Handbook of Byzantine Protocole and Ceremonies

I am helping a friend of mine with a study on Byzantine Protocole and ceremonies and i thought it would be good to share it with u guys... It can be a good "handbook" about how the Byzantine Court functioned...
It will take me some time to complete it though but i hope u will enjoy it... In the first chapter i will try to describe the imperial procession during festive days and to make it easier i have divided the procession to several stations...

Chapter I
Imperial Procession to and from Hagia Sophia diring the 5 Great Feasts of the Lord (Christmas, Easter, Ascension day, Pentecost, Baptism of the Lord)

The Emperor starts from his own private chambers called "Ieros Koiton" (Holy Chambers) dressed in a simple toga called "dibetision" and heads to the eastern corner of Chrysotriklinos (Golden Hall) where he venerates the Icon of Christ followed by his personal servants and assistants and then he proceeds.

First Station:The Imperial retinue proceeds to the palace of Sigma where he is met by the Imperial Guards, the Logothetis epi tou Kanikleiou, the Protasekrites (Chief palace advisor) and the Protonotarios (Chief of the palace notaries) and accepts their obedience. The procession continues to the Church of "Panagia en to Sigmati (aka Virgin Mary in Sigma palace) where he venerates the icon of Mary and the relics stored there.

Second Station: The Emperor then proceeds to the "Triklinos tou Augoustaiou" (Triclinum Augustaeum) where he accepts the obedience of the Palace clerks.

Third Station: Imperial Chapel of St. Stephen where the Emperor enters alone venerates the Cross of St. Constatine I and lights candles before the relic in private.

Fourth Station: Emperor arrives to the "Koitonas tis Daphnis" (aka Chambers of Daphne) where the Referendarios announces that the Patriarch has arrived and the Emperor receives obedience from both.

Fifth Station: Oktagonon (literally 8 corners) The Emperor enters the Octagonon with 1-2 of his servants where he is dressed in full imperial robes and the crown is placed in his head.

Sixth Station: Emperor enters again to the Triclinum Augustaeum through the Gate of the Golden Hand and he is met by the Imperial Guards, the Logothetes tou Dromou, the Logothetes epi to Kanikleio. As soon as the Emperor enters, the Ostiarius (who holds a golden rod) opens the gates and lets the Magistroi (Magisters), Ypatoi (consuls), Anthypatoi (proconsuls), Patrikious (patricians), Strategoi (Generals), lesser officials and commanders of the forts in and offer their obedience to the Emperor.

Seventh Station: After the Triclinum Augustaeum the Imperial retinue proceeds to the Onopodion where the Emperor receives the obedience of the "Drougarioi" (Admirals) and the "Vasilikoi Spatharioi" (Royal Swordbearers) who hold the Emperor's personal weapons.

Eighth Station: The Emperor arrives to Konsistorion (Senate Chambers) where he is greeted by the Protasekrites the Protonaotarios the Notaries and the Silentiarii and he venerates the Cross of St. Constantine I (this time in public) and the Rod of Moses.

Ninth Station: The Emperor arrives to the "Triklinos ton Kandidaton" (aka Triclinum Candidati) where he receives the obedience of the royal priests and venerates the Cross held by the protopriest.

Tenth Station: Emperor venerates the Cross standing in Octakionion (aka 8 pillars)

Eleventh Station: The Emperor arrives to the "Triklinos ton Exkouviton" (aka Triclinum Excubitorum) where the Imperial regalia, Standards, Flags etc. are stored and inspects them whil on the same time he is cheered by the legal clerks and officers of the courts aka the Kagkelarioi tou Kaistoros (Quaestor's chancellors) the "Dipanitai" and the "Nomikoi" (legal advisors)

TwelvethStation: The Emperor arrives to the "Trivounalio" (aka City Hall) venerates the silver Cross standing there receives the obedience of the foreign mercenary troops, officials pf the Praefect, the Symponos (aka almoner) and the Logothetes tou Praetoriou. After that he is greeted by the faction of the Blues who cheer for him.

Thirteenth Station: The Emperor arrives to the Gate of the Holy Apostles where he is cheered by the faction of the Greens while he venerates the relics stored in the Holy Apostles Church.

Fourteenth Station: The Blues faction along with wrestlers and charioteers from all factions cheer for the Emperor as he passes through the Chalke Gate.

Fifteenth Station: The Emperor is cheered by the Whites faction as he leaves the Calke Gate.

Sixteenth Station: The Emperor is cheered by the Reds faction as he passes through the Augustaeum Gate.

Seventeenth Station: The Whites faction cheer for the Emperor again as he passes by the "Orologion of Agia Sophia" (aka Hagia Sophia's clock tower) and then he enters Hagia Sophia through the "Oraia Pyli" (aka Beautiful Gate) and the Divine Liturgy starts (i will talk in another chapter about the Divine Liturgies in Hagia Sophia).

When Divine Liturgy is over the Emperor leaves Hagia Sophia passing by the "Agion Frear" (aka Holy Well) and follows the same path only backwards.
However there are a few differences exist... In the Triclinum Augustaeum the Emperor enters alone with some of his servants while the gates are closed behind him leaving his retinue outside (the retinue continues to cheer for him). Then the Emperor proceeded to the Oktagonon and removes his imperial robes and crown and dressed only with his "divetision" enters the Chambers of Daphne where he wears a golden cloth named "sagion".
Then the Emperor goes to Chrysotriklinos and venerates the Icon of Christ with his servants and finally withdraws to his privatw quarters the Holy Chambers...

Thats for now... i ll come up with chapter II about the cheers to the Emperor and the Divine Liturgy in the Emperor's presence... I hope u will find it usefull somehow...

Fascinating. I have a sort of 'Western Byzance' in my ever in alpha-beta fantasy world, so I shall make notes if you don't mind.. do continue later.

The Ubbergeek said:

Fascinating. I have a sort of 'Western Byzance' in my ever in alpha-beta fantasy world, so I shall make notes if you don't mind.. do continue later.

