Fifth Council of Constantinople

Fifth Council of Constantinople is a name given to a series of six councils held in the Byzantine capital Constantinople between 1341 and 1351, to deal with a dispute concerning the mystical doctrine of Hesychasm. These are referred to also as the Hesychast councils or the Palamite councils, since they discussed the theology of Gregory Palamas, whom Barlaam of Seminara opposed in the first of the series, and others in the succeeding five councils.

The result of these councils is accepted as having the authority of an ecumenical council by Eastern Orthodox Christians.

History
As it became clear that the dispute between Barlaam and Palamas was irreconcilable and would require the judgment of an episcopal council, a series of six patriarchal councils was held in Constantinople on 10 June 1341, August 1341, 4 November 1344, 1 February 1347, 8 February 1347, and 28 May 1351 to consider the issues.

The First Synod was convened on 10 June. It was assembled by Eastern Roman Emperor Andronicos Palaiologos III in the Church of Hagia Sophia. Patriarch John XIV Kalekas was allowed to preside the council (despite initially being an anti-hesychast). The sessions were public and they enjoyed a heavy attendance of about 150 (or more) Bishops, Metropolitans, Priests, Laymen and Monks from Mount Athos. The synod condemned Barlaam, who recanted

Barlaam's primary supporter Emperor Andronicus III died just five days after the synod ended. Although Barlaam initially hoped for a second chance to present his case against Palamas, he soon realised the futility of pursuing his cause, and left for Calabria where he converted to the Roman Church and was appointed Bishop of Gerace.

After Barlaam's departure, Gregory Akindynos became the chief critic of Palamas. A second council was convened in Constantinople by the regent John Kantakouzenos. The sessions once again took part in the Hagia Sophia cathedral. The council gathered on August 1341, condemned Akindynos and affirmed the findings of the earlier council. This council affirmed the Hagioritic tome of Gregory Palamas. The tome was signed by all the Metropolitans present.

Akindynos and his supporters gained a brief victory at the third synod held in 1344 which excommunicated Palamas and one of his disciples, Isidore Buchiras.

Another Synod was called on February 2, 1347. It condemned Akindynos and deposed John XIV Kalekas from the Patriarchal throne. Isidore Buchiras was chosen as Patriarch. Isidore was allowed to preside in the later sessions. The last few sessions produced a Tomos which was signed by about thirty bishops all in all.

In May 1351, a patriarchal council was convened at the Palace of Blachernae which conclusively exonerated Palamas and condemned his opponents.