24 sett 787 anni - 2nd Council of Nicaea

Descrizione:

Date and Location:

-Convened in 787 AD.
-Held in Nicaea (modern-day İznik, Turkey).

Purpose:

-Address the controversy over the veneration of icons (Iconoclasm).
-Restore the use and veneration of icons in Christian worship.

Attendees:

-Approximately 350 bishops primarily from the Eastern Roman Empire.
-Convened by Empress Irene and her son, Emperor Constantine VI, and presided over by Patriarch Tarasios of Constantinople.

Key Outcomes:

Restoration of Icon Veneration:

-Declared the veneration of icons as orthodox practice, distinguishing it from the worship due to God alone.
-Condemned Iconoclasm, the rejection and destruction of religious images.

Theological Basis:

-Affirmed that icons are to be venerated because they represent the holy figures they depict, not because they possess any inherent divinity.
-Emphasized the incarnation of Christ, stating that since God became visible in the flesh, it is permissible to depict Him in images.

Decrees and Canons:

-Issued 22 canons addressing the use of icons, church discipline, and ecclesiastical administration.
-Reinforced the decisions of previous ecumenical councils and established guidelines for the proper veneration of icons.

Significance:

-Considered the seventh ecumenical council by most Christian denominations.
-Resolved the first phase of the Iconoclast controversy, restoring the use of religious images in Christian practice.
-Strengthened the theological and liturgical traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Legacy:

-The council’s decisions were later reaffirmed by subsequent synods and councils, solidifying the role of icons in Christian worship.
-Contributed to the enduring practice of icon veneration in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic traditions.
-Marked a significant step in the ongoing conflict between Iconoclasts and Iconophiles, with further developments occurring in the 9th century.

Notable Figures:

Empress Irene:

-Played a crucial role in convening the council and supporting the restoration of icon veneration.
-Acted as regent for her son, Emperor Constantine VI, during the council.

Emperor Constantine VI:

-Co-convened the council with his mother, Empress Irene, and supported its decisions.

Patriarch Tarasios of Constantinople:

-Presided over the council and facilitated its proceedings.
-Advocated for the restoration of icon veneration and helped articulate the theological arguments in favor of it.

John of Damascus:

-Although not present at the council, his earlier writings and defense of icon veneration significantly influenced the council’s decisions.
-His theological works provided a robust argument against Iconoclasm.

Theodore the Studite:

-A prominent advocate for the veneration of icons and influential theologian during the period of the council.

-The Second Council of Nicaea was a pivotal event in the history of the Church, resolving the Iconoclast controversy and restoring the veneration of icons, thereby shaping the theological and liturgical practices of Eastern Christianity.

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