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Its ok ... i ll continue posting here about the functions of byzantine court so feel free to to take notes etc.

P.S. I forgot to mention above that obedience to the emperor is offered by full prostration EXCEPT the Pentecost day in which is strictly forbidden by the Church to prostrate...

This is one of the things that would be nice if we had an OTL History subforum. Thanks.

Cuāuhtemōc said:

This is one of the things that would be nice if we had an OTL History subforum. Thanks.

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That would be a good idea, but it may end here in the region-area of Chat, due to... well, you know...

Right now i am trying to gather informations about the ritual of the imperial coronation while on the same time trying to write chapter II about the cheers of the factions and the Divine Liturgy in the presence of the Emperor...
Hopefully i ll have chapter II ready by tomorrow...

The Ubbergeek said:

That would be a good idea, but it may end here in the region-area of Chat, due to... well, you know...

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I highly doubt an informative thread on the practices of the Eastern Roman court will turn into anti-Turkish, pro-Megali Idea nationalist trolling if that's what you're insinuating. I like to hope the members of this forum would be a little better than that.

Cuāuhtemōc said:

I highly doubt an informative thread on the practices of the Eastern Roman court will turn into anti-Turkish, pro-Megali Idea nationalist trolling if that's what you're insinuating. I like to hope the members of this forum would be a little better than that.

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I was talking of a general OTL History stuff subforum may end up around...

I have decided to split chapter II in two so i ll give u chapter II now and tomorrow i ll post chapter III about the Divine Liturgy in Emperor's presence...

Chapter II
Cheers for the Emperor by various factions in the Hippodrome or during processions.

Constantinople had 4 factions the Blues, the Greens, the Whites and the Reds. After some time though Whites and Reds were absorbed in the larger factions of Blues and Greens and became only ceremonial corpses...
At the beginning these factions represented the people of Constantinople in the chariot races but soon they gathered much power and started implicating in politics and religion. Example in 6th century Blues were orthodoxs and the were supported by the Scholae Palatinae Guards while Greens were Monophysites and they were supported by the Excubitor Guards... At some point their power grew so strongthat they challenged the Emperor himself (Nika riots in 532). However thier power declined year by year and by 9th-10th century they were just mere shadows of their former self...
As i said above the Blues had the support of the Scholae Palatinae so their leader had the (purely honorific) title "Domestikos ton Scholon" (aka Domesticus Scholae) while the Greens's leader had (the again purely honorific title) "Domestikos ton Exkubitoron" (aka Domesticus Excubitorum). These titles were purely honorific and they hadnt any military authority, also they were of tribunician rank (remnant from the old Roman Republic) and their only function was to organise the cheers of the factions to the Emperor.
When the Emperor appeared on the Hippodrome or the Imperial retinue reached a "Station" (see chapter I) were factions had to cheer for him, then the heralds of the factions started a "ritual" conversation with the people and the people answered to the heralds.

Heralds of faction: Polla! Polla! Polla! (Many! Many! Many!)
People of Constantinople: Polla eti, eis polla! (Many Years! Many!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin chronoi i entheos vasileia (Your god-given kingship lasts many years!
People: Polloi Ymin chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! (Lasts many years! Lasts many years! Lasts many years!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi oi Therapontes tou Kyriou! (Many years to the servants of the Lord)
People: Polloi Ymin chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! (Lasts many years! Lasts many years! Lasts many years!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi o XXXXX kai YYYYYY Autokratores ton Romaion! (Many years to XXXXX and YYYYY Emperors of the Romans)
People: Polloi Ymin chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! (Lasts many years! Lasts many years! Lasts many years!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi o XXXXX kai YYYYYY Augoustoi ton Romaion! (Many years to XXXXX and YYYYY Augusti of the Romans)
People: Polloi Ymin chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! Polloi Ymin Chronoi! (Lasts many years! Lasts many years! Lasts many years!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi syn tais Augoustais kai tois Porphyrogennitois (Many years and to your Augustas and purple born children)
People: Polychronion poiisei o Theos tin Agia Vasileian sas eis polla eti (May the God grant many years to your Kingship, Many Years!)

A slightly different version of this ritual dialogue appears like this:

Heralds: Polla! Polla! Polla! (Many! Many Many!)
People: Polla eti, eis polla! (Many Years! Many!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi i eklogi tis Triados! (Many years to whom the Holy Trinity elected to rule!)
People: Agie! Agie! Agie! (Holy! Holy! Holy!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi o XXXXX kai YYYYYY Autokratores ton Romaion! (Many years to XXXXX and YYYYY Emperors of the Romans)
People: Agie! Agie! Agie! (Holy! Holy! Holy!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi oi Therapontes tou Kyriou! (Many years to the servants of the Lord)
People: Agie! Agie! Agie! (Holy! Holy! Holy!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi o XXXXX kai YYYYYY Augoustoi ton Romaion! (Many years to XXXXX and YYYYY Augusti of the Romans)
People: Agie! Agie! Agie! (Holy! Holy! Holy!)

Heralds: Polloi Ymin Chronoi syn tais Augoustais kai tois Porphyrogennitois (Many years and to your Augustas and purple born children)
People: Polychronion poiisei o Theos tin Agia Vasileian sas eis polla eti (May the God grant many years to your Kingship, Many Years!)

As soon as the Emperor approached the place were the faction stood the Imperial Master of Ceremonies introduced the faction leader to the Emperor and the faction leader gave the Emperor a booklet and the Emperor in turn gave it to the Praepositus (this was a symbolic gesture as in early times people would present petitions to the Emperor that way) while on the same time the ritual dialogue mentioned above began and the tribune "blessed" the Emperor (not a real blessing just a symbolic move implying that the Emperor should consider the petitions in the booklet given). But even if the factions had lost power in numerous cases the booklet did contained petitions to the Emperors.
The same procedure was repeated in every "Station" where factions were gathered (see chapter I)

Thats the usual cheer for the Emperors... However if the factions decided to say something different (in most cases something negative like "Anaxios" aka unworthy) this would be seen as a sign of warning to the Emperor or even as a sign of disapproval or a primitive vote of no confidence to the Emperor...

