Michael II Kourkouas
Encyclopedia
Michael II Kourkouas (Greek
: Μιχαήλ Β΄ Κουρκούας) was an Eastern Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople
(July 1143 – March 1146).
In early 1143 Patriarch Leo and Emperor John II Komnenos
died within a few months of each other, bringing a period of turbulence to the Byzantine Church. Manuel Comnenus arrived in Constantinople on June 27, 1143, to assume power. In order to be coronated Manuel I
first needed to choose a patriarch and he chose the abbot of the monastery of Oxeia
, Michael II Kourkouas
. The coronation did not take place until November 28, 1143, because Michael threatened to resign for unknown reasons. During his reign Michael had to deal with the highly political trial of a monk called Niphon
. On February 22, 1144 Michael condemned Niphon for supporting two Cappadocian bishops who were accused of heresy and later found guilty of Bogomil practices. This forbade orthodox believers from associating with him.
Michael II resigned in March of 1146 to return to the monastery of Oxeia, most likely because of disillusion with the emperor.
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
: Μιχαήλ Β΄ Κουρκούας) was an Eastern Orthodox 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....
(July 1143 – March 1146).
In early 1143 Patriarch Leo and Emperor John II Komnenos
John II Komnenos
John II Komnenos was Byzantine Emperor from 1118 to 1143. Also known as Kaloïōannēs , he was the eldest son of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and Irene Doukaina...
died within a few months of each other, bringing a period of turbulence to the Byzantine Church. Manuel Comnenus arrived in Constantinople on June 27, 1143, to assume power. In order to be coronated Manuel I
Manuel I Komnenos
Manuel I Komnenos was a Byzantine Emperor of the 12th century who reigned over a crucial turning point in the history of Byzantium and the Mediterranean....
first needed to choose a patriarch and he chose the abbot of the monastery of Oxeia
Oxeia
Oxeia is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the chief island in the southern group of the Echinades, part of the Ionian Islands. Oxeia possesses the highest point in the Echinades, 421 m. The mountains of Aitoloakarnania on the mainland are to the northeast...
, Michael II Kourkouas
Michael II Kourkouas
Michael II Kourkouas was an Eastern Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople ....
. The coronation did not take place until November 28, 1143, because Michael threatened to resign for unknown reasons. During his reign Michael had to deal with the highly political trial of a monk called Niphon
Niphon
Niphon can refer to:* Japan or the main island Honshū* USS Niphon , a steam ship of Union Navy in the American Civil War* Patriarch Niphon of Alexandria* Patriarch Nephon I of Constantinople...
. On February 22, 1144 Michael condemned Niphon for supporting two Cappadocian bishops who were accused of heresy and later found guilty of Bogomil practices. This forbade orthodox believers from associating with him.
Michael II resigned in March of 1146 to return to the monastery of Oxeia, most likely because of disillusion with the emperor.