Chartophylax
Encyclopedia
A chartophylax sometimes also referred to as a chartoularios
, was an ecclesiastical officer in charge of official documents and records in the Greek Orthodox Church
in Byzantine
times.
The post existed in Constantinople
as well as the provincial dioceses, and holders of the post were responsible for the archives and chancery. Some monasteries also included a chartophylax or, for the women's convents, a chartophylakissa, in charge of their records. Gradually, by virtue of his office's importance, the chartophylax of the Patriarch of Constantinople
rose to become one of the most important officials in the clergy, despite his nominally low rank. Codinus
calls the Grand Chartophylax the judge of all causes, and the patriarch's right arm. He adds that this officer was the depository or keeper of all the charter
s relating to the ecclesiastical rights stored in the chartophylakeion (Archives). In addition, the chartophylax presided over matrimonial causes, and was the main intermediary between the clergy and the patriarch, controlling his correspondence and access to him. He drew up all sentences and decisions of the patriarch, who signed and sealed them; he presided in the synods in the patriarch's absence and took cognizance of all ecclesiastical and civil matters and causes, whether among the clergy, the monks, or the people. The chartophylax took precedence over all the bishop
s, though he was only a deacon
. On occasion, he discharged the functions of the priest
s: he had twelve notaries under him. The chartophylax of Constantinople was analogous to the chartulary
of the See of Rome, but far more powerful.
Chartoularios
The chartoularios or chartularius , Anglicized as chartulary, was a late Roman and Byzantine administrative official, entrusted with administrative and fiscal duties, either as a subaltern official of a department or province or at the head of various independent bureaus.-History:The title derives...
, was an ecclesiastical officer in charge of official documents and records in the Greek Orthodox Church
Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox Church is the body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity sharing a common cultural tradition whose liturgy is also traditionally conducted in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament...
in Byzantine
Byzantine
Byzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
times.
The post existed in Constantinople
Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Constantinople was Europe's largest and wealthiest city.-Names:...
as well as the provincial dioceses, and holders of the post were responsible for the archives and chancery. Some monasteries also included a chartophylax or, for the women's convents, a chartophylakissa, in charge of their records. Gradually, by virtue of his office's importance, the chartophylax of the Patriarch of Constantinople
Patriarch of Constantinople
The Ecumenical Patriarch is the Archbishop of Constantinople – New Rome – ranking as primus inter pares in the Eastern Orthodox communion, which is seen by followers as the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church....
rose to become one of the most important officials in the clergy, despite his nominally low rank. Codinus
George Codinus
George Kodinos or Codinus , also Pseudo-Kodinos, kouropalates in the Byzantine court, is the reputed 14th-century author of three extant works in late Byzantine literature....
calls the Grand Chartophylax the judge of all causes, and the patriarch's right arm. He adds that this officer was the depository or keeper of all the charter
Charter
A charter is the grant of authority or rights, stating that the granter formally recognizes the prerogative of the recipient to exercise the rights specified...
s relating to the ecclesiastical rights stored in the chartophylakeion (Archives). In addition, the chartophylax presided over matrimonial causes, and was the main intermediary between the clergy and the patriarch, controlling his correspondence and access to him. He drew up all sentences and decisions of the patriarch, who signed and sealed them; he presided in the synods in the patriarch's absence and took cognizance of all ecclesiastical and civil matters and causes, whether among the clergy, the monks, or the people. The chartophylax took precedence over all the bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
s, though he was only a deacon
Deacon
Deacon is a ministry in the Christian Church that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions...
. On occasion, he discharged the functions of the priest
Priest
A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
s: he had twelve notaries under him. The chartophylax of Constantinople was analogous to the chartulary
Chartulary
A cartulary or chartulary , also called Pancarta and Codex Diplomaticus, is a medieval manuscript volume or roll containing transcriptions of original documents relating to the foundation, privileges, and legal rights of ecclesiastical establishments, municipal corporations, industrial...
of the See of Rome, but far more powerful.