“Photius Schism: History and Legend”, a book presented in Lviv
Patriarch Photius (858-867; 877-886) was undeservedly condemned by the Catholic Church. This opinion was expressed by Fr. Ivan Datsko, president of the UCU Institute of Ecumenical Studies, referring to the study by Frantsishek Dvornik “Photius Schism: History and Legend.” The translation of this book was presented within the framework of the Ecumenical Social Week in Lviv on October 5.
Father Ivan told about the author. Dvornik wrote the paper during the papacy of Pius XII, when there was a completely different attitude to the figure of Photius. According to Fr. Datsko, Dvornik was not fond of the Vatican, they wanted to put his books on the forbidden list. He was defended then by Cardinal Roncali, future John XXIII. And when he convened the Second Vatican Council, he invited Dvornik as a consultant.
A research fellow of the IES, Taras Kurilets, presented the historical landmarks of the life of the Church in the first half of the IX century, the circumstances of the coming to power of Photius. By that time, the relations between East and West had already been exacerbated after the accession of Charles the Great to the imperial throne. Between them there was competition for the Christianization of Europe, in particular, the Slavs - Bulgarians and Czechs. The scientist made a detailed presentation of the situation in Constantinople in the middle of the nineteenth century, when then layman Photius was elected a patriarch. Fundamentalists protested, supported by Pope Nicholas. According to the Roman custom, it was unheard of to elevate to the ran k of bishop, and especially the patriarch, a layman who has no experience of priestly ministry. Pope Nicholas I criticized the Byzantines for not complying with the Roman norms; and Photius, in turn, attacked the Latins on their wording in the confession of faith and in liturgical practice. Actually, these accusations were repeatedly repeated by the Orthodox side against the Catholics. Although Photius himself later agreed that these differences could not be the cause of the conflict.
In 879-880, Constantinople hosted the council with the participation of Greeks and Latins, which adopted a principle that had already been approved by the Commission on Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue in Bari: “Each local church has preserved the ancient customs of its tradition: the Roman Church has kept their customs, the church of Constantinople - their own, as well as the patriarchal thrones of the East.”
The editor of the publication, Dr. Maria Goryacha, drew attention to the high scientific value of Dvornik's work. He relies on facts - whether they are favorable to someone or not. Ms Goryacha also drew attention to the peculiarity of the Ukrainian edition - thanks to the quality Rostislav Paranko’s work, the Ukrainian reader will be able to read the texts translated from Greek, which were not in the original and other language versions.