What period are these protocols from? I'd be surprised if practices were exactly the same under the Justinians as they were under the Palaiologoi.

Ofaloaf said:

What period are these protocols from? I'd be surprised if practices were exactly the same under the Justinians as they were under the Palaiologoi.

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Τhese are from 9th-10th century but several parts remain unchanged from Constantine's time... For example the itinerary of the procession remained unchanged from Justinian's time till the fall of the city... Traditionally Emperors imported new things not removing... Another example is the coronation ritual itself that it underwent numerous changes through the ages...The Palaeologi made the last addition in the ritual when thy added chrism in early 14th century. But since Leo I the main idea was that Church crowns the Emperor and that remained unchanged for 1000 years.

Chapter III
How the Emperors venerate Icons and relics and the celebration of Divine Liturgy in various Feasts in the Presence of the Emperor.

1. Imperial veneration of Icons/relics and worship in private

Whenever the Imperial procession passed tby Churches inside the Great Palace complex the Emperor had to venerate the Icons and relics stored in each church. The same happened to the Church where the Divine Liturgy would be celebrated, and these venerations had a specific protocol.
When the Emperor venerates Icons/Crosses/relics (see chapter I) he enters the Church escorted by a chamberlain, his Praepositus and the Master of Ceremonies (or alone if its required like in the St. Stephen chapel veneration described in chapter I).
When inside the chamberlain gave the Praepositus candles who in turn gave them to the Emperor.
The Emperor then venerated the Icon/relic/cross 3 times by prostrating before them and his forehead touches the ground and then recited a small prayer.
After the veneration and the prayer the Emperor lit the candles gave them to Praepositus who in turn gave them to the Master of Ceremonies who putted them in the special place near the Icon. One exception was made for the feast of the Pentecost where prostration is forbidden byy the Church.

2. Celebration of Divine Liturgy in the Presence of the Emperor

As it was said in Chapter I the Emperor enters Hagia Sofia from the "Beautiful Gate" (Oraia Pyli) and then a few ancient customs were set in motion. (Originally these rituals were reserved only for the 5 Great Feasts of the Lord but gradually they happened in every formal entrance)

When the Emperor passes the Gate and before he enters the "Narthex" (a hall bedore the actual church) the Praepositusremoves the crown from Emperor's head.
After that the Emperor is met in the "Narthex" by the Patriarch, the Archdeacon, the Bishops, the Protosyncellus (vicar general of the diocese) the syncelli and the rest of the clergy.
Then the Emperor kisses and venerates the Book of the Gospels held by the Archdeacon and the Cross held by the Protopriest.
The Patriarch greets and kisses the Emperor and then the Emperor holdng Patriarchs hand would proceed till the Royal Gates (Vasilikai Pylai) where they stood ( Patriarch's retinue stood on the right side while Emperor's retinue stood in the left side).
In Royal Gates the Patriarch recited the Prayer of "Mikri Eisodos" (aka little Entrance in orthodoxy the procession of the Gospel book is called little entrance) while the Emperor lit candles following the ritual described above.
When the prayer is complete the Emperor and the Patriarch then proceed again holding hands till the Gates before the altar. The Emperor is followed by his retinue senators, officials palace guards etc. who took their places on the left and right of the church as the reitinue moves.
After parting with the Patriarch the Emperor moves through the right side of the Churchand then returns in the middle where he takes his place in a special place called "Porphyroun Omphalion" (aka Purple Navel) a purple marble embedded in the floor and reserved only for the Emperor and the Divine Liturgy celebration begins.

During the 5 Great Feasts of the Lord the Emperor is allowed to enter the altar (which is otherwise forbidden to any other layman under pain of excommunication) but even then there is a strict protocol to follow.

Emperor's entrance to the Altar
The Patriarch opens the left door of the Royal Gate and calls for the Emperor to come forth.
The Emperor proceeds and venerates the Icons in the Iconostasis following the ritual described above.
Then the Emperor kisses the Icon on the left door (the door held open by the Patriarch) and only in Pentecost day he venerates the crosses held by the rest of the Bishops.
Then the Emperor kisses and venerates the Holy Altar and lays on it 2 white "Aer" (Aer is the ceremonial cover of the Holy Chalice).
Then he venerates the Holy Chalices and the the Holy Discs (containing the Blood and the Body of Christ) held by the Patriarch.
At that time the Praepositus approaches and without entering the sanctuary (as a layman he is forbidden to do that) he hands over to the Emperor the "Apokomvion" (aka a bag full of gold coins) which the Emperor places it on the Altar as an offering to the Church.
Then the Emperor venerates the large Golden Cross behind the Altar (again following the ritual described above) and the Patriarch then hands him over an incence burner and the Emperor offers incence to the Cross.
The Emperor then kisses the Patriarch venerates the Cross and the relics stored in the altar (following the same ritual again) and withdraws to the "Metatorion" (aka a special room for the Emperor near the altar) from where he will watch the rest of the Divine Liturgy.

Megali Eisodos ceremony
At some point the Praepositus will notify the Emperor that the "Megali Eisodos" (aka Great Entrance in Orthodoxy the Litany of the Christ's blood and body inside the church is called like this) will begin and he helps him remove his imperial robes and the Emperor is left only with the chlamys.
The Emperor and his retinue then move to the right side of the church behind the Ambo and await the Litany with lit candles.
When the litany passes in front of the Emperor he follows them till the Royal Gates and remain there while the Archdeacon offers incence to the Emperor then the Patriarch and then to the Holy Altar.
The Emperorthen greets the Patriarch the Royal doors are slammed in his face (cermonial gesture meaning that from now on not even the Emperor can enter the Altar) and the Emperor returns to the "Metatorion".

