Jeremias II
Jeremias II of Constantinople, also known as Jeremias Tranos, served as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople three times between 1572 and 1595. He is notable for his theological exchanges with Lutherans regarding the Augsburg Confession and for his role in the establishment of the Patriarchate of Moscow.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople three times between 1572 and 1595.
- ›Engaged in significant theological correspondence with Lutherans concerning the Augsburg Confession.
- ›Played a key role in the recognition and enthronement of the first Patriarch of Moscow.
- ›Restored the Pammakaristos Church during his first reign.
- ›Was deposed and exiled to Rhodes in 1584 but later obtained freedom.
- ›Sanctioned the autocephaly of the Patriarchate of Moscow in 1593.
- Reform of His Church and Root Out Simony
- Restoration of the Pammakaristos Church
- Theological Exchanges With Lutherans Regarding the Augsburg Confession
- Recognition of the Russian Orthodox Church
- Enthronement of Patriarch Job of Moscow
- Sanctioning the Autocephaly of the Patriarchate of Moscow
About Jeremias II
Jeremias II of Constantinople
Jeremias II, also known as Jeremias Tranos, was a significant figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church, serving as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople for three distinct periods between 1572 and 1595. Born in Anchialos around 1530 into an influential Greek family, he received an excellent education and became a monk in his youth.
Life and Historical Context
His first election to the Patriarchate occurred on May 5, 1572, supported by the wealthy Michael Kantakouzenos Şeytanoğlu. During his initial reign, Jeremias II focused on church reforms, including efforts to eradicate simony and the restoration of the Pammakaristos Church. It was also during this period that he had his first encounters with Lutherans, which concluded without resolution.
Jeremias II's tenure was marked by political and ecclesiastical challenges. The execution of his patron in 1578 weakened his position, leading to his deposition and excommunication in 1579. He returned to the patriarchal throne in 1580. His second reign saw him engage with envoys of the Pope regarding the Gregorian calendar, ultimately rejecting its introduction. He also faced a conspiracy by Greek bishops, which resulted in his deposition and exile to Rhodes in 1584.
Travels and Recognition of the Patriarchate of Moscow
After obtaining freedom from exile in 1586, Jeremias II undertook extensive travels through the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Tsardom of Russia to raise funds. His journey led him to Moscow in 1588, where, through negotiations, he officially recognized the Russian Orthodox Church and presided over the enthronement of Patriarch Job of Moscow on January 26, 1589, establishing the first Patriarchate in Moscow.
Third Patriarchate and Later Years
Despite previous depositions, Jeremias II was formally re-elected Patriarch in April 1587 and officially appointed for the third time by the Sultan on July 4, 1589. He returned to Constantinople in 1590. In 1593, a synod under his leadership sanctioned the autocephaly of the Patriarchate of Moscow. Jeremias II's death occurred between September and December 1595 in Constantinople.
Theological Exchanges
Jeremias II is particularly remembered for his significant theological dialogues with Lutherans from Tübingen between 1576 and 1581. He authored three responses, known as "Answers," to the translated Augsburg Confession presented by Jakob Andreae and Martin Crusius. These exchanges were pivotal in articulating the differences between Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism at the time, confirming that the Eastern Orthodox Church did not seek reformation in the Protestant sense.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times did Jeremias II serve as Patriarch of Constantinople?
Jeremias II served as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople three times. His first tenure began on May 5, 1572, his second likely on August 13, 1580, and his third term was formally appointed on July 4, 1589.
What was the significance of Jeremias II's correspondence with Lutherans?
From 1576 to 1581, Jeremias II engaged in theological exchanges with Lutherans regarding the Augsburg Confession. These exchanges were significant as they clearly presented the theological positions of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Reformation churches in relation to each other.
What role did Jeremias II play in the Russian Orthodox Church?
During his travels to raise funds, Jeremias II arrived in Moscow in 1588. Through negotiations, he recognized the Russian Orthodox Church and was present for the enthronement of Patriarch Job of Moscow as the first Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' on January 26, 1589. Later, in 1593, a synod sanctioned the autocephaly of the Patriarchate of Moscow.
Was Jeremias II ever deposed or exiled?
Yes, Jeremias II experienced deposition and exile. He was deposed and excommunicated on November 23, 1579, and later deposed again on February 22, 1584, which resulted in his exile to Rhodes. He regained his freedom in 1586.
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