became the beginning of the misconception, that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Though this claim is not supported by the Minaion, the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other relative book of the Orthodox Church, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church, based on the writings of the Bollandists.

After Irene's deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconolater leader, the Empress Theodora.

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_%28empress%29 Empress Irene]

==References==

[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T21:43:13Z

Agapornis: /* Iconolater */

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. She was deposed in 802 and was exiled to Lesbos.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Iconolater==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>Theodori Studitae Epistulae
By Theodore, Georgios Fatouros
Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991
ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting iconolatry. This letter became the beginning of the misconception, that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However this claim is not supported by the Minaion, the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other relative book of the Orthodox Church. However, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church.

After Irene's deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconolater leader, the Empress Theodora.

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_%28empress%29 Empress Irene]

==References==

[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T14:56:19Z

Agapornis: /* Iconolater */

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. She was deposed in 802 and was exiled to Lesbos.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Iconolater==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>Theodori Studitae Epistulae
By Theodore, Georgios Fatouros
Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991
ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting iconolatry. This letter became the beginning of the misconception, that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However this claim is not supported by the Minaion, the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other relative book of the Orthodox Church. However, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church.

After her deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconolater leader, the Empress Theodora.

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_%28empress%29 Empress Irene]

==References==

[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T14:55:30Z

Agapornis: /* References */

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. She was deposed in 802 and was exiled to Lesbos.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Iconolater==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>Theodori Studitae Epistulae
By Theodore, Georgios Fatouros
Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991
ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting iconolatry. This letter became the beginning of the misconception, that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However this claim is not supported by the Minaion, the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other relative book of the Orthodox Church. However, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church.

After her deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconodule leader, the Empress Theodora.
Theodore S

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_%28empress%29 Empress Irene]

==References==

[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T14:55:00Z

Agapornis:

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. She was deposed in 802 and was exiled to Lesbos.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Iconolater==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>Theodori Studitae Epistulae
By Theodore, Georgios Fatouros
Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991
ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting iconolatry. This letter became the beginning of the misconception, that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However this claim is not supported by the Minaion, the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other relative book of the Orthodox Church. However, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church.

After her deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconodule leader, the Empress Theodora.
Theodore S

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_%28empress%29 Empress Irene]

==References==

[[Category:Greek Saints]]
[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T14:53:35Z

Agapornis:

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. She was deposed in 802 and was exiled to Lesbos.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Iconolater==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>Theodori Studitae Epistulae
By Theodore, Georgios Fatouros
Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991
ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting iconolatry. This letter became the beginning of the misconception, that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However this claim is not supported by the Minaion, the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other relative book of the Orthodox Church. However, some Western sources <ref>Vita Irenes, 'La vie de l'impératrice Sainte Irène', ed. F. Halkin, Analecta Bollandiana, 106 (1988) 5-27; see also W.T. Treadgold, 'The Unpublished Saint's Life of the Empress Irene', Byzantinische Forschungen, 7 (1982) 237-51. </ref> still cite Irene as a saint of the Orthodox Church.

After her deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconodule leader, the Empress Theodora.
Theodore S

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_%28empress%29 Empress Irene]

==References==

[[Category:Saints]]
[[Category:Greek Saints]]
[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]

Irene of Athens

2008-11-20T14:44:48Z

Agapornis:

'''Irene of Athens''' was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo IV the Khazar|Leo IV]] and mother of [[Constantine VI]], both strong [[iconoclast]]s. She ruled jointly with her son, Constantine, after the death of her husband Leo. Irene was a strong [[iconodule]]. She arranged the convening of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council|Second Council of Nicea]] in 787 that restored the practice of veneration of icons. She was deposed in 802 and was exiled to Lesbos.
==Life==
Irene was born in Athens about the year 752. Her family background is not known. It is believed that she was born of a Greek noble family. She apparently was a beautiful but orphaned girl who at the age of seventeen was brought to Constantinople by the Emperor [[Constantine V]] to be married to his son Leo in November 769. She gave birth to a son, Constantine, on [[January 14]], 771. Leo, however, was a steadfast [[iconoclast]] who, according to tradition, found that Irene possessed icons and thereafter would no longer share their marriage bed.

Upon the death of Constantine V in 775, Irene's husband Leo ascended to the throne as Leo IV. Being in poor health, Leo died after only five years as emperor, on [[September 8]], 780. With Leo's death, his son became emperor as Constantine VI, but since he was only ten years old his mother Irene was installed with him as co-emperor, and she immediately reversed the iconoclastic policies of her husband.

