Rome, Photius, Bishop of Constantinople, New Rome." It is significant that neither he nor any of his predecessors ever called themselves Œcumenical Patriarch when writing to a Pope. The letter is very humble and very deceitful. He says that his predecessor had resigned his office, and that then he, Photius, had been unwillingly forced to succeed him by all the metropolitans, bishops, and clergy of Constantinople; there is a great deal about the tears he shed when he was forced to accept this dignity, he adds an elaborate and very orthodox profession of his faith and begs for the Pope's prayers.[1] The Emperor's letter (probably composed by Photius[2]) was to do the business really. They wanted legates to confirm the deposition of Ignatius and to acknowledge Photius; then everything would be safe. Michael asks for the legates, but says very little about the real question at issue. He represents that there are still some effects of the Iconoclast trouble at Constantinople, which could best be put in order by a synod; will the Pope then send legates to this synod with full powers to deal with all disorders? Incidentally he mentions that the former Patriarch Ignatius has resigned because of his great age and weak health, he has retired to a very comfortable life in one of the monasteries founded by himself; unfortunately he had been guilty of various offences, such as forsaking his diocese, disobeying Papal decrees and being mixed up in treasonable conspiracies, for which his successor had been compelled to excommunicate him. This and all other matters the legates will be able to arrange when they come.[3] The letter is much too clever to be the Drunkard's own composition.
The Pope in answer sends two legates with letters[4] and instructions not to pass any sentence as yet, but to examine the claims of either side and to report. They were Rodoald, Bishop of the Portus Tiberis (Porto), and Zacharias, Bishop
- ↑ The whole letter is printed in Hergenröther, i. pp. 407–411.
- ↑ So Nicholas thought, l.c. p. 407.
- ↑ This letter is not extant. Its contents are to be deduced from Nicholas's answer, ep. 9. M.P.L. C. 1019, ep. 98. Cf. Herg. i. p. 407.
- ↑ He addresses Photius very cautiously, only as: "Vir prudentissime"; he blames his neglect of the Interstices, but promises to acknowledge him eventually, if he finds that everything has been done justly and rightly.
