Handbook of Byzantine Protocole and Ceremonies

Don_Giorgio

If you have any questions about the Handbook or of any specific subject feel free to PM me... I ll answer to you as soon as i get acces to internet...
I am out of Athens to my hometown in Mani peninsula... :D
 

Don_Giorgio

I ll be visiting Mystra tomorrow... I cant wait to see again one of the last bastions of the Byzantine Empire... Especially the Church where the last Emperor was crowned...
 

Don_Giorgio

Back from Mystras... Now i ll start planning my next visit in Constantinople... (this should be the 4th-5th time i ll be visiting the city) and propably it will occur in Christmas or later... Besides being a great city it is also the birthplace of my grandfather...
 

Don_Giorgio

I am busy writing a TL in which iconoclasm controversy finishes once and for all after Leo V and there is no Amorian dynasty and as a consequence no Macedonian dynasty... But still i have a long way to complete it.
 

Don_Giorgio

Hi again... I am back in Athens and i ll continue with the handbook... If you believe i ve forgot something or you have a request or a question about the Byzantine Court and its functions plz feel free to ask...
 

Don_Giorgio

Forgot to mention that when a new Patriarch is elected/appointed and the person-elect is ot yet a Bishop then according to custom he must be consecrated immediately a Bishop by the Bishop of Heraclea (if the See of Heraclea happened to be vacant or the Bishop is absent then the Bishop of Caesaria had to consecrate the Patriarch, if he is unavailable too then the most senior Bishop present will perform the consecration)
I ll post soon an addition to chapter XIII analysing the structure of the Church in Byzantine times further
 

Don_Giorgio

Chapter XIII Church in Byzantine times part 2

Order of precedence in Church (Metropolitan Bishops, Archbishops and Bishops)


Church had a similar order of precedence as the secular court had. The Episcopal College was divided to A) Metropolitan Bishops who held jurisdiction over their city and the whole province B) Archbishops who held jurisdiction over their city and part of the province and C) Bishops who held jurisdiction to their city (or cities) only.
Of course the Patriarch had the prerogative to raise any Archbishop to the rank of Metropolitan Bishop or any Bishop to an Archbishop or Metropolitan Bishop when he sees fit or demote a Metropolitan Bishop to Archbishop or Bishop or change the order of precedence without consulting the Emperor first, as it was ancient custom that administration of Church/Dioceses was held exclusively by the Patriarch. The Emperor could intervene only in doctrinal issues and the election of a Patriarch (and in some extremely rare cases in the election of Metropolitan Bishops for some prestigious Sees).

Also it was common that Generals and Emperors campaigning near borders they would use the local Bishops/Archbishops/Metropolitan Bishops as ambassadors to the enemy.
Since a Bishop residing in the area has more knowledge of the enemy and maybe knows the enemy general/Emir/King personally plus sending a Bishop instead of a mere courier/soldier/diplomat could be seen as a gesture of "goodwill" against the enemy.


A) Order of Precedence among Metropolitan Bishops after Iconoclasm
(for the order of precedence before iconoclasm just remove the
Illyricum an Italy Bishoprics)

1. Metropolitan Bishop of Caesaria Exarch of All East
2. Metropolitan Bishop of Ephesus Exarch of All Asia
3. Metropolitan Bishop of Heraclea Exarch of all Thrace and Macedonia
4. Metropolitan Bishop of Ankara Exarch of all Galatia
5. Metropolitan Bishop of Kyzicus Exarch of all Hellespont
6. Metropolitan Bishop of Sardis Exarch of all Lydia
7. Metropolitan Bishop of Nicomedia Exarch of all Bithynia
8. Metropolitan Bishop of Nicaea Exarch of all Bithynia
9. Metropolitan Bishop of Chalkedon Exarch of all Bithynia
10. Metropolitan Bishop of Side Exarch of all Pamphylia
11. Metropolitan Bishop of Sebasteia Exarch of all Armenia
12. Metropolitan Bishop of Amaseia Exarch of Pontus
13. Metropolitan Bishop of Melitene Exarch of Armenia Secunda
14. Metropolitan Bishop of Tyana Exarch of Kappadocia Secunda
15. Metropolitan Bishop of Gangra Exarch of all Paphlagonia
16. Metropolitan Bishop of Thessalonica Exarch of all Thessaly
17. Metropolitan Bishop of Claudiopolis Exarch of Pontus
18. Metropolitan Bishop of Neocaesaria Exarch of Polemonian Pontus
19. Metropolitan Bishop of Pissynus Exarch of Galatia Secunda
20. Metropolitan Bishop of Myra Exarch of all Lycia
21. Metropolitan Bishop of Stauroupolis Exarch of all Karia
22. Metropolitan Bishop of Laodicea Exarch of Phrygia Cappatianae
23. Metropolitan Bishop of Synada Exarch of Phrygia Salutaris
24. Metropolitan Bishop of Iconium Exarch of all Lycaonia
25. Metropolitan Bishop of Antioch Exarch of Pisidia
26. Metropolitan Bishop of Sylaeum Exarch of Pamphylia Secunda (Sylaeum was demoted to suffragan Bishopric in 15th century and was replaced by the Bishop of Perge)
27. Metropolitan Bishop of Corinth Exarch of all Peloponese
28. Metropolitan Bishop of Athens Exarch of all Greece
29. Metropolitan Bishop of Mocisus Exarch of Kappadocia Secunda
30. Metropolitan Bishop of Seleucia Exarch of Panphylia Secunda
31. Metropolitan Bishop of Calabria (lost to the West in 12th century)
32. Metropolitan Bishop of Patras Exarch of all Achaea
33. Metropolitan Bishop of Trapezus Exarch of all Lazica
34. Metropolitan Bishop of Larisa Exarch of Thessaly Secunda and all Greece
35. Metropolitan Bishop of Naupactus Exarch of all Aetolia
36. Metropolitan Bishop of Philippopolis Exarch of all Thrace
37. Metropolitan Bishop of Traianopolis
38. Metropolitan Bishop of Rhodes Exarch of all Cyclades Islands
39. Metropolitan Bishop of Philippi
40. Metropolitan Bishop of Adrianopolis Exarch of all Aemimontus
41. Metropolitan Bishop of Hierapolis
42. Metropolitan Bishop of Dyrrachium
43. Metropolitan Bishop of Smyrna
44. Metropolitan Bishop of Catana
45. Metropolitan Bishop of Amorium
46. Metropolitan Bishop of Camachus (demoted in 15th century to Bishopric)
47. Metropolitan Bishop of Cotyaeum
48. Metropolitan Bishop of Sancta Severiana (lost to the West in 12th cent)
49. Metropolitan Bishop of Mytilene
50. Metropolitan Bishop of Nea Patra
51. Metropolitan Bishop of Euchaita
52. Metropolitan Bishop of Amastris
53. Metropoltan Bishop of Chonae
54. Metropolitan Bishop of Hydrus
55. Metropolitan Bishop of Celesina
56. Metropolitan Bishop of Colonia
57. Metropolitan Bishop of Thebes
58. Metropolitan Bishop of Serrae
59. Metropolitan Bishop o Pompeiopolis
60. Metropolitan Bishop of Russia
61. Metropolitan Bishop of Alasia
62. Metropolitan Bishop of Aenus
63. Metropolitan Bishop of Tiberiopolis
64. Metropolitan Bishop of Euchania
65. Metropolitan Bishop of Kerasous
66. Metropolitan Bishop of Nakolia
67. Metropolitan Bishop of Germania
68. Metropolitan Bishop of Madytos
69. Metropolitan Bishop of Apamea
70. Metropolitan Bishop of Basileum
71. Metropolitan Bishop of Dristra
72. Metropolitan Bishop of Nazianzus (demoted soon to suffragan Bishop)
73. Metropolitan Bishop of Cercyra
74. Metropolitan Bishop of Abydus (demoted soon to suffragan Bishop)
75. Metropolitan Bishop of Methymna
76. Metropolitan Bishop of Christianopolis
77. Metropolitan Bishop of Rhusium
78. Metropolitan Bishop of Lacaedemonia (absorbed soon by Corinth and Patras)
79. Metropolitan Bishop of Naxia (absorbed by Athens)
80. Metropolitan Bishop of Attaleia Exarch of Pamphylia Secunda
81. Metropolitan Bishop of Syracusae


B) Order of precedence of Archbishops after Iconoclasm

1. Archbishop of Bizya (promoted to Metropolitan status in 12th century)
2. Archbishop of Leontopolis
3. Archbishop of Maroneia
4. Archbishop of Germia
5. Archbishop of Arcadiopolis
6. Archbishop of Pareum
7. Archbishop of Miletus (promoted to metropolitan status in 13th century)
8. Archbishop of Proikonnesus (promoted to metropolitan status in 13th century)
9. Archbishop of Selymbria (promoted to metropolitan status in 13th century)
10. Archbishop of Cius
11. Archbishop of Apron
12. Archbishop of Cypsella
13. Archbishop of Nica
14. Archbishop of Neapolis
15. Archbishop of Selga
16. Archbishop of Cherson
17. Archbishop of Messene
18. Archbishop of Garela
19. Archbishop of Brysis
20. Archbishop of Dercus (promoted to metropolitan status in 14th century)
21. Archbishop of Carabyze
22. Archbishop of Lemnus
23. Archbishop of Leucas
24. Archbishop of Misthea
25. Archbishop of Cudrae
26. Archbishop of Soteriopolis
27. Archbishop of Pedachthon
28. Archbishop of Germe
29. Archbishop of Bosporus
30. Archbishop of Cotradis
31. Archbishop of Eroine
32. Archbishop of Carpathus
33. Archbishop of Mesembria (promoted to metropolitan status in 13th century)
34. Archbishop of Gothia (promoted to metropolitan Bishop status in 11th century)
35. Archbishop of Sugdia
36. Archbishop of Phulli
37. Archbishop of Aegina
38. Archbishop of Pharsala
39. Archbishop of Metracha



C) Order of precedence of the local/suffragan Bishops after Iconoclasm
Local suffragan Bishops didnt have a specific order of precedence using instead the order of precedence of Metropolitan Bishops or Archbishops to who they were under.

