January 12, 0681

The Sixth Ecumenical Council (Third Council of Constantinople) closes, having condemned Monothelitism.

Constantinople, Byzantine Empire | Christian Church

The Sixth Ecumenical Council (Third Council of Constantinople) Closes - January 12, 681

The Sixth Ecumenical Council, also known as the Third Council of Constantinople, concluded on January 12, 681. This significant ecclesiastical assembly was convened to address the theological controversy surrounding Monothelitism, a doctrine that proposed Christ had a single divine will rather than both a divine and human will.

Historical Context

  • Monothelitism: This doctrine emerged as an attempt to reconcile the Chalcedonian Definition, which affirmed Christ’s dual nature (both divine and human), with the theological positions of the Eastern Christian communities. Monothelitism suggested that while Christ had two natures, He possessed only one will, which was divine.

  • Previous Councils: The Council of Chalcedon in 451 had established the doctrine of the dual nature of Christ. However, debates continued over the implications of this doctrine, particularly concerning Christ’s will(s).

  • Political and Religious Tensions: The Byzantine Empire, under Emperor Heraclius, initially supported Monothelitism as a means to unify the empire’s diverse religious factions, particularly in the eastern provinces. However, this stance led to significant theological disputes and opposition from various church leaders.

Key Events Leading to the Council

  • Papal Opposition: Pope Martin I and theologians like Maximus the Confessor strongly opposed Monothelitism, leading to tensions between the papacy and the Byzantine emperors.

  • Imperial Support: Successive Byzantine emperors, including Constans II and his successor Constantine IV, grappled with the controversy. Constantine IV eventually sought to resolve the issue through an ecumenical council.

The Council’s Proceedings

  • Duration: The council was held from November 680 to January 681 in Constantinople.

  • Participants: It was attended by representatives from both the Eastern and Western Churches, including papal legates and numerous bishops.

  • Decisions: The council ultimately condemned Monothelitism as heretical, affirming the doctrine of Dyothelitism, which holds that Christ has two wills, divine and human, in accordance with His two natures.

Aftermath and Significance

  • Theological Impact: The council’s decisions were pivotal in shaping Christological doctrine within Christianity, reinforcing the Chalcedonian Definition and clarifying the nature of Christ’s will(s).

  • Church Unity: By condemning Monothelitism, the council sought to restore unity within the Christian Church, particularly between the Eastern and Western branches.

  • Legacy: The Sixth Ecumenical Council is considered a crucial moment in the history of the Christian Church, as it addressed and resolved one of the major theological disputes of the time. Its decisions continue to influence Christian theology to this day.

In conclusion, the closure of the Sixth Ecumenical Council on January 12, 681, marked a significant moment in ecclesiastical history, as it addressed the contentious issue of Monothelitism and reinforced the doctrine of Christ’s dual wills, contributing to the theological and doctrinal unity of the Christian Church.

Reference: en.wikipedia.org