Flavian II
Flavian II of Antioch was the Patriarch of Antioch from 498 to 512, appointed by Emperor Anastasius I. Despite initially accepting the Henotikon, he resisted attempts to abolish the Council of Chalcedon, attempting to steer a middle course. His deposition and banishment in 512 led to significant unrest and later his posthumous recognition as a saint.
Key Facts
- ›Patriarch of Antioch from 498 to 512.
- ›Appointed by Emperor Anastasius I on the condition of accepting the Henotikon.
- ›Resisted attempts to abolish the Council of Chalcedon and attempted a middle course between Chalcedonians and non-Chalcedonians.
- ›Forced by Emperor Anastasius I to sign the Henotikon in 508/509.
- ›Accused of Nestorianism by Philoxenus of Mabbug.
- ›Deposed and banished to Petra in 512, dying there in 518.
- Resisted Abolition of the Council of Chalcedon
- Posthumously Enrolled Among the Saints of the Eastern Church
About Flavian II
Flavian II of Antioch
Flavian II of Antioch, known in Latin as Flavianus II and in Ancient Greek as Φλαβιανός Βʹ Ἀντιοχείας, served as the Patriarch of Antioch from 498 until his deposition and subsequent banishment in 512. His tenure was marked by significant ecclesiastical and political tensions surrounding the Council of Chalcedon.
Life and Historical Context
Originally a monk under the Rule of St. Basil at the Monastery of Tilmognon, Flavian later became an apocrisiarius. Upon the death of Patriarch Palladius in 498, Emperor Anastasius I appointed Flavian as Patriarch of Antioch, contingent on his acceptance of the Henotikon. Despite this condition, Flavian II did not actively oppose Chalcedonian Christianity.
Major Contributions and Conflicts
As patriarch, Flavian II, along with Patriarch Elias I of Jerusalem, resisted efforts to abolish the Council of Chalcedon. Facing conflict between Chalcedonians and non-Chalcedonians in Antioch, Flavian II attempted to navigate a middle course regarding the Chalcedonian decrees. However, Emperor Anastasius I eventually compelled him to sign the Henotikon in 508/509. Flavian II was also accused of Nestorianism by Philoxenus of Mabbug, the bishop of Hierapolis.
In 511, Philoxenus incited Miaphysites to attack Antioch, aiming to force Flavian II to condemn the Council of Chalcedon, but they were repelled by Chalcedonians. The monks of Flavian II's former monastery also came to his defense. These events led Anastasius to adopt a Miaphysite ecclesiastical program, resulting in Flavian II and Elias I losing imperial support.
Deposition and Legacy
A synod convened in Sidon in 512 by Philoxenus and other non-Chalcedonian bishops, with Anastasius's backing, condemned Flavian II and Elias I. Consequently, Flavian II was deposed and banished to Petra, where he died in 518. His deposition and the resulting resentment towards Anastasius contributed to Vitalian's rebellion in 513. Posthumously, Flavian II was enrolled among the saints of the Eastern Church and, after some opposition, in the Western Church as well. He is commemorated in the Eastern Orthodox Church with Elias I of Jerusalem on July 20.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Flavian II of Antioch?
Flavian II of Antioch was the Patriarch of Antioch from 498 until his deposition and banishment in 512. He was a monk before becoming patriarch.
What was Flavian II's stance on the Council of Chalcedon?
Flavian II did not show opposition to Chalcedonian Christianity and resisted attempts to abolish the Council of Chalcedon. He attempted to steer a middle course between Chalcedonians and non-Chalcedonians.
Why was Flavian II deposed and banished?
Flavian II was deposed and banished in 512 after Emperor Anastasius I adopted a Miaphysite ecclesiastical program. This followed events where Philoxenus convinced Miaphysites to storm Antioch, and a synod convened by Philoxenus condemned Flavian II and Elias I of Jerusalem.
What was the impact of Flavian II's deposition?
Flavian II's deposition and subsequent resentment towards Emperor Anastasius I caused Vitalian's rebellion in 513. He was later posthumously recognized as a saint.
When is Flavian II commemorated?
Flavian II is commemorated in the Eastern Orthodox Church along with Elias I of Jerusalem on July 20.
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