Under the Metropolitan of Caesaria they were 8 Bishops
1. Bishop of Nyssa
2. Bishop of Camulianorum
3. Bishop of Regiarum Thermarum
4. Bishop of Cissi
5. Bishop of Evoissum
6. Bishop of Seriadis
7. Bishop of Arathiae
8. Bishop of Aetoliorum

Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Ephesus there were 34 Bishops
1. Bishop of Hypaetorum
2. Bishop of Trallianorum
3. Bishop of Magnesia
4. Bishop of Elaia
5. Bishop of Adramytium
6. Bishop of Assus
7. Bishop of Gargarorum
8. Bishop of Mastaurorum
9. Bishop of Caloes
10. Bishop of Vrioulon (promoted to metropolitan status in after 1453)
11. Bishop of Pitamnes
12. Bishop of Myrines
13. Bishop of Aureliopolis
14. Bishop of Nyssae
15. Bishop of Maschacomes
16. Bishop of Metropolis
17. Bishop of Bereton
18. Bishop of Aninaton
19. Bishop of Pergamus (promoted to metropolitan status in 13th century)
20. Bishop of Aneon
21. Bishop of Pryines
22. Bishop of Arcadiopolis
23. Bishop of Nova Aulae
24. Bishop of Jovis Fani
25. Bishop of Augazorum
26. Bishop of Siorum
27. Bishop of Kolophona
28. Bishop of Elesvedos
29. Bishop of Teo
30. Bishop of Erythra
31. Bishop of Atandros
32. Bishop of Theodosiopolis
33. Bishop of Thyraeon
34. Bishop of Chliaron


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Heraclea there were 17 Bishops
1. Bishop of Theodoroupolis
2. Bishop of Raidestus
3. Bishop of Panion
4. Bishop of Examilion
5. Bishop of Kallipolis
6. Bishop of Peristasis
7. Bishop of Cariopolis
8. Bishop of Colchis
9. Bishop of Donion
10. Bishop of Madytorum (promoted to metropolitan status in 13th century)
11. Bishop of Pamphylos
12. Bishop of Mediae (promoted to metropolitan status in 14th century)
13. Bishop of Lizici
14. Bishop of Sergenta
15. Bishop of Metron (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
16. Bishop of Tyroloe
17. Bishop of Athyron (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)

Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Ankara there were 8 Bishops
1. Bishop of Attavia
2. Bishop of Heliopolis (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
3. Bishop of Aspendos
4. Bishop of Stauropolis
5. Bishop of Mizos
6. Bishop of Cinae
7. Bishop of Anastasiopolis
8. Bishop of Calumenes


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Kyzicus there were 13 Bishops
1. Bishop of Germae
2. Bishop of Ocae
3. Bishop of Poimaninon
4. Bishop of Vareos
5. Bishop of Daphnousia
6. Bishop of Adrianou Theron
7. Bishop of Lampsacus
8. Bishop of Abydus
9. Bishop of Dardanus
10. Bishop of Ilium
11. Bishop of Troas
12. Bishop of Pionia
13. Bishop of Melitopolis



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Sardis there were 26 Bishops
1. Bishop of Philadelphia (It was promoted to metropolitan Bishop status in 14th century and occupied the 10th place in the list above)
2. Bishop of Tripolis
3. Bishop of Thyateira (promoted to archiepiscopal status after 1453)
4. Bishop of Selon
5. Bishop of Aureliopolis
6. Bishop of Gordium
7. Bishop of Trallon
8. Bishop of Sallon
9. Bishop of Silanthos
10. Bishop of Maionia
11. Bishop of Apollonis Fani
12. Bishop of Yrkanidos
13. Bishop of Moustina
14. Bishop of Akarassos
15. Bishop of Apollonias
16. Bishop of Tallia
17. Bishop of Baes
18. Bishop of Bladaeorum
19. Bishop of Mesotmolos
20. Bishop of Hierocaesaria
21. Bishop of Daldaeon
22. Bishop of Stratonikeia
23. Bishop of Keraseon
24. Bishop of Satala
25. Bishop of Gabala
26. Bishop of Ermokapileia



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Nicomedeia there were 12 Bishops
1. Bishop of Prussa (promoted to metropolitan status in 14th century)
2. Bishop of Prainetos
3. Bishop of Helenopolis
4. Bishop of Basilinopolis
5. Bishop of Daskylion
6. Bishop of Apollonias
7. Bishop of Neokaisareia
8. Bishop of Adranos
9. Bishop of Kaisareia
10. Bishop of Gallos
11. Bishop of Daphnousia
12. Bishop of Ariste



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Nicaea there were 6 Bishops
1. Bishop of Melon
2. Bishop of Lenoes
3. Bishop of Gordoserbon
4. Bishop of Noumerikon
5. Bishop of Taeion
6. Bishop of Maximianon


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Side there were 16 Bishops
1. Bishop of Aspidos
2. Bishop of Tenes
3. Bishop of Etainos
4. Bishop of Rymni
5. Bishop of Kasson
6. Bishop of Semnaita
7. Bishop of Korallion
8. Bishop of Korakision
9. Bishop of Synedron
10. Bishop of Justinianopolis
11. Bishop of Oumandon
12. Bishop of Daldason
13. Bishop of Isba
14. Bishop of Lyrva
15. Bishop of Kolybrassos
16. Bishop of Banauson

Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Sebasteia there were 5 Bishops
1. Bishop of Sebastopolis
2. Bishop of Nikopolis
3. Bishop of Satalon
4. Bishop of Kolonia
5. Bishop of Berisses


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Amaseia there were 6 Bishops
1. Bishop of Amissos
2. Bishop of Sinope (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
3. Bishop of Ivoron
4. Bishop of Andrapon
5. Bishop of Lazichou
6. Bishop of Zelon


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Melitene there were 5 Bishops
1. Bishop of Arka
2. Bishop of Koukousos
3. Bishop of Arabisos
4. Bishop of Ariarathes
5. Bishop of Komana




Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Tyana there were 3 Bishops
1. Bishop of Kyvistra
2. Bishop of Dadivria
3. Bishop of Sassima


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Gangra there were 3 Bishops
1. Bishop of Oenopolis
2. Bishop of Dadibiriorum
3. Bishop of Saron


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Thessalonica there were 10 Bishops
1. Bishop of Kitros
2. Bishop of Drougouviton
3. Bishop of Serbia
4. Bishop of Cassandria
5. Bishop of Campania (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
6. Bishop of Petra
7. Bishop of Herculii
8. Bishop of Ierissos & Mount Athos
9. Bishop of Lete & Rentina
10. Bishop of Bardarioton


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Claudiopolis there were 5 Bishops
1. Bishop of Heraclea Pontica (promoted to metropolitan Bishop status in early 15th century and occupied the 19th place in the above list)
2. Bishop of Prousias
3. Bishop of Tios
4. Bishop of Crateia
5. Bishop of Adrianopolis



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Neocaesareia there were 7 Bishops
1. Bishop of Kerasous (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
2. Bishop of Polelelos
3. Bishop of Komanorum
4. Bishop of Alya
5. Bishop of Rizaion (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
6. Bishop of Kokkos
7. Bishop of Eunikos



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Pissinus there were 8 Bishops
1. Bishop of Germekolonia
2. Bishop of Pitanissos
3. Bishop of Synodeon
4. Bishop of Sanctii
5. Bishop of Agapetos
6. Bishop of Lotinos
7. Bishop of Ornisthos
8. Bishop of Spaleia