Kiss of Peace ceremony
Before the Communion there was the "Kiss of Peace Ceremony"
The Master of Imperial Ceremonies would notify the Praepositus and the Praepositus would notify the Emperor that he had to exchange the "Kiss of Peace" with the Patriarch.
Then the Patriarch took his place in the right side of the Holy Altar while the Emperor emerged from the Metatorion and took his place across the Patriarch.
Then the Emperor orders the Referendarius to fetch him the Patriarch and the Referendarius leads the Patriarch to the Emperor by holding his hand and they exchanged the "Kiss of Peace".
After the Patriarch the Emperor gave the "Kiss of Peace" to the Protosyncellus, the Bishops, the Protopriest and the other religious dignitaries present.
Then the Emperor gave the Kiss of Peace to Patriarch for a second time and the Patriarch with the rest of the clergy withdrew to the Altar while the Emperor is exchanging the Kiss of Peace to the Senators lead to him by the Master of Imperial Ceremonies.
After that the Emperor returns to the Metatorion.

Communion
The Master of Ceremonies will notify the Praepositus who in turn will notify the Emperor about the time of the Communion.
The Imperial retinue would emerge from Metatorion and the Emperor would take his palce in the "Vasiliko Antiminsio" (aka Royal Antimensium) a special place marked by a marble on the floor before the Altar.
The Emperor would kiss the Patriarch and then the Patriarch would stand in a pulpit while 2 Ostiarii would hold a golden cloth above their heads.
The Emperor then made the sign of the cross 3 times and received Christ's Body from the Patriarch then again makes the sign of the cross 3 times and he is given the Blood of Christ from the Patriarch (it should be noted that the Emperor doesnt receive communion as a layman but he is receiving it the same way priests do...).
After receiving Communion the Emperor thanked the Patriarch wished him well and returned to the Metatorion.

Krama ceremony
Upon the return to the Metatorion the Emperor summoned whoever he wanted to and offered them bread dipped in watered wine. This was an exceptionally high honour and those invited by the Emperor to the Metatorion for this ceremony they were considered Imperial favourites

Exit form the Church
After finishing the Krama Ceremony the Praepositus and the Protovestiarius came to the Metatorion and helped the Emperor dress again in full imperial regalia while the Emperor orders the Praepositus to summon the Patriarch.
The Praepositusleads the Patriarch to the Metatorion where the Emperor kisses the Patriarch and then escorted the Imperial retinue from the Metatorion to the "Agion Frear" (aka Holy Well) Gate.
Outside the gate the Emperor was met by the Praepositus, the "Argyros" (something like the Emperor's personal banker), the Archdeacon, the Ostiarii and the the Prosmonarioi (monks in service of Hagia Sophia as door keepers).
The Argyros then handed over bags of gold coins to the Praepositus who in turn gave them to the Emperor and the Emperor gave them to the people above.
When the Imperial retinue reaches the "Agion Frear" the Patriarch crowns the Emperor (actually putting the crown he had removed upon his entrance back to his head) blesses and incences him and the Emperor rewards the Patriarch with an "Apokomvion" (bag full of gold coins) and from the Holy Well the Emperor follows the itinerary described in chapter I back to the Palace.

End of Part 1...
In next part i will try to analyse the Protocol about the celebration of Great Virgin Mary Feasts and other lesser feasts... (these were norms for the 5 Great Feasts of the Lord)

P.S. If u have any questions feel free to ask...

Chapter III part 2
Celebration of Divine Liturgy in the Presence of the Emperor during the Great Feasts of the Virgin Mary

Virgin Mary had a special place in Byzantine society as she was seen as the divine protectress of the city. And the Emperors always venerated her especially and her feasts were second only after those of the Lord.
The Great Virgin Mary Feasts that required the Emperor's Presence were the Feast of Virgin Mary's Nativity (Genethlion Theotokou), the Annunciation (Evaggelismos) and the Dormition of the virgin Mary (Koimisis tis Theotokou).
The Feasts of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the Annunciation followed the same pattern as the Feasts of Lord but with a few notable differences.
The feast of the Dormition however is way more different.

Feasts of Nativity of Virgin Mary and of the Annunciation

I ve decided to combine these 2 feasts since they follow the exact same protocal and rituals... And their only difference is on the date... Annunciation is on 25 March while the Nativity is celebrated in 8 September.
The Emperor follows the same itinerary as described in chapter I with the exception that the Emperor leaves Hagia Sophia following a different path and the Emperor doesnt enter Hagia Sophia from the "Oraia Pyli" (Beautiful Gate) but from the Gate of the Holy Well (Pyli Agiou Freatos).

Entrance of the Emperor to Hagia Sophia the Altar the Forum and the Church of Virgin Mary
The Emperor enters the Church throught the Gate of the Holy Well and offers thanks to Godby following the ritual of veneration described above.

The Emperor then venerates the Holy Well and enters the Church where he is greeted by the Patriarch and his retinue and the Patriarch incences the Emperor.

Then the Emperor passes through the Beautiful Gate and heads to the Royal Gates where he accepts the wishes and the obedience of the Senators who stand on right of the Royal Gates.

The Emperor enters the Holy Altar and offers thanks to God again following the same veneration ritual described in chapter I.

The Castrensius (Deacon in the service of the Emperor or Patriarch) hands over the incence burner to the Patriarch and the Patriarch offers incence to the Altar in circle.

The Patriarch and the Emperor are standing before the Altar while the Archdeacon starts the Litany of the saints and the Patriarch recites a prayer. At this point the cantors start chanting the hymns of the day.

The Patriarch and the Emperor emerge from the Altar in a crucession and they stop behind the Ambo where the Patriarch recites a second prayer and the Emperor is dressed in full Imperial Robes.
After the prayer the procession leaves Hagia Sophia and head towards the Forum of Constantine with the Emperor leaving the Church first and the Patriarch following shortly after.

