Theodore II of Constantinople

Theodore II of Constantinople (born Theodoros Eirenikos; ; died 31 January 1216), also known as Theodore Kopas or Koupas (Κωπᾶς/Κουπᾶς), was a high-ranking Byzantine official and chief minister during most of the reign of the Byzantine emperor Alexios III Angelos (r. 1195–1203). After the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade, he fled to the Empire of Nicaea, where he became a monk and served as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople in exile in 1213–1216.

Political career An intelligent, well-spoken and educated man, he rose to power following the disgrace and exile of Alexios III's hitherto favourite official, Constantine Mesopotamites, in autumn 1197. Theodore II succeeded Mesopotamites in his confidential and influential palace post of epi tou kanikleiou (secretary of the imperial inkpot) and as chief minister. He also held the senior court rank of sebastos. According to the account of the contemporary historian Niketas Choniates, Theodore II feared that he would share Mesopotamites' fate, and therefore exercised his power with great restraint. He was anxious not to displease the hereditary aristocracy that dominated the imperial court and that had undermined Mesopotamites' position. To that effect, he also neglected to undertake any of the reforms that the Empire desperately needed.

Exile and church career In April 1204, Constantinople fell to the soldiers of the Fourth Crusade, and like many Byzantine leaders, Theodore II fled the city and sought refuge in Asia Minor. There Theodore II was tonsured as a monk.

On 28 September 1213, Theodore II was elected as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople by the patriarchal synod. His tenure was marked by his open confrontation with the Catholic Church, especially over the legitimacy of the Latin Patriarchate of Constantinople and of Catholic control over the Greek Orthodox populations ruled by Frankokratia.

Theodore II of Constantinople died on 31 January 1216.

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