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Myra there were 36 Bishops
1. Bishop of Mastavron
2. Bishop of Telminsos
3. Bishop of Limyron
4. Bishop of Araxis
5. Bishop of Aprillon
6. Bishop of Podaleias
7. Bishop of Orykandon
8. Bishop of Tatleon
9. Bishop of Arneon
10. Bishop of Sydimon
11. Bishop of Zenopolis
12. Bishop of Olympos
13. Bishop of Otlon
14. Bishop of Korydalon
15. Bishop of Kannos
16. Bishop of Akrassos
17. Bishop of Xanthos
18. Bishop of Sophianopolis
19. Bishop of Marciana
20. Bishop of Noerdon
21. Bishop of Chomaton
22. Bishop of Kandanon
23, Bishop of Fellos
24. Bishop of Antifellos
25. Bishop of Fasclis
26. Bishop of Rodianopolis
27. Bishop of Akamissos
28. Bishop of Akandos
29. Bishop of Pallioton
30. Bishop of Eudokias
31. Bishop of Patara
32. Bishop of Komvion
33. Bishop of Nison
34. Bishop of Varvoura
35. Bishop of Miloeton
36. Bishop of Kyaneon


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Karia there were 28 Bishops
1. Bishop of Kybera
2. Bishop of Heraclea Salbace
3. Bishop of Appoloniadis
4. Bishop of Heraclea Lacymorum
5. Bishop of Tavon
6. Bishop of Larvon
7. Bishop of Antioch
8. Bishop of Maiander
9. Bishop of Tapasson
10. Bishop of Arpasson
11. Bishop of Neapolis
12. Bishop of Arthosias
13. Bishop of Anatetarti
14. Bishop of Alabandon
15. Bishop of Stratonikeia
16. Bishop of Alindos
17. Bishop of Mylansos
18. Bishop of Mezus
19. Bishop of Sizon
20. Bishop of Iasos
21. Bishop of Varvylion
22. Bishop of Halicarnassus
23. Bishop of Larymon
24. Bishop of Knidos
25. Bishop of Mendos
26. Bishop of Ieron
27. Bishop of Kindrakon
28. Bishop of Keramon


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Laodicea there were 21 Bishops
1. Bishop of Trapezopolis
2. Bishop of Acmoneia
3. Bishop of Sebastiae
4. Bishop of Chaerotopum
5. Bishop of Apeia
6. Bishop of Pelton
7. Bishop of Ameneia
8. Bishop of Souvlaion
9. Bishop of Poimanouthyron
10. Bishop of Tranoupolis
11. Bishop of Attanosos
12. Bishop of Loundos
13. Bishop of Kidissos
14. Bishop of Orakon
15. Bishop of Orinon
16. Bishop of Elazi
17. Bishop of Synavi
18. Bishop of Thampsipolis
19. Bishop of Diokleia
20. Bishop of Aristeia
21. Bishop of Justinianopolis



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Synnada there were 20 Bishops
1. Bishop of Dorylaeum
2. Bishop of Mideion
3. Bishop of Ypsous
4. Bishop of Akrykonos
5. Bishop of Promisos
6. Bishop of Merus
7. Bishop of Sinbindos
8. Bishop of Fyteia
9. Bishop of Hierapolis
10. Bishop of Amarpia
11. Bishop of Lysias
12. Bishop of Augoustopolis
13. Bishop of Bryzos
14. Bishop of Itros
15. Bishop of Lycaon
16. Bishop of Styktorion
17. Bishop of Gordorinia
18. Bishop of Kavarkion
19. Bishop of Daphnousion
20. Bishop of Kleron


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Iconium there were 15 Bishops
1. Bishop of Lystra
2. Bishop of Basadon
3. Bishop of Ambladon
4. Bishop of Manadon
5. Bishop of Psybelon
6. Bishop of Synatra
7. Bishop of Kana
8. Bishop of Eudokias
9. Bishop of Pyrgon
10. Bishop of Larandon
11. Bishop of Ilistron
12. Bishop of Passalon
13. Bishop of Tibassadon
14. Bishop of Vartaton
15. Bishop of Perton



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Pisidia there were 21 Bishops
1. Bishop of Galassos
2. Bishop of Sozopolis
3. Bishop of Apameia
4. Bishop of Tyraiou
5. Bishop of Baris
6. Bishop of Adrianopolis
7. Bishop of Limenon
8. Bishop of Laodicea
9. Bishop of Seleuceia
10. Bishop of Dagon
11. Bishop of Zarzelon
12. Bishop of Timomarias
13. Bishop of Tymandos
14. Bishop of Conone
15. Bishop of Malos
16. Bishop of Sintrias
17. Bishop of Tityasos
18. Bishop of Metropolis
19. Bishop of Pappon
20. Bishop of Paralaos
21. Bishop of Bindaion




Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Sylaeum there were 16 Bishops
1. Bishop of Attaleias
2. Bishop of Mandos
3. Bishop of Eudokias
4. Bishop of Telminsi
5. Bishop of Isindos
6. Bishop of Maximianopolis
7. Bishop of Crymmorum
8. Bishop of Ariasos
9. Bishop of Peltenesus
10. Bishop of Adicetanauri
11. Bishop of Puglorum
12. Bishop of Adriane
13. Bishop of Sandidoa
14. Bisho of Barba
15. Bishop of Pervainon



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Corinth there were 7 Bishops
1. Bishop of Damala
2. Bishop of Argos
3. Bishop of Monemvasia
4. Bishop of Cephalenia
5. Bishop of Zakynthos
6. Bishop of Zemernae
7. Bishop of Mani




Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Athens there were 10 Bishops
1. Bishop of Euripos
2. Bishop of Diauleia
3. Bishop of Coroneia
4. Bishop of Andros
5. Bishop of Oreos
6. Bishop of Skyros
7. Bishop of Karystos
8. Bishop of Porthmos
9. Bishop of Aulona
10. Bishop of Syros



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Mocisus there were 4 Bishops
1. Bishop of Nazianzi
2. Bishop of Colonia
3. Bishop of Parnassus
4. Bishop of Doarorum




Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Calabria there were 11 Bishops
1. Bishop of Ribonae
2. Bishop of Taurianorum
3. Bishop of Lokris
4. Bishop of Russianii
5. Bishop of Skylakion
6. Bishop of Tropaion
7. Bishop of Amantaea
8. Bishop of Crotanae
9. Bishop of Constantiae
10. Bishop of Nicoterorum
11. Bishop of Cassani



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Patras there were 5 Bishops
1. Bishop of Lacaedaimonia
2. Bishop of Methone
3. Bishop of Corone
4. Bishop of Elus
5. Bishop of Bolaina



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Trapezous there were 15 Bishops
1. Bishop of Cherrianon (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
2. Bishop of Chamozur
3. Bishop of Chalaion
4. Bishop of Paiper
5. Bishop of Keramaion
6. Bishop of Lerion
7. Bishop of Bizanon
8. Bishop of Sakavos
9. Bishop of Tochartzitzi
10. Bishop of Tochantiertzi
11. Bishop of Sylnouti
12. Bishop of Phasiane
13. Bishop of Sermatzi
14. Bishop of Andakton
15. Bishop of Sarimakon



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Larisa there were 28 Bishops
1. Bishop of Pharsala
2. Bishop of Demetrias
3. Bishop of Zitouni
4. Bishop of Ezeros
5. Bishop of Loidoriki
6. Bishop of Trikala
7. Bishop of Echinos
8. Bishop of Kolindros
9. Bishop of Stagon
10. Bishop of Domenikon
11. Bishop of Katria
12. Bishop of Gardiki
13. Bishop of Gardikia
14. Bishop of Echinos
15. Bishop of Peristera
16. Bishop of Radovisdion
17. Bishop of Patzouna
18. Bishop of Besaina
19. Bishop of Skopelos
20. Bishop of Kallindos
21. Bishop of Marmaritzi
22. Bishop of Kolydron
23. Bishop of Litza
24. Bishop of Charmenon
25. Bishop of Bounena
26. Bishop of Almyros
27. Bishop of Oxymokovon
28. Bishop of Viaina


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Naupactus there were 8 Bishops
1. Bishop of Bounditza
2. Bishop of Aetos
3. Bishop of Acheloos
4. Bishop of Rogon
5. Bishop of Ioannina (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
6. Bishop of Fotica
7. Bishop of Adrianoupolis
8. Bishop of Bouthroton


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Philippopolis ther were 10 Bishops
1. Bishop of Agathonikeia
2. Bishop of Liotitza
3. Bishop of Scoutari
4. Bishop of Leucae
5. Bishop of Blepti
6. Bishop of Dramitza
7. Bishop of Ioannitza
8. Bishop of Constantia
9. Bishop of Velikeia
10. Bishop of Boukovo



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Traianoupolis there were 8 Bishops
1. Bishop of Didymoteichon (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
2. Bishop of Makri
3. Bishop of Mosynopolis
4. Bishop of Anastasiopolis
5. Bishop of Poron
6. Bishop of Xantheia (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
7. Bishop of Peritheorion
8. Bishop of Theodoriton


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Rhodes there were 14 Bishops
1. Bishop of Samos
2. Bishop of Chios
3. Bishop of Kos
4. Bishop of Naxos
5. Bishop of Thera
6. Bishop of Paros
7. Bishop of Tinos
8. Bishop of Melos
9. Bishop of Pessina
10. Bishop of Ikaria
11. Bishop of Lerna
12. Bishop of Astypalaia
13. Bishop of Trachea
14. Bishop of Nisyros



