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Cultural Transformations in the Sixth Century: Franks, Church, and Empire

Explore the significant developments in the 6th century, including the conversion of the Franks, Rise of Divine Monarchy, the Church evolution, and Emperor Justinian's reign. Learn about Saint John Climacus, the Fifth Ecumenical Council, and the impactful contributions of Gregory the Great. Discover the socio-cultural shifts that shaped European history during this era.

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Cultural Transformations in the Sixth Century: Franks, Church, and Empire

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  1. Franks in the Sixth Century: - first Germanic tribe to convert to Christianity - will develop into a divine monarchy, challenging Byzantium - developed economic centers in rural manors, providing food, clothing and supplies for the populace and for the army - churches developed widely in these manors and were isolated from the Roman papacy - Kings set aside clerical elections and began appointing their own bishops - manor churches began acquiring land and power, becoming the centers of life

  2. Developments in the 6th Century Church: - vocal, monophonic singing became standard; no instruments - focus on art with Christian topics, as pagan art receeded - appearance of mosaic Christian art, derived from ancient Roman technique

  3. Saint John Climacus (~525-606): - became a monk on Mount Sinai at 16 - lived as a hermit for 20 years - wrote The Ladder of Divine Ascent - which quickly became one of the most beloved Christian books and one of the most widely-read among Orthodox Christians today - feast day March 30; also celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent

  4. Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565): - “the Emperor who never sleeps” & wife Theodora were committed to unifying the Empire & reuniting Orthodox & Monophysites -surrounded himself with individuals of extraordinary talent, based upon merit, not aristocratic origin -considered it his divine duty to restore the Empire to its ancient boundaries - believed that unity of the Empire presupposed unity of the Faith, which must be Nicene Orthodoxy - appointed Belisarius as general, who defeated several Germanic tribes and retook Rome

  5. Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565): - 529: Council of Orange affirms Augustinian doctrine of original sin - 532: Monophysite leaders attempt to persuade Justinian - 534: Belisarius to North Africa; Vandals destroyed - 536: published code of laws, basis of legal systems today - 537: completed rebuilding of Hagia Sophia - 542: commissioned John of Ephesus to convert all pagans remaining in Asia Minor, by force if necessary - 543: published “The Three Heads” against Origenism and Nestorianism, and “Confession of Faith” affirming authority of first 4 Ecumenical Councils ~550: prohibited elevation of married bishops and restricted the episcopate to unmarried or widowed - 553: called for the 5th Ecumenical Council

  6. The Fifth Ecumenical Council (553, Constantinople): - attended by Patriarchs of Antioch, Alexandria Constant. and delegate from Jerusalem. Patriarch Vigilius of Rome refused to attend - Vigilius deposed (but agreed with Council 6 months later) - Justinian’s “The Three Heads” adopted - Authority of first 4 Councils affirmed - Cyril’s theology affirmed - Twelve anathemas aganst Nestorius adopted - 2 natures of Christ understood as 2 attributes in single person

  7. The Fifth Ecumenical Council (553, Constantinople): - Council’s decisions accepted throughout Chalcedonian East - Justinian began exiling non-Chalcedonian bishops - Monophysites rejected Council; schism became permanent - each side hoped for conversion of the other, but schism developed between Syrian and Egyptian Monophysites - Monophysites lost control of Egypt and Alexandria until Muslim conquest in 646

  8. Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565): - 554: Justinian restored Roman rule in Italy; bishops began supervising civil, educational and financial systems - 554: plague had reduced Empire’s population by 1/3. Roman Church had to supply food to population, army -557: completed monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai, where God had spoken to Moses from burning bush - 563: established mission in Northern Scotland under Patrick. Hadrian’s wall and Great Britain abandoned to Angles and Saxons - 568: Lombards invaded and took Italy - 589: Nicene Visigothic King Recared inserted filioque in Creed at Council of Toledo

  9. Gregory the Great of Rome: - 573: resigned as governor, turned home into monastery - 579: ordained deacon, ambassador to Constantinople 7 years - 590: accepted papacy, first monk to become Bishop of Rome - strengthened clergy and churches, emphasized mercy to the sick and poor - personally cooked for the poor - “Anyone aspiring to be a universal bishop is playing the role of the antichrist.” - improved relationships with Byzantium, Angles and Saxons - used “Servant of the servants of God” as a papal title - compiled the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts - 597: through his efforts King Oswy of England placed England under Roman obedience, thus aligning England with Roman catholicism

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