When the Emperor reaches forum of Constantine he takes his place at the base of Constantine's Column while Magisters, Consuls, Proconsuls, Patricians and Senators are taking their place in front of the Emperor the Imperial Guards stands on the Emperor's right and the factions are encircling them. The the Patriarchal retinue arrives in the forum and the Referendarios and the Master of Ceremonies lead the Bishops in front of the Emperor where they offered him their obedience. After the obedience the Patriarchal retinue took their place on the Emperor's left.

Then the Patriarch arrives escorted by his deacons and cantors (who continue singing hymns all the time) holding the Cross and the Gospel.
The Emperor does th usual ritual of veneration to the cross and the gospel and kisses the Patriarch.
After that the Cross is raised in a special pulpit.

The Patriarch took his place next to the Emperor with his deacons and the Praepositus orders the cantors to sing the day's hymn 3 times.
After that the deacon started the litany of the saints and Patriarch recited another prayer.

Following the Prayer the Emperor greeted the Patriarch and left the forum with his retinue heading towards the Church of "Panagia en tois Chalkopratieis" (aka Virgin Mary in the district of copper-sellers).
The Emperor entered the Church and waited there with his retinue. Then the Bishops came in lead by the Referendarios and the Master of Ceremonies and offered their obedience again.
The Patriarch was the last to appear escorted by his deacons and cantors holding the Cross and the Gospel.

The Emperor kisses the Patriarch and after a short prayer they both entered the Holy Altar where the Emperor again offered thanks to God with the usual veneration ritual and then left on the Altar an "Apokomvion" (bag full of gold coins) as a noffering to Virgin Mary.

Then the Emperor leaves the Holy Altar through the left side of the Church
under the cheers of the Senators who stood there and then entered the Chapel of "Agia Soros" (aka Holy Box... This was the chapel that housed the robes of Virgin Mary) venerated the relic and left another Apokomvion on the relic while the Patriarch continued the celebration of Divine Liturgy.

After venerating the relic the Emperor withdrew to a room near the Altar called "Tropiki" and there he changed his golden robes to purple snd remained there.
After finishing the Divine Liturgy the Patriarch visited the Emperor in this room and putted the crown in his head. and the Emperor rewarded him with an Apokomvion. Then they kissed and left the Church in a procession with the Patriarch in its head.

At the Church's exit the Emperor was cheered by the gathered Magisters, Consuls, Proconsuls, Patricians and other officials senators etc. and then rode a horse in order to return to the Great Palace.

The Emperor on horse passes through the Million where he is cheered by the faction of Whites and the faction of the Blues

Shortly after the Million the Emperor is cheered by the factions of Greens and Reds

A little before he reaches the Palace he is cheered by the Greens who now are with their tribune leader (with the ritual decribed in chapter II).

Outside Chalke Gate the Emperor is cheered by the Blues who also are there with their tribune leader (same ritual again).

When the Emperor reached the Gate of the Triclinum Candidati the Praepositus removed the crown from his head and the Emperor enters the Church of Christ to offer thanks to God.
After that escorted by his chamberlains the Emperor enters the Chrysotriklinos (Golden Hall) where the chamberlains and servants cheered for him and then finally the Emperor withdraws to his private Chambers.

Feast of Dormition of Virgin Mary

The feast of the Dormition was celebrated in the Church of Virgin Mary in the Palace of Blachernae and because the Church is far away from the Great Palace many Emperors opted to go to Blachernae the previous day and spend the night in the Palace of Blachernae. But also he could opt to go on the very festive day by horse or by ship.

The Imperial retinue was gathered before sunrise in the "Triklinos tou Danouviou" (aka Triclinum Danubius) and waited there for the arrival of the Emperor by horse or by ship (depending the weather but since the feast is celebrated in August Emperors in most cases went to Blachernae by ship).

The Imperial ship arrives in the port of Blachernae right after sunrise and the Emperor is met in the port by the Senate.
After receiving their obedience the Magisters the Patricians and the rest of the officials escorted him in procession to the Palace of Blachernae for rest.

When the time for the Divine Liturgy arrives the Emperor is dressed in full imperial robes and then goes to a certain spot waiting for Patriarch's arrival.

When the Patriarch arrives after the usual veneration ritual to the Cross and the Gospel the Patriarch hands over a lit candle to the Emperor and the procession leaves heading towards the Church of Virgin Mary in Blachernae singing psalms and hymns all the way. And the Divine Liturgy continues as described in chapter III part 1.
After the end of the Liturgy the Emperor leaves the Church by the same route only backwards.

End of Part 2... I ll try and accumulate part 3 today about the lesser feasts...

Fascinating. Has there ever been a thread on the board for similar material on the HRE?

Dr. Waterhouse said:

Fascinating. Has there ever been a thread on the board for similar material on the HRE?

Click to expand...

I dont think so...

Interesting Don G. Very interesting.

Chapter III part 3
Celebration of Divine Liturgy in the Presence of the Emperor during lesser Feasts


Feast of Bright Monday

Imperial Procession from Great Palace to Hagia Sophia
The nobles are summoned to the Great Palace early in the morning and each one is dressed according to their rank.
The royal chamberlains wearing golden clothing are expecting the Emperor to the "Diavatiko ton Agion Saranta" (aka Hallway of 40 Holies) while the Patricians, Generals, Domestici and Senators are waiting for him in the "Trikocho" (aka 3 corners).
As soon as the Emperor appears a procession is formed and they head towards Daphne Chambers where the Emperor venerates (with the usual ritual) the relics stored in the Churches of St. Stephen and of Virgin Mary.

After veneration the Emperor enters the Triclinum Augustaeum where he rests waiting for the time to come to head for the Church.
When time comes he is wearing a golden chlamys and emerges from the Triclinum.
In Triclinum's court he is greeted and cheered by the Imperial Guard of Protospatharioi (aka First Swordbearers) and along with the rest of the nobles they proceed to Onopodion.