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Philippi there were 7 Bishops
1. Bishop of Theorion
2. Bishop of Polystylon
3. Bishop of Beliciae
4. Bishop of Christopolis
5. Bishop of Smolena
6. Bishop of Kaisaropolis
7. Bishop of Alektryopolis



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Adrianopolis there were 11 Bishops
1. Bishop of Sozopolis (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
2. Bishop of Agathopolis (promoted to metropolitan status after 1453)
3. Bishop of Delbeltos
4. Bishop of Trabizyae
5. Bishop of Karavos
6. Bishop of Boukellos
7. Bishop of Provaton
8. Bishop of Skopuli
9. Bishop of Brysis
10. Bishop of Boulgarophygi
11. Bishop of Tzoidon



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Hierapolis there were 9 Bishops
1. Bishop of Metellopolis
2. Bishop of Autudorum
3. Bishop of Mosynon
4. Bishop of Fovon
5. Bishop of Agkyra
6. Bishop of Synai
7. Bishop of Tiberiopolis
8. Bishop of Kannes
9. Bishop of Zanon




Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Dyrrachium there were 4 Bishops
1. Bishop of Stefaniakon
2. Bishop of Chonubiae
3. Bishop of Croorum
4. Bishop of Elesos



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Smyrna there were 5 Bishops
1. Bishop of Phocaea
2. Bishop of Magnesia
3. Bishop of Klazomene
4. Bishop of Archangelos
5. Bishop of Petra


Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Amorion there were 5 Bishops
1. Bishop of Philomelion
2. Bishop of Dokimion
3. Bishop of Klaneon
4. Bishop of Polybatos
5. Bishop of Pissia



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Camachus there were 7 Bishops
1. Bishop of Celtzenes
2. Bishop of Arabracorum
3. Bishop of Barzanesse
4. Bishop of Melos
5. Bishop of Melos
6. Bishop of Romanopolis
7. Bishop of Toutileion



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Cotyaeum there were 3 Bishops
1. Bishop of Spora
2. Bishop of Conae
3. Bishop of Gaiocome



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Sancta Severiana there were 5 Bishops
1. Bishop of Ariaton
2. Bishop of Akerantheia
3. Bishop of Callipolis
4. Bishop of Leisyllon
5. Bishop of Palaeokastron



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Mytilene there were 6 Bishops
1. Bishop of Eressos
2. Bishop of Strongyli
3. Bishop of Tenedos
4. Bishop of Berbinos
5. Bishop of Perperides
6. Bishop of Marmaritzani



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Nea Patras there were 4 Bishops
1. Bishop of Galazon
2. Bishop of Koutziagron
3. Bishop of Siviktos
4. Bishop of Barianae



Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Celesina there were 8 Bishops
1. Bishop of Tomorun
2. Bishop of Chatzun
3. Bishop of Lycopotamiae
4. Bishop of Cortzenes
5. Bishop of Matrabatzi
6. Bishop of Chonit
7. Bishop of Toparchi
8. Bishop of Ambrae





Under the Metropolitan Bishop of Syracusae there were 13 Bishops
1. Bishop of Tauromenium
2. Bishop of Messina
3. Bishop of Acrigento
4. Bishop of Cronium
5. Bishop of Lilybaeum
6. Bishop of Drepanon
7. Bishop of Panormus
8. Bishop of Thermon
9. Bishop of Kephaloudion
10. Bishop of Alesia
11. Bishop of Tyndarii
12. Bishop of Melita
13. Bishop of Liparae




End of Part 2... Next i ll post part 3 about formal letters between clergymen and Bishops....
 
ByzantineCaesar

ByzantineCaesar

Interesting. Please go on :)

Question: some chapters ago you posted the way that the Emperors adressed other rulers in official letters. Could we see how the foreign rulers adressed the Roman Emperor?
 
Last edited:

Don_Giorgio

ByzantineCaesar said:
Interesting. Please go on :)

Question: some chapters ago you poated the way that the Emperors adressed other rulers in official letters. Could we see how the foreign rulers adressed the Roman Emperor?
Click to expand...


A few examples....
1. Letter from Muhamad to Emperor Heraclius.

"In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
This letter is from Muhammad the slave of God and His Messenger to Heraclius, the ruler of the Byzantines.
Peace be upon him who follows the right path."


2. Letter from the Holy Roman Emperor Conrad III ro Emperor John II


"Conrad, by the grace of God emperor of the Romans, Augustus, to John, by the same grace emperor of Constantinople, greeting and fraternal love."

3. Letter from Charlemagne to Emperor Michael I

"In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Charles, by the grace of God emperor and Augustus, king of the Franks and the Lombards, to his dear and honorable brother, Michael, glorious emperor and Augustus, eternal greeting in our Lord Jesus Christ"

I ll try and find some more...
 

Don_Giorgio

Chapter XIII Church in Byzantine times part 3

Samples of official Correspondence between Patriarchs, Bishop and secular authorities.


1. Letters from Metropolitan Bishops/Archbishops/Bishops to the Patriarch of Constantinople

"My most Holy Lord and Despot and Ecumenical Patriarch, Holy and God-gracious and most High.
I pray to God for the health of your Great Hollines for the benefit of the Ecumenical Church of Christ."

2. Letters from Metropolitan Bishops to the Patriarch of Alexandria

"My most Holy Lord and Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, of all Egypt, Pentapolis and Ethiopia in Holy Spirit God-gracious and most revered Father."

3. Letters from Metropolitan Bishops/Archbishops/Bishops to the Patriarch of Antioch

"My most Holy Lord and Patriarch of Antioch, Syria, Arabia, Cilicia, Iberia and Mesopotamia in Holy Spirit God-gracious and most revered Father."

4. Letters from Metropolitan Bishops/Archbishops/Bishops to the Patriarch of Jerusalem

"My most Holy Lord and Patriarch of Jerusalem, of all Palaestina, Syria, Arabia, Jordan river, Cana of Galillee and Zion in Holy Spirit God-gracious and most revered Father."

5. Letters from Metropolitan Bishop to another Metropolitan Bishop

"Holy Metropolitan Bishop of XXXXXX and Exarch of YYYYYY, Holy and God-gracious loving brother and concelebrant of our mediocrity."

6. Letters from Metropolitan Bishops to Archbishops/Bishops

"God-loving Bishop of XXXXXXX in Holy Spirit, loving brother of our mediocrity and concelebrant."

7. Letters from Archbishops/Bishops to a Metropolitan Bishop

"Holy Metropolitan Bishop of XXXXXX and Exarch of YYYYYY, Holy and God-gracious loving Father and concelebrant of our mediocrity."

8. Letters from Metropolitan Bishops/Archbishops/Bishops to the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

"Most honourable XXXXXXX of the Most Holy and Great Church of God, desired brother and servant Sir."

(It should be noted that only the Chartophylax is adressed as "Most Honourable", from the rank of Protonotary till the rank of Ypomnimatographos they are adressed as "God-loving" and the word brother is omited, from the rank of Ieromnimon and below they are adressed as "Honourable". If the said Archon is a Deacon also he is adressed as "Most Pious", if the said Archon is a priest with the rank of Archimandrite he is adressed as "Honourable", if he is a simple priest he
is adressed as "God-respected")

9. Letters from the Patriarch to the Emperor when the latter isnt crowned yet

Beggining of Letter
"Most Powerful, God-glorified, God-governed, God-magnified and my Holy Emperor."

End of Letter
"May Lord God preserve your holy reign, my Holy Lord i pray to God to grant many years to your reign, health, spare you from the sorrows, achievement of the good works, and after many years in earth you will earn the Kingdom of Heavens.

10. Letters from the Patriarch to the Emperor when the latter has been crowned

Beggining of the Letter
"Most Powerful, God-crowned, God-honoured, God-glorified, God-elected, God-magnified, my Holy Emperor and Autocrat"

End of Letter
"May God preserve your reign free from diseases, joyous, healthy, long length and free from wars and may grant you the Kingdom of Heavens too."

11. Letters from the Patriarch to the Emperor's son holding a civil/military office

"Most desired son of the Most Powerful and Holy Emperor in Holy Spirit, desired son of our mediocrity, joyous Despot"

12. Letters from the Patriarch to a civil/military official not member of the Imperial family

"Most Joyous Despot in Holy Spirit, desired son of our mediocrity"

13. Letters from Patriarch to persons holding the ranks of Caesar and Sevastokrator

"Most Joyous, Most Noble, Most Glorious, Majestic Lord Caesar/Sevastokrator"

14. Letters from the Patriarch to persons holding Senatorial rank or palace offices

"Most desired of the Most Powerful Emperor in Holy Spirit loving son of our mediocrity XXXXXXXX Sir."

15. Letters from the Metropolitan Bishops to persons holding Senatorial rank or palace offices

"Most desired of our most powerful Lord and Emperor, my proud son XXXXXXXX"

16. Letters from the Patriarch to the Empress

Beggining of the Letter
"Most Powerful, God-crowned, God-honoured, God-elected, God-magnified, my Holy Empress"

End of Letter
"May God preserve your reign free from diseases, joyous, healthy, long length and free from wars and may grant you the Kingdom of Heavens too."


