Sergius I
Pope Sergius I, bishop of Rome from 687 to 701, was elected amidst a dispute between two rivals. His pontificate was largely defined by his staunch refusal to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council, leading to a confrontation with Emperor Justinian II. Despite imperial attempts to arrest him, Sergius was protected by the Roman people and the Italian militia, solidifying his defiance on religious matters.
Key Facts
- ›Elected pope after a dispute between two rival candidates, Paschal and Theodore.
- ›Steadfastly refused to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council of 692.
- ›Defied Emperor Justinian II's order for his arrest, protected by the Roman people and militia.
- ›Baptized King Cædwalla of Wessex in Rome on April 10, 689.
- ›Founded the diaconia of Santa Maria in Via Lata and restored Santi Cosma e Damiano.
- ›His rejection of certain Quinisext canons, particularly regarding Apostolic Canons, remains a difference between Catholic and Orthodox canons.
Quinisext Council
- Refused To Accept the Canons of the Quinisext Council
- Ordained Willibrord As Bishop of the Frisians
- Active In Ending the Schism of the Three Chapters With Old Aquileia
- Founded the Diaconia of Santa Maria In Via Lata
- Restored and Embellished the Church of Santi Cosma E Damiano
- Introduced the Chant 'Lamb of God' Into the Liturgy
Emperor Justinian Ii, Paschal, Theodore, Exarch of Ravenna, John Vi
About Sergius I
Pope Sergius I (c. 650 – 8 September 701)
Pope Sergius I served as the bishop of Rome from December 15, 687, until his death on September 8, 701. He is revered as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. His pontificate was largely defined by his strong opposition to the decrees of the Quinisext Council of 692, a synod held under Byzantine auspices that sought to harmonize Eastern and Western church practices.
Life and Historical Context
Born around 650, Sergius I hailed from an Antiochene Syrian family that had relocated to Panormus, Sicily. He arrived in Rome during the papacy of Adeodatus II, possibly as a refugee from the Caliphate's incursions into Sicily. He rose through the ecclesiastical ranks, being ordained cardinal-priest of Santa Susanna by Pope Leo II on June 27, 683. Sergius's election as pope on December 15, 687, ended the last disputed sede vacante of the Byzantine Papacy, occurring after a violent deadlock between two rival candidates, Paschal and Theodore, was resolved by civic and military intervention.
Major Contributions and Conflicts
Sergius I's papacy was marked by his resolute refusal to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council. This defiance led to a direct confrontation with Emperor Justinian II, who ordered Sergius's arrest. However, the Roman populace and the militia of Ravenna's exarch thwarted the imperial attempt to abduct the pope to Constantinople, demonstrating significant popular support for Sergius and resistance to Byzantine interference in religious affairs.
Beyond this major conflict, Sergius I was active in diplomatic and ecclesiastical matters. He baptized King Cædwalla of Wessex in Rome on April 10, 689, and ordained Willibrord as bishop of the Frisians. He played a role in ending the Schism of the Three Chapters with Old Aquileia in 698. Sergius also contributed to the urban fabric of Rome by founding the diaconia of Santa Maria in Via Lata and undertaking the restoration and embellishment of the Eastern church of Santi Cosma e Damiano. In a significant liturgical innovation, he introduced the chant "Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us" during the breaking of the Host at Mass, a practice that continues to this day.
Legacy
Pope Sergius I's legacy is primarily associated with his defense of papal autonomy against imperial overreach, particularly concerning the Quinisext Council. His steadfast refusal to compromise on what he perceived as correct religious doctrine, even in the face of imperial threats, underscored the growing independence of the papacy within the Western Church. His liturgical contributions, such as the Agnus Dei, have had a lasting impact on Catholic worship.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Sergius I elected?
Pope Sergius I was elected on December 15, 687, following the death of Pope Conon. His election occurred after a period of dispute between two rival candidates, Paschal and Theodore.
What was Pope Sergius I's stance on the Quinisext Council?
Sergius I steadfastly refused to accept the canons of the Quinisext Council of 692, declaring he would 'rather die than consent to erroneous novelties.' He found many of its regulations objectionable, particularly those concerning liturgical practices and clerical discipline that differed from Western customs.
Did Emperor Justinian II try to arrest Pope Sergius I?
Yes, Emperor Justinian II ordered Sergius I's arrest and abduction to Constantinople due to his refusal to accept the Quinisext Council's canons. However, the Roman people and the Italian militia thwarted the attempt, and the imperial official sent to arrest him nearly lost his life.
What were some of Pope Sergius I's significant actions during his papacy?
Sergius I baptized King Cædwalla of Wessex, ordained Willibrord as bishop of the Frisians, and was active in ending the Schism of the Three Chapters. He also founded the diaconia of Santa Maria in Via Lata and restored the church of Santi Cosma e Damiano. A notable liturgical innovation was his introduction of the 'Lamb of God' chant.
Where did Pope Sergius I come from?
Sergius I came from an Antiochene Syrian family that had settled in Panormus, Sicily. He arrived in Rome during the pontificate of Adeodatus II and may have been among many Sicilian clergy in Rome due to the Caliphate's attacks on Sicily.
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