Matthew I, Patriarch of Constantinople (1397 - 1410), his life, his patriarchal acts, his written works

Abstract

This Thesis is a review of Patriarch Matthew I's life, his Patriarchal acts and his written works. Patriarch Matthew I showed his inclination to the monastic life at a very early age. This love sculpted his character with humility, obedience and many other virtues. After he became Patriarch he had to face various troubles, not only because of the financial ruin of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople but also because of his enemies: Macarius of Ankara and Matthew of Medeia. During 1399-1403, Emperor Manuel II went to the West (Italy, France, England), escorted by fifty attendants, including Macarius of Ankara, Matthew I's enemy and someone very well informed about the Schism of the Western Church From Emperor Manuel II's letters we can gather that he was well aware of Macarius' plans to depose Matthew I. While Emperor Manuel II was away, Matthew of Medeia acted to depose Patriarch Matthew I, re-establishing him on the Patriarchal throne, with the support of the ex-Emperor John VII (1390) who had now become Emperor-regent. After Emperor Manuel II came back from his trip, he supported Matthew I, re-establishing him on the Patriarchal throne. Macarius of Ankara and Matthew of Medeia, however, insisted on Matthew Fs deposition, and repeatedly called for the convention of a number of Synods to prove his non-canonical election