17. Letters from a Metropolitan Bishop to the Governor/General of his Province

Beggining of Letter
"Most desired Lord friend of our powerful and holy Emperor in Holy Spirit, desired and most true son of our mediocrity.
My mediocrity prays to the God Almighty to grant you peace, mercy, health on the soul, heal your body and guide you in good acts"

End of Letter
"May the Grace of God preserve you from diseases and keep you joyous health and grant you long life."

18. Letters from Metropolitan Bishop to various provincial officers/lords

Beggining of the letter
"Most Noble Lord of this God-saved and proud city of the first generation of glorious and illustrious honour and tribe in Holy Spirit, desired and most true son of our mediocrity, i pray to God Almighty to grant you peace , mercy, health in soul and body and everything good."

End of the Letter
"May God preserve you from evil doings"

19. Letters from Metropolitan Bishop to the Ecclesiastical Archons of his Bishopric

Beginning of letter
"Honourable Lord of our most Holy Bishopric XXXXXXX along with your retinue of honourable and pious clerics and monks, loved children in Christ of our mediocrity may peace and grace be with you and God through his son Jesus Christ multiply your love in Holy Spirit"

End of Letter
"May the Grace of God be with you"

20. Letters of Metropolitan Bishops to common citizens

Beggining of Letter
"Citizen of this right and proud City, child in Christ of our mediocrity, i pray to God Almighty to grant you grace, peace, mercy and every other goods."

End of Letter
"May the Grace of God be with you"

21. Letters from the Patriarch to the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

"Honourable XXXXXXXX of our Great Church in Holy Spirit, loving son of our mediocrity Sir YYYYYYY"

22. Letters from Patriarchs of Alexandria/Antioch/Jerusalem to the Patriarch of Constantinople

"Most Holy Lord Archbishop of Constantinople, Nova Roma and Ecumenical Patriarch in Holy Spirit, Holy and Desired brother and concelebrant."

23. Letters from Patriarch of Constantinople to the Pope of Rome

"To the Holy Lord the Pope XXXXXXX most worthy High Priest YYYYYYY by the Grace of God Archbishop of Constantinople, Nova Roma and Ecumenical Patriarch"

24. Letters from the Patriarch of Constantinople to the Patriarch of Alexandreia

"Most Holy Lord Pope and Patriarch of Alexandreia, all Egypt, Pentapolis, Libya and Ethiopia in Holy Spirit desired brother and concelebrant, i pray to God to keep your Holiness healthy in soul and body for the benefit of your flock."

25. Letters from the Patriarch of Constantinople to the Patriarch of Antioch

"Most Holy Patriarch of the Great God-City of Antioch and of all East in Holy Spirit desired brother and concelebrant."

26. Letters from the Patriarch of Constantinople to the Patriarch of Jerusalem

"Most Holy Patriarch of Jerusalem, Holy Zion, Syria, Arabia, Jordan river, Cana of Galillee and of all Palaestina in Holy Spirit desired brother and concelebrant."

27. Letters from the Patriarch of Constantinople to the Patriarch of Tornov

"Most Holy Patriarch of Tornov and of all Bulgaria in Holy Spirit desired brother of our mediocrity and concelebrant"

28. Letters ftom the Patriarch of Constantinople to the Archbishop of Pecs

"Most Holy Archbishop of Pecs and of all Serbia loving in Holy Spirit"

29. Letters from the Patriarch of Constantinople to the Archbishop of Justiniana Prima

"Beatitude Archbishop of Justiniana Prima, Ochrida and of all Bulgaria in Holy Spirit loving brother of our mediocrity and concelebrant"

30. Letters from Patriarch of Constantinople to the Archbishop of Iberia (Georgia)

"Beatitude Archbishop Catholikos of all Iberia in Holy Spirit loving brother of our mediocrity."

End of Part 3... i think i ll make an extra chapter in which i ll sum up everything that i have forgot in previous chapters...
 

Don_Giorgio

I ve found out some more processions and celebrations of various feasts so i ll accumulate them and post them as an appendix to the respective chapter...
 

Don_Giorgio

Appendix Part 1
Accumulation of everything i have forgot or omited in previous chapters

Ceremony of opening the Imperial Gates of the Palace

In about 4-5 am the imperial priests are gathered in the Chapel of St. Stephen where the "Matins" service is held.
This service is watched by the "Etairiarches" (officer in charge with Palace's security) and the "Papias" (officer holding the keys of all Palace's gates).
After the service is over the Etairiarches with the Papias escorted by the Imperial Guards and the doorkeepers open the Ivory Gates (This gate connected the Great Palace complex with the Lausiakos) and the Imperial Guards take their usual places inside the Palace.
Then the Etairiarches and the Papias change to their robes of office and escorted by the doorkeepers they open the Gate of Horolologion (aka Gates of the Clock) and after that they open the gates of the Triclinum Iustinianum and the Gates of the Hippodrome and the Imperial Guards again take their usual places.
The Etairiarches leaves heading towards the Chalke Gate and opens it so the officials may enter (the Chalke Gate wasnt locked with a key as the other gates did it was secured with a large wood behind the doors).
On the same time Papias enters the Chrysotriklinos and deposits the keys in a chamber on the left of the Emperor's throne, while on the same time 2 doorkepers open the nearby offices and the gate that connected the offices to the Palace (so that the officials who just entered from Chalke Gate to go directly to their offices).
In about 6 am 2 chamberlains go to the Imperial Vestiarium and retrieve the Emperor's "skaramangion" and leave it in a chair outside the Emperor's personal bedroom and leave.
At 7 am the Primicerius of the chamberlains (similar to chief Butler) or the Parakoimomenos (if available) knocks 3 times at the Emperor's doors and when the Emperor answers he opens the door and the chamberlains enter the bedroom carrying the "skaramangion" and help the Emperor wear it.

When the Emperor is ready he emerges from "Ieros Koiton" (aka his personal bedroom) and heads toward the eastern corner of the hall where a large mosaic depicting Christ stands and there he prays silently and after prostrating befor the Icon he sits in a golden chair near the mosaic.
Then he orders the Papias (who had just arrived) to summon the Logothetes. The Papias exits the hall and order the Adminsualius to summon the Logothetes.
The Adminsualius goes to the nearby offices and announces to the Logothetes to come with him.
As soon as the Logothetes has arrived to the Chrysotriklinos and offers his obedience to the nobles gathered there the Papias escorts him to the hall where the Emperor sits and the Logothetes informs the Emperor about the day's work.

In about 9 am and if there isnt some urgent work that needs to be dealt immediately (or it isnt a feast that changes the protocole) the Emperor orders the Papias to serve breakfast.
Then the Papias retrieves the keys from Chrysotriklinos and walks shaking them so the chamberlains would know that they have to serve breakfast to the Emperor.
It should be noted that the Emperor remains dressed with the skaramangion only if its a common day, if its a Sunday or a feast he is dressed with a sagion too, also before the nobles gathered in the Chrysotriklinos offer their obedience before the Logothetes.
If the Emperor wished so he could allow the nobles to come before the Logothetes in a common day but this was rare.
Also the Emperor reamained uncrowned during this ceremony but he could opt to wear a crown but not the official one... in that case he would wear the "Caesar's Crown".

In Sundays or feasts the ritual is altered signigicantly, its the same till the part where the Emperor prays before the mosaic but when he finishes he doesnt sit there but he heads towards Triclinum Iustinianum and when he has sat on the Throne he orders the Praepositus to summon the officials after the Divine Liturgy in Lausiakos ends.
When they are gathered the bobles sit in specific places outside the Triclinum Iustinianum, the Protospatharii sit in the Lausiakos while the Magisters, Patricians, Senators etc. sit in Skylla.
When the Master of Ceremonies escorted by an Ostiarius arrive dressed with "Camision" (a shirt) and "Paragavdion" (a toga) they offer their obedience to the Praepositus who stands before the Gates of the Triclinum and then they enter escorted by the Drougarios ti Viglas (commander of Imperial Guards corps) and an "akolouthos" (literally a paige) and all of them offer their obedience to the Emperor.
Then the "Akolouthos" shouts "Kelefsate" (aka at your orders) and summons the Magisters and the Patricians before the Emperor who offer their obedience and sit in their places inside the Triclinum.
Then the "Akolouthos shouts "Kelefsate Sekretikoi" (aka at your orders Palace Clerks) and all public servants present in the palace enter dressed in sagia and after the offering of obedience they sit in their respective places.
After them the Akolouthos invites the commanders of the Imperial Guards to enter with their lieutenants and retinues who are dressed in skaramangia and have their swords in their belts. After they offer their obedience they take their places on the left and right of the Triclinum
The ceremony continues as described above with breakfast served and the Logothetes briefing the Emperor about state's affairs while all the others return to their homes or offices in private.


Ceremonies to be observed when the Emperor promotes someone to the ranks of Domesticus Scholae or General or Admiral or "Genikon" or "Sakellarion" etc.

