Hormisdas
Pope Hormisdas, bishop of Rome from 514 to 523, is primarily remembered for his successful efforts to resolve the Acacian schism. This schism, initiated by Acacius of Constantinople's attempt to appease non-Chalcedonians, had divided the Eastern and Western churches. Hormisdas's papacy saw the eventual reunion of Constantinople and Rome, ratified in 519.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Frusino, likely with an Italian pedigree.
- ›His son, Silverius, later became pope.
- ›His papacy was dominated by the Acacian schism.
- ›Successfully negotiated the reunion of Rome and Constantinople on March 28, 519.
- ›His papacy saw the acceptance of the Formula of Hormisdas by the Patriarch of Constantinople.
- ›Died in 523 and was buried in Old St. Peter's Basilica.
Reunion, Orthodoxy
- Removed Remnants of the Laurentian Schism In Rome
- Negotiated With Emperor Anastasius To End the Acacian Schism
- Sent Multiple Embassies To Constantinople
- Demanded Acceptance of the Council of Chalcedon and Pope Leo's Letters
- Achieved Reunion Between Rome and Constantinople
- Formula of Hormisdas Accepted By Patriarch John Ii
Acacian Schism, Constantinople, Emperor Anastasius, Vitalian, Emperor Justin I, Patriarch Acacius, Pope Symmachus, Silverius, Magnus Felix Ennodius, Fortunatus of Catina, Venantius, Vitalis, Hilarius, Avitus of Vienne, John of Nicopolis, Peregrinus of Misenum
About Hormisdas
Pope Hormisdas
Pope Hormisdas served as the bishop of Rome from July 20, 514, until his death on August 6, 523. His pontificate was largely defined by the ongoing Acacian schism, a significant division within the Christian Church that had originated in 484 due to attempts by Acacius of Constantinople to reconcile with non-Chalcedonian factions.
Life and Historical Context
Born around 450 in Frusino during the declining years of the Western Roman Empire, Hormisdas likely bore a Persian name in honor of an exiled Persian noble. His family connections suggest a traditional Italian background, though some sources suggest a possible relation to the Persian figure Hormizd. Before his election as pope, Hormisdas was married and fathered a son, Silverius, who would later also ascend to the papacy. He was an active cleric, serving as a notary at a synod in 502 and was a prominent supporter of Pope Symmachus during the Laurentian schism.
Pontificate and the Acacian Schism
Hormisdas's election was notably free of the controversies that had marked his predecessor's tenure. One of his initial acts was to reconcile remaining members of the Laurentian faction back into the Church. The overwhelming focus of his papacy, as evidenced by his correspondence and historical accounts, was the restoration of communion between the Sees of Rome and Constantinople, which had been fractured by the Acacian schism over Emperor Zeno's Henoticon.
Emperor Anastasius, pressured by military commander Vitalian, initiated steps toward reconciliation. Anastasius sent invitations for a synod to Rome, which Hormisdas received with cautious optimism. The Pope responded by defending the positions of his predecessors and ultimately sent an embassy to Constantinople comprising bishops, priests, deacons, and notaries. Hormisdas laid out specific demands, including the public acceptance of the Council of Chalcedon and Pope Leo's letters by the Emperor and Eastern bishops, along with the condemnation of various theological figures and the recall of exiled clergy.
Despite initial setbacks and an attempt by Anastasius to bribe the papal legates, the situation shifted with the death of Emperor Anastasius. His successor, the Catholic Emperor Justin I, reversed Anastasius's policies. All of Hormisdas's demands were eventually granted, including the removal of Patriarch Acacius and Emperors Anastasius and Zeno from church diptychs. The Patriarch John II of Constantinople accepted the "Formula of Hormisdas," a key document in the resolution.
Reunion and Legacy
The end of the Acacian schism was formally concluded in a solemn ceremony in the cathedral of Constantinople on March 28, 519, before a large assembly. Pope Hormisdas died in 523 and was interred in Old St. Peter's Basilica. His papacy is historically significant for successfully navigating and resolving a major schism that had long divided the Church, thereby reaffirming the primacy of the See of Rome.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Acacian schism?
The Acacian schism, which began in 484, was a division between the Eastern and Western churches. It was initiated by Acacius of Constantinople's efforts to appease non-Chalcedonians.
How did Pope Hormisdas resolve the Acacian schism?
Pope Hormisdas engaged in extensive negotiations and sent multiple embassies to Constantinople. His efforts culminated in the reunion of the churches, which was formally ratified on March 28, 519, in the cathedral of Constantinople.
Were there any controversies during Pope Hormisdas's election?
Unlike that of his predecessor Symmachus, the election of Pope Hormisdas lacked any notable controversies. Upon becoming pope, one of his first actions was to reintegrate adherents of the Laurentian party who had not yet been reconciled.
Who was Pope Hormisdas's son?
Pope Hormisdas had a son named Silverius, who later became pope himself. This suggests Hormisdas had an otherwise 'straightforward Italian pedigree'.
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