Not having a dynastic background, Irene was continually confronted by opposition forces, some of whom used Leo's half-brothers as figureheads. To blunt the threat from the half-brothers, she had them ordained as [[priest]]s, since [[clergy]] could not rule. Then, she had them administer communion at the [[Divine Liturgy]] on the [[Nativity|Feast of the Nativity of our Lord]] to demonstrate that they had rejected politics. Seeking closer relations with the Carolingians, Irene negotiated a marriage between her son and Rotrude, who was a daughter of Charlemagne by his third wife Hildegard. However, Irene broke off the engagement in 788, over her son's objections. Then, through the use of a bride-show, Irene selected Maria of Amnia as Constantine's bride. The couple were married in November 788. By this marriage they had two daughters, Euphrosyne and Irene. Constantine, however, did not like Maria and forced her to become a nun. In the meantime, having taken Theodote, Irene's lady-in-waiting, as mistress, Constantine arranged that Theodote be crowned ''augusta'', a title which Maria was not granted, and then married her. Irene had taken a hands-off attitude with Constantine's handling of his marriage. The marriage, however, was very unpopular with the Church, because its legality was seriously questioned.

As Constantine matured he became involved in plots to wrestle control from Irene. To forestall threats of disloyalty and to strengthen her position in these feuds, Irene demanded that oaths of fidelity be taken only in her name. In 790, discontent swelled to open resistance when soldiers from the theme of Armeniacs proclaimed Constantine the sole ruler. By 792, the feud between Irene and her son had cooled and Irene's title as empress was confirmed. The rival factions continued their intrigues and, in 797, Constantine found it necessary to flee the palace. Captured by forces friendly to Irene, Constantine was brought back to Constantinople to the Purple Palace, Porphyra, where he was born, and there blinded in mid-August 797, apparently with the foreknowledge of his mother, Irene. He was 26 years old.

Ruling alone, Irene reigned from 797 to 802, calling herself ''basileus'' (βασιλεύς), "emperor," rather than ''basilissa'' (βασίλισσα), "empress." She showed little interest in finance or diplomacy, but made her mark in the Orthodox Christian world by rejection of [[iconoclasm]]. She sponsored many [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] endeavors, remitting taxes and canceling payments from soldiers' widows, which were required in lieu of the deceased soldiers' military service. Rivalries in court also intensified. Events came to a head when emissaries from Charlemagne and Pope Leo arrived in Constantinople with a proposal of marriage between Irene and Charlemagne. Thus the two halves of the Roman empire would be united. At this time, [[October 31]], 802, the nobles of the empire, having been concerned with her financial incompetency, took action and chose Nikephoros, Irene's finance minister, as emperor. Nikephoros was then crowned by [[Tarasius of Constantinople|Patriarch Tarasius]] in [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|St Sophia Cathedral]].

Irene acceded to the change of events and only asked to continue to live as a private citizen in her palace. However, after she had disclosed the location of the imperial treasures she held Nikephoros banished her to the island of Lesbos, where she supported herself by spinning. She died on [[August 9]], 803.

==Iconolater==
Irene's place in the Orthodox Christian church is that of a strong defender of the veneration of images. This came at a critical point in history, when the eastern empire was controlled by iconoclasts. With the election of Tarasius as the [[Patriarch]] of [[Constantinople]] on [[December 25]], 784, she was able to convene the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Initially convened in Constantinople on [[August 1]], 786, the council was moved to Nicea in May 787 because of the instigated opposition in Constantinople of soldiers loyal to the iconoclasts who forced the dissolution of the 786 sessions. Learning from the experience in Constantinople, Irene arranged that the council in 787 would be away from the capital, in [[Nicea]], which incidentally was the site of [[Constantine the Great]]'s council of 325. This council, in contrast with the [[robber council]] of 754 in Hieria, was attended by the patriarchs or their representatives. The council affirmed the principle of veneration of [[icon]]s and declared iconoclasm a [[heresy]].
[[Theodore the Studite]] wrote a praising letter <ref>Theodori Studitae Epistulae
By Theodore, Georgios Fatouros
Published by Walter de Gruyter, 1991
ISBN 3110088088, 9783110088083</ref> to Irene because of her work in supporting iconolatry. This letter became the beginning of the misconception, that Irene is considered a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However this claim is not supported by the Minaion, the "Lives of Saints" by [[Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain|Nikodemos the Hagiorite]], or any other relative book of the Orthodox Church.

After her deposition, the forces for iconoclasm returned to power, finally to be defeated under another strong iconodule leader, the Empress Theodora.
Theodore S

{{start box}}
{{succession|
before= Constantine VI|
title=Byzantine Empress|
years=797-802|
after=Nikephoros I}}
{{end box}}

==External links==
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/irene.htm Empress Irene]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_%28empress%29 Empress Irene]

==References==

[[Category:Saints]]
[[Category:Greek Saints]]
[[Category:Rulers]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]