The Emperor orders the Logothetes to summon the person who is being promoted and the Logothetes leaves the Chrysotriklinos and returns escorting the person who is dressed in skaramagion.
Upon reaching the throne thy both prostrate before the Emperor and offer their obedience.
When they rise the Emperor delivers a small speech praising the nominee and points out that he must be immune to bribery and intrigues and to be just and fear God, if the nominee is about to promoted to a military office (of the ones described above) then the Emperor praises the person's military abilities, bravery and his past victories
When the Emperor is finished the nominee delivers a small speech too praising and thanking the Emperor for this honour.

THen the Emperor says "In the name of the Father the Son and of the Holy Spirit my God-given Kingship promotes you to the offices of Domesticus Scholae".
Upon hearing these words the newly appointed Domesticus Scholae falls in prostration and kisses the feet of the Emperor (and the junior co-Emperor's if present).

Then the Logothetes helps him rise and escorts him to the Horologion at the Chrysotriklinos gates and delivers him to the Praepositus with these words "Our Holy Emperor by God's guidance promoted this man to the office of Domesticus Scholae" and the Praepositus wishes him well.
After that the Praepositus escorts the newly appointed Domesticus to the Lausiakos where the nobles are gathered and announces to them "Our Holy Emperor by God's guidance promoted this man to the office of Domesticus Scholae" and everyone cheers for him and wish him well.
It should be noted that the Emperor says "In the name of the Father the Son and Holy Spirit" only when promoting Domestici and Admirals, to all others he says "In the name of the Lord"
Also it should be noted that when the Emperor promotes someon to civil office (aka Genikos, sakellarios etc.) the newly appointed person isnot presented to the nobles in Lausiakos but instead he is presented by the Master of Ceremonies to his clerks in his office.


End of Part 1...
 

Don_Giorgio

Appendix Part 2
Accumulation of everything i have forgot or omited in previous chapters


Ceremonies to be observed when promoting a person to the office of Rector

The Emperor orders the Praepositus to summon the nominee for the office of Rector.
The Praepositus emerges and returns escorting the future Rector till the Emperor's throne. It should be noted that the nominee doesnt prostrate upon reaching the throne but he remains standing.
Then the Emperor says "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit my God-given Kingship promotes you to Rector".
Upon finishing the phrase the Praepositus hands over to the Emperor a special robe called "Rectorikion" and he gives it to the newly appointed Rector. Rectorikion is a white robe with long golden sleeves.
The newly appointed Rector takes the garment falls in prostration and kisses the feet and the knees of the Emperor (and co-Emperor's if present).
Then the Praepositus escorts the new Rector to an adjacent room where he helps him wear it and then he escorts him back where he kisses again the feet and the knees of the Emperor.
Then the Emperor hands him over a golden mantle and the Praepositus helps him wear it.
The new Rector again falls in prostration kissing the feet and the knees of the Emperor.
When he rises the Emperor hands him over the purple Maforion adorned with golden roses and the Praepositus helps him wear it.
It should be noted that the Maforion is worn only when the Rector is promoted and never again.
The new Rector falls one more time in prostration kissing the feet and the knees of the Emperor and then leaves escorted by the Praepositus heading towards Lausiakos where he accepts the wishes and the cheers of the Senators and takes his seat along with the Praepositus (though in the order of precedence the Rector outranks the Praepositus).


Ceremonies to be observed when promoting a person to the office of Syncellus

The Emperor orders the Praepositus to summon the future Syncellus and as soon as he approaches the Emperor he falls in prostration before him.
When the nominee rises the Emperor delivers a small speech and when he is done he says "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit my God-given Kingship promotes you to Syncellus" and upon hearing this phrase the newly appointed Syncellus falls in prostration and kisses the feet of the Emperor.
Then the Emperor orders the Praepositus to deliver him to the Patriarch.
When the Praepositus and the new Syncellus have arrived to the Patriarchal Palace rgw Praepositus announces to the Patriarch the appointment with these words "The God-given Kingship has promoted this man to Syncellus".
The Patriarch delivers a small sermon thanking the Emperor and blesses the new Syncellus.
Then the Patriarch orders one of his deacons to summon all the Metropolitan Bishops and Archbishops present in the City and announces it to them with this words "Our God-guided Emperor promoted this man to Syncellus" then the Bishops wish him well and leave.
After that the Patriarch orders a chair to be brought for the new Syncellus and is placed on the left of the Patriarchal throne (if there is another Syncellus present the chair is placed on the right).
Then the Bishops enter again and take their usual seats and a session of the Holy Synod begins.


Ceremonies to be observed during the Feast of All Saints

All Saints Feast is a moveable feast celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost.

The Emperor starts from the Great Palace (all ceremonies described above and previous chapters observed) and then he heads towards Lausiakon where he and his retinue ride horses and ride towards the Holy Apostles Church.
The nobles having left earlier from Chrysotriklinos they are already in the Church taking their usual places according to rank.
The Patriarch along with the concelebrants Bishops, priests and deacons are waiting for the Emperor to arrive before the Altar.
When the Emperor arrives he is met by the Praepositus who helps him wear a white chlamys while on the same time he accepts the cheers of the nobles while factions of Blues and Whites hand over to him petition booklets in the Atrium.
Then the Emperor proceeds and at the doors he accepts the cheers of the rest of the nobles and the factions of Greens and Reds present him with petition booklets.
Then the Emperor proceeds towards the Patriarch in the centre of the Church.
Then the Emperor exchanges the Kiss of Peace with the Patriarch and enters with him in the altar where the Emperor kiss the Altar and the Gospel while the Patriarch's retinue chants "Glory thee to Christ God"
The Praepositus hands over to the Emperor candles and the Emperor along with the Patrarch and their retinues form a procession towards the Church of All Saints.
There the Emperor venerates the Icons and relics (with the manner described in chapter I) and kisses the Patriarch.
The Patriarch then enters the Altar with his retinue to celebrate the Divine Liturgy while the Emperor and his retinue enter the nearby chapel called Chapel of Empress Theophano where he removes the white chlamys and remains there till the reading of the Gospel.
When the Gospel is read the Emperor emerges from the chapel and stands in the midle of the Church. After the Gospel is over he returns to the Chapel where he is dressed to golden sagion and leaves the Church through the chapel of St. Hypatius and from there goes through St. Constantine's corridor which lead him directly to Holy Apostles Church and from there back to the Palace.


Ceremonies to be observed in the Feast of Procession of the Holy Cross

The Feast of the Procession of the Holy Cross is celebrated in 1st August.
7 Days before the feast early in the morning the Protopriest of the Palace retrieves the relic of the Cross from the Imperial Sacristy and a procession is formed towards Hagia Sophia where the Cross is shown and venerated by the faithful and a Matins service is held
After the Matins the Emperor enters the Church venerates the Holy Cross
and leaves heading towards Chrysotriklinos where the nobles are gathered.
When the Emperor has left the Papias dressed in golden skaramagion and golden sagion takes the Holy Cross and a procession is formed along with the Bishops and priests all holding candles heading towards Lausiakos where the Cross is set up for veneration by the nobles in the left side of the gate of St. Basilius Chapel.
When the nobles have venerated the Cross the Papias takes the Cross again and deposes it to the Chapel of St. Stephen.
On 28 July the Cross will start parading throughout the City passing from every house, office, shop, palace, wall till 13 August.
On 13 August the Cross will return to the Palace where it will be set up in the Chrysotriklinos and the Protopriest of the Palace will hold a small service.
When the service ends the Papias will take the Cross and escorted by the Protopriest he will pass by every room in the Palace blessing them.
When this is over the Papias will deposit the Cross to the Chapel of St. Theodore and in the afternoon the Papias along with the Palace Protopriest they will lock the Cross again in the Imperial Sacristy.


Ceremonies to be observed during the Feast of Veneration of the Cross in 3rd Sunday of Lent.

About 5 am of the feast day Matins service begins at the Church of Hagia Sophia while on the same time the Palace Protopriest retrieves 3 Holy Crosses from the Imperial Sacristy. and in procession he deposits them in Hagia Sophia for veneration by the faithful.
When the Matins service is over the Emperor arrives at the Church and venerate the Crosses.
After veneration the Emperor leaves the Church heading towards Chrysotriklinos where the nobles are gathered.
After that a deacon takes one of the Crosses and heads in procession towards Nea Ekklisia (before Nea Ekklisia was built the Cross went in procession to Holy Apostles) while the Papias takes the two remaining Crosses and heads towards Lausiakon in a procession escorted by the Palace Protopriest.
When the Papias reaches Lausiakon he sets up the Crosses on the left side of St. Basilius chapel gate for veneration by the nobles.
After the nobles have venerated the Crosses the Papias takes them and deposes them to the Chapel of St. Stephen.
The next day the Papias takes one of the Crosses and in procession he returns it to Hagia Sophia while the third Cross remains on the Palace, on the same day the Cross that was taken to Nea Ekklisia returns to Hagia Sophia.
The third Cross will be deposited to Hagia Sophia thee same day after the Vespers.
All 3 Crosses will remain to Hagia Sophia for a week and then they will be returned to the Imperial Sacristy.


