The Role of the Church of Cyprus in the Religious Policy of Emperor Heraclius

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52575/2687-0967-2025-52-2-316-321

Keywords:

late Antiquity, early Byzantium, Cyprus, Monophysites, Emperor Heraclius

Abstract

The article analyzes the role and participation of the bishops of the Church of Cyprus in the religious policy conducted by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius (610–641 A.D.). In the context of the difficult internal political situation associated with the overthrow of Emperor Phokas and the external threat from Sassanid Iran, the Church of Cyprus, which had almost been disinvolved in theological disputes and conflicts until that moment, became an important instrument of the new emperor's government in carrying out its ecclesiastical policy towards the Monophysites. The Church of Cyprus, with its long-standing tradition of autonomy and neutrality in theological disputes, provided a unique platform for Heraclius to implement his religious policies. The bishops of this church, particularly notable figures such as John the Merciful and Arcadius II, were highly respected and held significant influence. Their involvement as intermediaries was crucial in addressing the complex and challenging situations Heraclius faced during his reign. The article highlights how the Church of Cyprus and its bishops were strategically utilized by Emperor Heraclius to navigate the intricate religious landscape of the Byzantine Empire. Their involvement as intermediaries was key to resolving significant theological disputes and ensuring the stability of the empire during a period of internal and external challenges.

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Author Biography

Vyacheslav A. Likhosherstov, Belgorod State National Research University; Sevastopol State University

Postgraduate Student, Department of General History, Faculty of History and Philology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia;
Junior Research Assistant, Research Department of the History of the Byzantine Church and Eastern Christianity, Research Institute of the History and Archaeology of Byzantium and the Black Sea Region, Sevastopol State University, Sevastopol, Russia.
E-mail: Likhosherstov999@yandex.ru
ORCID: 0000-0002-8187-9904

References

Список литературы

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Van Dieten J.L. 1972. Geschichte der Patriarchen von Sergios I. bis Johannes VI (610–715). Amsterdam, Verlag Adolf M. Hakkert, 241.

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References

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Albert M., Schönborn C. 1978. Lettre de Sophrone de Jerusalem a Arcadius de Chypre. In: Patrologia Orientalis. Т. 39(2). Paris, 86.

Brock S. 1973. An Early Syriac Life of Maximus the Confessor. (3–4). Bruxelles: 299–346.

Chadwik H. 1974. John Moschus and his Friend Sophronius the Sophist. In: Journal of Theological Studies. № 25. Oxford: 41–74.

Cosentio S. 2013. A Longer Antiquity? Cyprus, Insularity and the Economic Transition. In: Cahiers du Centre d’Études Chypriotes. № 43. Lyon: 93–102.

Delehaye H. 1927. Une vie inédite de Saint Jean Laumonier. In: Analecta Bollandiana. T. 45, 74.

Kaegi W. 2003. Heraclius Emperor of Byzantium. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 359.

Maspero J. 1923. Histoire des patriarches d'Alexandrie: depuis la mort de l'empereur Anatase jusqu'à la réconciliation des églises jacobites (518–616). Paris, Librairie Ancienne Eduard Champion, 393.

Metcalf D.M. 2009. Byzantine Cyprus 491–1191. Nicosia, Theopress LTD, 656.

Paton W.R. 1917. The Greek Anthology. London, Published by W. Heinemann, 517.

Pattenden P. 1982. Who Was the Father of St. John the Almoner? In: Journal of Theological Studies. № 33. Oxford: 191–194.

Rapp C. 2004. All in the Family: John the Almsgiver, Nicetas and Heraclius. In: Nea Roma. № 1. Roma: 121–134.

Rapp C. 2014. Christianity in Cyprus in the Fourth to Seventh Centuries: Chronological and Geographical Frameworks. In: Stewart C.A., Davis T.A., Carr A.W. Cyprus and the Balance of Empires: Art and Archaeology from Justinian I to the Coeur de Lion. Boston, American schools of Oriental research: 29–38.

Rapp C. 2015. Cypriot Hagiography in the Seventh Century: Patrons and Purpose. In: Γιακου Θ., Νασσις Σ. ΚΥΠΡΙΑΚΗ ΑΓΙΟΛΟΓΙΑ. Παραλιμνι, Ιερα Μητροπολις Κονσταντιας: 397–411.

Sodini J.P. 1998. Les inscriptions de l’aqueduc de Kythrea à Salamine de Chypre. In: Eupsychia: Mélanges off erts à Hélène Ahrweiler. Paris: 619–633.

Van Dieten J.L. 1972. Geschichte der Patriarchen von Sergios I. bis Johannes VI (610–715). Amsterdam, Verlag Adolf M. Hakkert, 241.

Woods D. 2016. Reading the Consular Solidi of the Revolt of the Heraclii, 608–610. In: Schweizerische numismatische Rundschau. № 95. Bern: 83–96.


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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Likhosherstov, V. A. (2025). The Role of the Church of Cyprus in the Religious Policy of Emperor Heraclius. Via in Tempore. History and Political Science, 52(2), 316-321. https://doi.org/10.52575/2687-0967-2025-52-2-316-321

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Topical issues of world history