This week in Christian history: Dwight Moody joins church, PCUSA changes rules on fidelity
Jeremias II elected patriarch of Constantinople – May 5, 1572
This week marks the anniversary of when Jeremias II, a prominent reformer and leader within the Greek Orthodox Church, was first elected patriarch of Constantinople.
Born several decades after the Islamic Ottoman Empire had conquered Constantinople, Jeremias II was known for his efforts to garner support for the Church abroad and for attempted reforms.
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Efforts to increase discipline among the clergy and to prosecuting simony, or the selling of ecclesiastical offices, led to his twice being deposed from his position by church rivals.
However, his popularity among the community and his support from the Islamic Ottoman leadership allowed for his return to office, which he would hold until his death in 1595.
“To collect funds for a new patriarchate (the Turks had transformed the patriarchal church into a mosque), Jeremias traveled to Poland and Russia, the first such trip by a reigning patriarch of Constantinople,” noted Britannica.
“From 1572 to 1581 Jeremias corresponded with German Lutheran theologians who sought Orthodox support for the Lutheran articles of faith contained in the 1530 Confession of Augsburg. Although he expressed some agreement with certain articles of the Lutheran creed, Jeremias repudiated the Lutheran beliefs on grace and sacramental worship.”