Ceremonies to be observed when the Emperor visits the underground Holy Water Cistern in Blachernae.

Emperors frequently visited the Holy Water Cistern in the Church of Blachernae to receive Virgin Mary's blessing especially in times of sickness (assuming that the sickness allowed them to move, if not the Patriarch brought Holy Water to the Emperor)
The previous day of the visit the nobles have already gathered in Blachernae.
On the day of the visit the Emperor escorted by the Logothetes tou Dromou, the Protasekrites, the officer "epi ton Deiseon", the Etairiarches and the Drougarios tis Viglas board the Royal Dromon from the Palace of Boukoleon heading towards Blachernae.
When the Dromon docks in the port of Blachernae the Emperor is met by the nobles and after accepting their obedience the Emperor heads towards the Church of Blachernae escorted by the Praepositus, the chamberlains and the Imperial Guards while the nobles follow behind them.
At church doors the Emperor is met by the Church's sacristan who incences him and the priests of the Church.
Then the Emperor enters the Church and there he wears a golden sagion and lights candles.
Then after crossing the chirch they light candles again before the Altar doors and enter the Altar where they kiss the holy Altar.
The nobles enter the Church too through the Chapel of Agia Soros and the Guards stand on the right side of the Church while the nobles tand on the left.
Then the Emperor enters the Chapel of Agia Soros and lights candles before the Altar and on the same time the chamberlains close the doors behind them. Then the Emperor kisses the Holy Altar and offers incence around it.
Then the Emperor removes the golden sagion takes a "ripidion" (ceremonial fan) and swings it over the 4 corners of the altar.
After that he leaves the chapel through a small door on the right which leads him to the Metatorion where he lights candles and venerates the Icon of Virgin Mary and the silver Cross standing there and sits in a golden chair for some rest.
In the Metatorion the Emperor accepts the obedience of various nobles and officers.
After this ceremony the Emperor retires to the "Apodyton" (some sort of locker room) undresses himself and wears only a golden "lention" (aka towel) and they enter the Cistern of the Holy Water while the Praepositus the chamberlains and the rest of the retinue stand at the door.
The Emperor then swims across the Cistern and venerates the Silver Icon of Virgin Mary standing there and turns back to the right of the Cistern where the Chamberlain wait for him.
There the Emperor lights candles and venerates the silver icon of Virgin Mary stanfing there along with the marble bearing the print of Virgin Mary's hand.
Then the Emperor and his retinue move towatd the Chapel of St. Photinus where he lights candles and venerates the marble Icon of Virgin Mary standing there.
Then the Praepositus hands over to the Emperor some Holy Ash from the Church and the Emperor blesses himself with that and leaves.
Upon reaching to a small underground room the Emperor changes to dry lentia (towels) while th priest in charge of the Cistern recites a prayer and gives him a bottle full of Holy Water and a silver Cross.
Then the Emperor enters again to the Cistern and is dipped 3 times in the Water and emerges while the priest recites another prayer.
After that the Emperor emerges and enters the Apodyton and he is dried up and wears his golden sagion again. while the Praepositus wishes him well.
Then the Emperor leaves the Church in a procession escorted by the chamberlains and his Guards.
When they exit the Church the Emperor may opt to return to Palace or he can go to Blachernae Palace or even take the day off and go hunting or spending it with the family etc.

End of Part 2...
 

Don_Giorgio

Appendix Part 3
Accumulation of everything i have forgot or omited in previous chapters


Ceremonies to be observed when the Emperor wishes to go to Holy Apostles (or any other Church if he wishes so) for pray

The previous day the Emperor notifies the Praepositus and the captain on duty of the Guards of his intention to visit Holy Apostles for pray and orders everyone to be assembled the next morning.
In the next morning the chamberlains and the Praepositus enter the Great Palace where they await for the Emperor to emerge.
The Emperor emerges dressed in purple skaramangion and wearing his sword and escorted by the Praepositus and the chamberlains he rides a horse.
A procession is then formed with the Praepositus and the chamberlains at its head followed by the Imperial Guards, while the nobles and army officers follow behind the Emperor.
When the Emperor arrives at the Church a throne is set up in the Church's nave in a place where the Emperor cannot be seen by the people and the Emperor sits there and wears the golden sagion. On the same time the Praepositus also wears a golden sagion.
When everything is ready the Emperor rises and escorted by the Praepositus heading towards the gates of the nave.
When there the Praepositus hands over candles to the Emperor and the Emperor venerates the icons there (with the manner described in part I).
Then the Emperor enters the Church and stand before the gates of the altar where he receives candles from the Praepositus and venerates the icons standing there.
When he is done venerating the Emperor enters the Altar and kisses the Holy Altar, then the Praepositus hands him over an incence burner and incence.
The Emperor then puts the incence to the incence burner with his own hand and offers incence to the Holy Altar while praying silently.
When he is over they exit the Church and return to the Palace following the same itinerary only backwards.
It should be noted that if it is Lent some special chants are chanted in the chapel of St. Basilius before the Emperor rides his horse.
Also this ceremony is observed and in some fixed dates with some changes, like 1st July day of St. Cosmas and Damian, that day the Emperor is not allowed in the Altar so this part is omited. When the Emperor finishes praying doesnot returns to the Great Palace but heads to Blachernae Palace instead where a lunch is served for the Emperor and his retinue.
Also on 27 July feast day of of St. Panteleimon the Emperor goes to the Church of St. Panteleimon in Narsos district by ship from the Boukoleon Palace to the Kanikleion and from there in procession to the Church where he venerates the Head of St. Panteleimon and receives Holy Myrrh and after that he returns to the Palace the same way only backwards and a lunch is served aboard the ship for the Emperor and his retinue.
Same procession as described first above happens in 26 of September feast day of St. John the Apostle with the only change that the Emperor visits the Church of St. John in Diippion district.
Same procession as described first above happens in 1st November feast day of St. Cosmas and Damian with the only change that the Emperor visits the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian in Vasiliskos District.
In 29 August feast day of the Beaheading of John the Forerunner the Emperor visists the Monastery of St. John on Stoudion to venerate the Head of John the Baptist in the same manner as it was described above for the feast of St. Panteleimon.



Ceremonies to be observed when a new Patriarch of Constantinople is elected.


When the previous Patriarch has died/resigned/deposed the Emperor summons the Patriarchal Synod to the Palace and orders them to elect 3 clergymen or even laymen (the nomininees didnt have to necessary be Bishops) worthy of becoming Patriarch.
Then the Patriarchal Synod is locked in a room in the nave of Hagia Sophia and they will remain there till they agree on the catalogue of 3 persons (this could take days unless the Emperor has already pointed out a person and the Synod just fills up the catalogue with 2 more names).
When the catalogue is ready the Synod notifies the Emperor and the Emperor orders that the Synod to be summoned in the Palace.
When the Synod arrives to the Palace the acting President of the Synod (usually the Patriarch presides over the Synod but if he is not present then the most senior Metropolitan Bishop present presides as acting President) hands over to the Emperor the catalogue with the 3 names.
The Emperor reads the names loudly and then he exclaims "I want XXXXXXX to be Patriarch".
Then the Synod gives consent to the Emperor's decision (in theory the Synod can deny the Emperor's choice but this never happened) and the Metropolitan Bishops along with their priests, the Archons and the Senator leave heading towards the Palace of Magnaura.
Then the Emperor rises from the Throne and after wearing his golden sagion he goes to Magnaura Palace.
In the mean time the nominee for Patriarch has been notified by the Bishops and is brought to Magnaura.
Then the Emperor enters Magnaura sits on his throne and exclaims "God's Grace and the Kingship that comes of it has promoted this most pious man to Patriarch of Constantinople".
Then the Senators and the Metropolitan Bishops cheer for the Emperor.
Then the Emperor delivers the future Patriarch to the Praepositus who escorts him to the Patriarchal Palace in procession followed by chamberlains, silentiarii and clergymen, while on the same time the Emperor returns to the Palace.

If the Patriarch-elect is a Bishop then he is enthroned the next Sunday or during the next feast day (usually a Great feast day).
If the Patriarch-elect is a Priest then he is consecrated a Bishop the next Sunday or during the next feast day (usually a Great feast day) and enthroned the day after.
If the Patriarch-elect is a Deacon then he is ordained a Priest the same day and is consecrated a Bishop the next Sunday or during the next feast day (usually a Great feast day).
If the Patriarch-elect is a layman then he is tonsured a monk on the same day, the next day he is made a reader, the next day is made a subdeacon, the next day is ordained a deacon, the next day is ordained a priest, the next day is consecrated a Bishop and he is enthroned as Patriarch the next day.

On the day of the consecration of the Patriarch a procession is formed (as it was described in chapters I and III) with the Patriarch-elect on its head.
When everyone has gathered in Hagia Sophia the ritual of Consecration begins.
According to ancient custom the Metropolitan Bishop of Heraclea consecrates the Patriarch assisted by at least 2 other Bishops (in noumerous cases the whole Synod with the Bishop of Heraclea in its head consecrated the Patriarch or in other cases only one Bishop consecrated him)
If the Metropolitan Bishop of Heraclea isnt present or is impeded then the Metropolitan Bishop of Caesaria will perform the Consecration. If he is unavailable too then the most senior Bishop present will be the chief consecrator according to the order of precedence described in chapter XIII.