Upon reaching the Onopodion the Emperor is greeted by the Spatharioi (Swordbearers) and Spatharokandidatoi (something like cadets) who are standing in single files to the left and the right of the Emperor, while on the same time the Patricians and the Generals cry out loudly "Eis pollous kai agathous chronous!!!" (aka may you reign many and good years!!!).

The procession then moves on and upon reaching the "Konsistorion" (senate chambers) the Patricians, the Generals and the Senators cheer for the Emperor by using the phrases which are normally said by the factions (see chapter I).

After that the Emperor passes through Exkouvita (camp of the Excubitores imperial guard), the Scholae Palatinae (camp of the Scholae Guard), the Chalke Gate, the Augustaeum and then reaches the "Agion Frear" (Holy Well). While factions are in their usual places none is cheering for the Emperor since this was already done by the Patricians earlier, so the only thing that factions do is that the faction leader gives the Emperor the booklet in silence.

Entrance of the Emperor to Hagia Sophia, exit and procession to the Forum of Constantine
The Emperor enters Hagia Sophia through the Gate of the Holy Well and he is greeted by the Patriarch, they exchange the Kiss of Peace and then the Emperor heads towards the royal gates and stands before the Holy Altar.
He then offer thanks to God with the usual veneration ritual, enters the sanctuary kisses the Altar and leaves.
As he passes through the Royal Gates the Praepositus hands over to him a Paschal candle and the cantors start singing the hymn of "Christos Anesti" (aka Christ has risen).
Annd with the sound of this hymn the Emperor leaves Hagia Sophia.

Then the Imperial procession having passed through the Milion and following Mese Odos (aka Main Street) they reach the Forum of Costantine and then head to the Chapel of St. Constantine.
The Emperor then hands over the candle to the Praepositus and climbs the stairs till the door and stands there while the rest of the nobles take their places in the stairs according to their ranks in the Emperor's right.

When the Cross (who is carried in front of the Patriarch) reaches the Chapel the Emperor venerates the cross with the usual ritual and the cross then is set up next to the Emperor.

When the Patriarch arrives he climbs the stairs too and takes his place to the left of the Emperor along with the priests and the people of Constantinople.

Then the Archdeacon begins the Litany of the Saints while the Emperor lights some candles and praying silently.

After the small prayer the Emperor greets the Patriarch and the cantors begin to chant "Christos Anesti" once again.
Then the Emperor leaves the Forum of Constantine and follow the "Mese".
While in the Mese the Master of Ceremonies is chanting the "Christos Anesti" hymn.

Entrance of the Emperor to the Church of the Holy Apostles and celebration of Divine Liturgy

The procession passes in front of the bakeries district and the Tauros reaches the Church of "Panagia Diakonissa" (aka Virgin Mary Deaconess) where the Emperor is given a new Paschal candle. Then the procession passes through the Filadelfion, Olyvrion and Constantinianon to reach the Church of St. Polyeuctus and the Emperor is given a new Paschal candle there.
Then the procession continues through the Mese and finally they reach the Church of the Holy Apostles and the Emperor then sits in a golden throne in the entrance of the Church waiting for the Patriarch.

When the Patriarchal procession reches the Church the priests and people enter the Church through the Northern Gate while the Patriarch the Bishops and the orphans will enter through the main gate after offering their obedience to the Emperor but without prostrating since prostrating is forbidden during Eastertide.

When the Patriarch arrives the Emperor rises from his throne greets him and then the Patriarch recites a prayer while the Emperor lights a candle and venerates the Gospel and the Cross.
Following the prayer the Emperor and the Patriarch enter the Church.
The Emperor passes by the right side of the Ambo stands before the gates of the Altar and venerates the Icons.

Then he kisses the Icons on the doors of the Altar enters the sanctuary
venerates the Holy Altar and places an "Apokomvion" (bag full of golden coins_ on the altar as an offering to the church.

Then the Emperor with the Patriarch proceed to venerate the tombs of St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Theologian and leave the altar through the South Gate.

Then they enter the Imperial Mausoleum and venerate the tombs of St. Constantine I, Patriarch Nicephorus and Patriarch Methodius (also the Emperor is free to venerate any other tomb he wishes a family member's tomb, a predecessor etc.).

After leaving the Mausoleum the Patriarch returns to the Altar to finish the Divine Liturgy while the Emperor passes through the upper floor to the balcony in order to watch the Liturgy from there. The Emperor is followed by his Guards and chamberlains.

When the Communion time arrives 2 Silentiarii order the Patriarch to come and give communion to the Emperor.
Then the 2 Silentiarii lead the Emperor to the upper floor and to th balcony while on the same time the Praepositus invites the Emperor to approach the Patriarch and receive Communion.
The Emperor receives communion the same way as priests do (see chapter III part 1) anf then the Emperor greets the Patriarch who returns to the altar escorted by the 2 Silentiarii to finish the Divine Liturgy.

When Divine Liturgy is over the Emperor leaves the Church through a corridor which leads him to the palace adjacent the Holy Apostles and then enters his personal chambers.
Then the Emperor orders 2 Silentiarii to summon the Patriarch in his chambers.
THe Patriarch is greeted upon arrival by the nobles who stand outside the Emperor's quarters and the Praepositus announces to the Emperor that the Patriarch has arrived.
The Patriarch is then escorted to the Emperor's peivate Triclinum and a paschal meal is served.
Then the Patriarch removes his pallium abd hands it over to a priest,
Then the Emperor orders to open the gates and let the Ministers/Generals inside first and second his friends/relatives/guests.
When the meal is over everyone stands up and cheers for the Emperor and then they leave.
The Emperor is left alone with the Patriarch, and after one last cup of wine
the Praepositus orders the Patriarch's pallium to be brought and the Patriarch leaves escorted by his priests while the Emperor will remain for rest.

