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Why did many Byzantines oppose the Union of Florence in 1439?
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Byzantine Empire
The Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child (centre), Justinian (left) holding a model of the Hagia Sophia, and Constantine (right) holding a model of the city of Constantinople; mosaic from the Hagia Sophia, 9th century.
Many Byzantines opposed the Union of Florence in 1439 primarily because they viewed the concessions made by their delegates as a betrayal of Orthodox theology and tradition. While the Byzantine leadership pursued the union out of political desperationāhoping to secure Western military aid against the Ottoman Turksāthe ecclesiastical opposition was rooted in deep-seated doctrinal disagreements.1
Key reasons for this opposition included:
- Theological Disputes: Opponents, led by Mark Eugenikos, rejected the adoption of Roman Catholic dogmas, specifically the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed, the doctrine of purgatory, and the assertion of papal primacy.12
- Integrity of Faith: Critics accused the Latin Church of falsifying scriptural and patristic texts to support their teachings and faulted Western liturgical practices, such as the use of unleavened bread in Communion.2
- Rejection of Coercion: Many viewed the union as a political capitulation rather than a genuine spiritual reconciliation. Upon returning to Constantinople, most delegates renounced their signatures, and the broader church refused to accept the council's decisions.1