The Emperor stands behind the Patriarch-elect watching the Sacrament and when the Consecration is over the Emperor enters the Altar through the right door and venerate the icons and relics stored there with the manner described in chapter I.
Then he wishes well to the Patriarch and leaves. If it is a Sunday or a Great feast the Emperor doesnt leave but he retires to the Metatorion and the Patriarch celebrates his first Divine Liturgy as it was described in chapter III.


End of Part 3...
 
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Don_Giorgio

Appendix Part 4
Accumulation of everything i have forgot or omited in previous chapters


Ceremonies to be observed when promoting a female to the office of chamberlain for the Empress

When the Emperor promotes a woman in the office of chamberlain of the Empress he summons the Praepositus in the Chrysotriklinos and orders him to make all necessary preparations for the ceremony.
Then the Praepositus takes with him 2 chamberlains, 2 Imperial Guards, one Ostiarius and the Primicerius and start preparations for the ceremony after they have offered their obedience to the Emperor.
Then the Praepositus and his escort open the chapel of St. Theodore and deposit the robes of chamberlain's office in the centre of the chapel aka the golden "paragavdion", the "propoloma", the white maforion and the white "charzanion" and after that they exit from the chapel heading towards the Empress's quarters.
There they take the chamberlain-to-be and escort her to the chapel of St. Theodore.
There the Praepositus says to her "Look from where you receive this office" and points the Icons of the Holy Doors to her.
And the Praepositus continues saying "From the Hand of God you receive this office so be careful and have the fear of God in your heart and be loyal to the Emperor and the Empress and be gratitude to them!".
Then the Praepositus orders her to prostrate 3 times facing east and thank God.
When the future chamberlain rises the Praepositus takes the golden paragavdion and helps her wear it.
Then the Praepositus takes the white maforion and the white charzanion and helps her wear them and lastly she wears the propoloma.
When she is ready the Praepositus and his retinue escort the new chamberlain to the Chrysotriklinos before the Emperor and there she falls in prostration 3 times before him and each time she kisses the Emperor's feet.
Then the Praepositus and his retinue escort her outside in the Lausiakos where the rest of the Empress's chamberlains stand and there she accepts their wishes and kisses them all.
When this is over the Praepositus leads her back to the Empress's quarters where again she falls in prostration 3 times before the Empress and each time she falls she kisses her feet, while the Praepositus and his retinue return to the Lausiakos.

Ceremonies to be observed when a person is promoted to the office of Chamberlain to the Emperor

Its the exact same ceremony as the one described above but with some notable differences.
1st change: The Praepositus takes the future chamberlain from the Pantheon and leads him to St. Theodore's chapel.
2nd change: The robes of office for a male chamberlain are gold paragavdion and white kamision.
3rd change: The Praepositus delivers a small speech exorting him not serve anyone else but the Emperor, not to get drunk, not to be immoral, not be lazy, not be overworking, never to betray the Emperor's secrets, and to respect the Palace officials. And the new chamberlain answers that he will keep up with these obligations.
The Praepositus then says to him "Look from where you receive this office" and points the Icons of the Holy Doors to him.
Then the Praepositus conrinues saying "You receive this office from the Hand of God so be careful, and keep this oath till the end of your life snd may your heart be full of of all virtues so that the Emperor bestow upon you more honours and become glorious among chamberlains.
Then the ceremony continues as described above with the exception that after thanking the Emperor the new chamberlain returns to his house.


Ceremonies to be observed suring the funeral of a Patriarch

When the Patriarch dies in office a deacon or an Archon is dispatched to the Emperor to announce him the death of the Patriarch.
While on the same time the Patriarchal Synod is assembled in an extraordianry session to elect a locum tenens till the election of a new Patriarch.
Then the Emperor orders a commitee of the Senators or the whole Senate to represent him to the funeral which normally happens after 3 days.
In the meanwhile the corpse of the Patriarch lies in state in Hagia Sophia sitting in throne and clad with episcopal vestments, his hands are set in blessing and a pastoral staff is put in his right side while on his left side a gospel book is set.
On the day of the funeral the nobles and the Senators representing the Emperor are gathered in Hagia Sophia all clad in black togas.
The Emperor may opt to be present but in most cases he chose to send representatives instead.
Then the funeral service begins according to Byzantine Rite and when its over the Imperial Guards lift the Patriarch's throne and a procession is formed heading towards Holy Apostles Church (or any other Church if the late Patriarch had expressed wish to be buried elsewhere)
As soon as the procession leaves Hagia Sophia the nobles and the Senators leave each to their home.
Upon reaching the burial place the Imperial Guards put down the throne and the Bishops remove the Mitre, the Egkolpia (necklaces), the Pastoral staff and the Gospel from the late Patriarch which are given as a present to the locum tenens.
When these items are removed the Imperial Guards lift the Patriarch's corpse from the throne and place it inside a sarcophagus.
Then the Bishops cover the Patriarch's head by putting his camelafkion backwards so that the black veil covers the Patriarch's face (in earlier times an Aer was used aka a purple square cloth) cover the whole body with a white savanon (aka a shroud) and the presiding Bishop pours some oil and some dirt in the shape of a cross.
Then the Guards seal the sarcophagus with a marble slab and everyone leaves.



How the Emperors greeted various Ambassadors in audition in Constantinople

1. Embassy from the Pope of Rome

Ambassadors: "Today the Apostles Peter the Keyholder of Heavens and Paul the Teacher of the Gentiles are visiting you, our spiritual Father XXXXXX most holy Patriarch along with the Bishops, Priests and Deacons of the Holy Roman Church sends to you my Emperor loyal wishes through my mediocrity.
The Glorious Prince XXXXXXXX of Elder Rome along with his nobles and his people offer their obedience to you.

Logothetes's answer: How is the health of the Most Holy Bishop of Rome our Holy Emperor's spiritual Father? How are all the Bishops, Priests and Deacons of Holy Roman Church?
How is the Glorious Prince of the Elder Rome?



2. Embassy of Bulgaria

Ambassadors: "How is the God-Crowned Emperor, the spiritual grandfather of the God-given Lord of Bulgaria? How is the Empress and Lady? How are the sons of the Great and High Emperor and the rest of his children? How is the Most Holy Ecumenical Patriarch? How are the Magisters? How is the Senate? How are the Logothetes?

Logothetes's answer: How is the spiritual grandson of our Holy Emperor the Lord of Bulgaria? How is the God-given Lady? How are the sons of the Lord and the rest of his children? How are the Grand Boyars and the rest of the Boyars? How is the people?



3. Embassy from the Emir of Syria


Ambassadors: "Peace and Mercy to you and may God give you Glory oh High and Great Emperor of the Romans, long life and health and may God grant many years to your reign, Peacemaker and Good Emperor.
In your days Justice has risen along with Peace oh most peaceful and merciful Emperor.

Logothetes's answer: How is the Mos Majestic and Most Noble and Illustrious Emir? How are the Emir's advisors in XXXXXX? How are you? How is the Patrician and General of YYYYYY who was sent to escort you. I hope that nothing unpleaseant happened on your way here. Welcome happy and joyous today in the table of our Holy Emperor.

"Logothetes's greeting when the Syrian Ambassadors leave: "Happy and joyous in Peace most wise good and calm may you be healthy, happy and peaceful oh Majestic and Glorious Emir.
May you have peace in your lands and seas, glory, honour, wisdom and long life. Most Peaceful and Most Noble Emir. May you have an honourable name and long life sweet friend of our Holy Emperor, illustrious and proud Emir."



4. Embassy from the Emir of Egypt, Persia or Khorasan who are subjects of the Emperor

Ambassadors: May God grant long life, glory and wisdom to the High and Great Emperor. We have found good protection under your high Kingship.
May your Kingship have mercy on us because we are your servants and your people."

Logothetes's answer: "How is the Most Noble friend XXXXXXX of our Emperor? How is his people and all of our loyal servants ? How were you treated by the Patrician and General of the YYYYYY Theme who escorted you? I hope that nothing unpleaseant happened on your way here. Welcome happy and joyous today in the table of our Holy Emperor.



5. Embassy from the Emir/Sultan of Egypt, Persia, Khorasan who are not subjects of the Emperor

Ambassadors: "Peace and Mercy to you and may God give you Glory oh High and Great Emperor of the Romans, long life and health and may God grant many years to your reign, Peacemaker and Good Emperor.
In your days Justice has risen along with Peace oh most peaceful and merciful Emperor.

Logothetes's answer: How is the most Noble Emir of Egypt/Persia/Khorasan? How are his advisors and his people? How are you? I hope you had good escort on your way here. I hope that nothing unpleaseant happened on your way here. Welcome happy and joyous today in the table of our Holy Emperor.



End of Part 4....
 
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