The Emperor returns to the Great Palace
After a short rest the Emperor is clad in a special colourful garment called "Votrys" and the Praepositus puts the crown in the Emperor's head.
Then the Emperor leaves the Church while the Magisters and the Patricians cheer for him.
Then the Emperor the Patricians,the Magisters and the Senators ride their horses and head toward Chalke Gate while the are followed by the Imperial Guard (who also are on horses).
The Master of Ceremonies is on foot and walks right next to the Emperor's horse along with the Silentiarii. Also on foot they are the Kandidatoi, the Scribones (imperial secretaries), the "Vasilikoi Mandatores" (Royal couriers), "The Koursores", the "Dekanoi" and the "Stratores".

The Emperor on his way back to the Great Palace passes by the "Marble Lions", the Church of St. Christopher, the Olyvrios district, the Filadelfion district, the Modion, The Tauros (Forum Boarium), the Forum of Constantine, the Milion, the Baths of Zeuxippus until finally raches Chalke Gate.
Again the factions are placed in these places and cheer for the Emperor while the Tribunes give the Emperor petition booklets again.

When the Imperial retinue reaches Chalke Gate everybody get off their horse and only the Emperor remains on horse.
The Emperor then rides till the "Exkouvita" with his retinue and then he gets off horse too and continues on foot.

At the Konsistorion the Senate cheers for him while the Patricians and the Generals will cheer for him as he passes the Church of Christ.

The Emperor then enters the Church of Christ and the bronze gates are closed behind him. Then the Praepositus removes the crown from his head and the Emperor venerates the Icons with the usual ritual (minus the prostration since its forbidden) and then he returns to the "Chrysotriklinos" through the corridor of 40 Holies. There he is cheered one last time by his chamberlains and servants and then withdraws to his private quarters.

End of part 3... I was hoping to complete Chapter III today but it seems that i am a little tired so i ve decided to split it again in 2 parts... i will post the last part of chapter III tomorrow and then i ll start writing chapter IV abou coronations etc.

Chapter III part 4
Celebration of Divine Liturgy in the Presence of the Emperor during the feasts of St. Demetrius, Prophet Elijah, St. Basil, The Archangels and of St. Constantine.


St. Demetrius feast
On the feast's eve the Emperor orders the Praepositus to inform the Senate about next day's festivities.
On St. Demetrius's day about the second hour of the day (aka 8 AM) the Emperor orders the Praepositus to summon the Patriarch and his retinue and lead him to the Chrysotriklinos (Golden Hall).
As soon as the Patriarch arrives in the Chrysotriklinos the Praepositus announces the arrival to the Emperor who is in his chambers in front of St. Theodore chapel and helps him wear his chlamys.
After the Emperor meets the Patriarch in the Chrysotriklinos they wait in the hall for some time till everything is ready.

When the Praepositus announces that everything is ready the Emperor and the Patriarch head to the chapel of St. Peter.
Upon reaching the Silver Gates of the Chrysotriklinos the Emperor is met by the eunuch protospatharius , the Logothetes tou Dromou, the Protasekrites and the Protonotarius. Across them stand the Chrysotriklinos servants.

When the Emperor passes through the Bronze Gates of Lausiakos the Emperor is met by the Imperial chamberlains.
On Skyla on the nothern corner of Justinian Triclinum (Triclinum Iustinianum) the Emperor receives the obedience of the Magisters , Consuls and other officials.

The Emperor enters the chapel of St. Peter and stands before the Royal Gates while the Patriarch enters the Altar reciting a prayer and the cantors started chanting st. Demetrius hymns.
Then the Patriarch emerges holding the Gospel followed by a subdeacon who holds a cross and the Emperor venerates both the gospel and the cross with the usual ritual while on the same time a deacon incences the Emperor.

Procession to the Church of St. Demetrius
Then the Patriarch the Emperor and their retinues exit the chapel of St. Peter and head to the Church of St. Demetrius near Chrysotriklinos.
From St. Peter's chapel till Chrysotriklinos the cantors chant hymns to St. Demetrius while when inside the Chrysotriklinos they chant "Doxa soi o Theos, Apostolon kafchima" (aka Glory thee to God, pride of the Apostles).

The Imperial retinue passes throught the main chamber of Chrysotriklinos and from the Eastern Gate they reach the Church of St. Demetrius where a prayer was recited at the doors.
Then the Patriarch enters the Altar to start the Divine Liturgy while the Emperor stands in a special place in the church called "Tetraero".
As soon as the Gospel is read the Emperor leaves the Church and after he was brought new garments he went to Chrysotriklinos where a meal was about to be served.
The Emperor and his guests expected the Patriarch and his retinue to arrive in order to start the meal.
When the Patriarchal retinue arrived and seated the meal is served and when the servants present the dishes with the food the Emperor asks the Patriarch to bless each one of them.
When the meal is over the Patriarchal retinue leaves and the Emperor is withdrawn to his private quarters by a corridor who leads him directly to the chambers.


Prophet's Elijah Feast
On the Feast's eve and about the seventh hour of the day (aka 1 PM) the Emperor rode from the Chrysotriclinos to the Church of "Panagia en to Pharo" (aka Virgin Mary in Pharos district) followed by the Senators.
As soon as the Imperial retinue arrives to the Church they are met by the "Papias" (Imperial doorkeeper) who with help from ostiarii gave a royal candle to each of the Senators escorting the Emperor and Vespers begin.

After the Vespers is over the Emperor receives the obedience of his Senators, Patricians, Magisters and all other officers present and rewards them by giving them a silver cross. Also he gives orders to summon the Patriarch for nexr days festivities and rides back to the Great Palace.

In the feast's day and about the second hour of the day (8 AM) the Senators dressed in white togas enter the Chrysotriklinos while the Emperor is dressed in chlamys in St. Theodore's chambers and then proceeded to the Chrysotriklinos.

When there the Emperor sitted in a golden throne and junior Emperors (if any) were sitted on his left and right in golden chairs also Imperial chamberlains were standing on Emperor's left and right.
Then the gates were opened and the employes of charity institutions of Constantinople under the leadership of "Sakellios" entered and offered their obedience to the Emperor and gave him golden crosses.

After the charity employes, the Magisters, Patricians, Consuls and evey other official present entered the Hall in files according to their ranks offered the Emperor their obedience and they were rewarded by a golden cross (the same crosses brought by the charity employes).

Procession from Chrysotriklinos to Nea Ekklisia, Panagia en to Faro and Prohet Elijah's Church
Then the Emperor rose from his throne and followed by his officials went to the "Nea Ekklisia" (aka New Church) where he expected the Patriarch standinf at the door.

The Praepositus with some chamberlains the Papia and the commander of the "Etaireies" (imperia guards corps) lead the Patriarch and his retinue to the Chrysotriklinos and then sent a courier to the Emperor thet the Patriarch is in Chrysotriklinos and the Emperor responds by ordering to lead the Patriarch to the Nea Ekklisia.

When the Patriarch and his retinue arrives in Nea Ekklisia the Emperor kisses the Patriarch and they went to the Church of Panagia en to Faro venerated the icons and the relics there and then proceeded to the Church of Prophet Elijah.

When reaching the Church of St. Elijah the Patriarch entered the altar to proceed with the prayers while the Emperor was standing at Church's narthex.
When the cantors start to chant Elijah's hymns the Patriarch holding the Gospel emerges followed by a subdeacon holding the Cross and stood by the Royal Gates while the Emperor proceeds to venerate the Gospel and the Cross with the usual ritual while a deacon incences him.

After that the Emperor holding Patriarch's hand return to the "Nea Ekklisia" with their retinues where the Senators were expected them.
A small prayer was recited in the doors and then the Patriarch entered the altar of Prophet Elijah's chapel inside the Nea Ekklisia.
The Emperor then venerated the Icons with the usual ritual and entered the altar where he venerated the mantle of Prophet Elijah stored there.

After veneration he placed an "Apokomvion" on the Altar as an offering to the Church the Emperor climbed the stairs to the upper floor to a balcony and he would watch the rest of the Divine Liturgy from there and he would hold a lit candle for the duration of the Liturgy.

After the Liturgy is over the Emperor gives sanctified bread to his retinue and then returns to the Great Palace incognito.


Feast of St. Basil the Great
At the morning of St. Basil's feast and about the second hour of the day (8 AM) the Emperor foes from the Holy Chambers to th Chambers of St. Theodore where he is dressed in a golden chlamys and then takes a corridor leading from Macro's Chamber directly to the Church of Panagia en to Faro while the Senators, Patricians and the rest of the officials are standing in Chrysotriklinos Atrium (if the weather was bad they would be relocated inside Chrysotriklinos).

From the Church of Panagia en to Faro the Emperor went in procession to the Church of St. Basil and watch the Divine Liturgy untill the reading of the Gospel and then returned to the Chrysotriklinos incognito where he was met by the officials waited there.


Feast of the Archangels Michael & Gabriel
See Feast of Prophet Elijah they are exactly identical


Feast of St. Emperors Constantine I & Augusta Helene
On the feast's eve the Emperor and his retinue ride to the Palace of Bonus where Vespers is celebrated and a memorial service is held in memory of Emperor Constantine I and his mother.
On the feast day the Emperor dressed in full Imperial robes rides with his retinue from the Palace of Bonus to the Church of the Holy Apostles.
In the Church's narthex the Emperor removed his crown and dressed only in chlamys and sagion entered the Church and venerated the Icons before the altar.

Then the Emperor proceeds to the Imperial Mausoleum where the Patriarch is waiting for him. After veneration and exchanging the Kiss of Peace with Patriarch, the Patriarch gives the Emperor an incence burner and the Emperor offers incence to the altar of the chapel inside the Mausoleum and then to the tombs of his predecessors and lastly to the tomb of Emperor Constantine I.

Then the Emperor escorted by the Patriarch left the Mausoleum and entered the Church of the Holy Apostles again where the Patriarch entered the Altar to recite a prayer while cantors begin to chant St. Constantine's hymns.

The Emperor then greets the Patriarch and start with his own retinue heading for the Atrium of Chrysotriklinos.
Upon reaching the Atrium the Emperor sits in a golden throne waiting for the Patriarchal procession to arrive.

When the Patriarch arrives he is received by the Emperor and they head to St. Constantine's pulpit where the Emperor lights his candle and venerates St. Constantine's Cross brought there by St. Stephen's Chapel.
Then Divine Liturgy begins and the Emperor will remain until Gospel reading.
After Gospel the Emperor will retire to the Palace and after the Divine Liturgy is over he will summon the Patriarch his retinue and whoever he wants to the Palace for a festive dinner.


Thats the end of Part 4 and Chapter III... I ll start writing Chapter IV now anout coronations etc.

And a few pics from some Byzantine regalia surving in Mt. Athos....


http://andrejkoymasky.com/liv/cro/eu4/gre14t.jpg this is the coronation crown of Nicephorus II which was donated to St. Athanasius the Athonite shortly before Nicephorus's assassination in order to raise funds for the newly built Monastery of Megisti Lavra in Athos (sorry about the tiny pic i am sure i have larger one in one of my books and i ll try to find it)

http://www.espressonews.gr/files/Art...i5_494x320.jpg This is the Dalmatic (Sakkos) of Emperor John I Tsimiskes

http://dosambr.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/cross.jpg This is the Golden Cross of St. Constantine (mentioned above on the Feasts). It was a gift from his mother Augusta Helena to protect him in battles and then it became a custom to be carried in every battle by the Emperor or a bishop. Notice the Serb/Bulgars letter in the cross's casing... when Isaakios II was defeated by the Bulgarians the terrified priest threw it in a river to save his life... It was recovered a few days later by the Bulgarians who continued the practice of carrying it in battles until 200 years later they were defeated in a battle by the Serbs and the King donated the cross to a monastery in Mt. Athos as a thanksgiving gift to God for his victory...