Explore the transition of Christianity in the Roman Empire, the coronation practices, Constantine's conversion to Christianity, and debunked theories of the Council of Nicaea. Delve into the significance of the Lord's Day, misconceptions about the Council of Nicaea, and St. Constantine's role in governance. Learn about the sacrament of kings, the evolution of governance structures, and navigating politics and community in modern society.
The coronation of emperors symbolized divine authority in governance.
Constantine's conversion led to legalizing Christianity through the Edict of Milan.
Coronation evolved from patriarchs crowning rulers to self-crowning by monarchs.
The coronation ceremony included anointing, crowning, and exchanging symbols with the clergy.
Paul's view on governance reflected respect for rulers as ordained by God.
Deep dives
Kingship in the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire's structure revolved around a Senate that distributed power to prevent concentration in any one individual. Julius Caesar's ambition led to his assassination, marked by the battle days. Augustus established a formal empire, dividing power between East and West. The title of Imperator, related to military victories, later led to the title Emperor.
Conversion of Saint Constantine
Saint Constantine's conversion to Christianity involved a vision before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Accounts by Eusebius and Lactantius describe a dream where Christ instructs him to use the Chi-Rho symbol for protection in battle. Victorious in battle, he legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan, granting tolerance and restitution to Christians.
Coronation as a Sacrament
The concept of coronation as a sacrament involves the formal crowning of monarchs by religious figures. Initially, patriarchs crowned emperors and kings, while later rulers like Czars took on the role themselves. The coronation process evolved with patriarchs playing a ceremonial role in the later stages of rule sovereignty.
The Coronation Ceremony of the Emperor and Empress in Constantinople
During the late 14th and 15th centuries in Constantinople, the coronation of the Emperor and Empress followed a ceremonial ritual. The Emperor was anointed with chrism by the Patriarch while the people chanted holy thrice. He was then crowned by the Patriarch, who chanted 'oxios' three times, symbolizing divine authority. The Empress was then crowned by the Emperor, signifying their shared rule. The ceremony included elements of ordination, such as the Emperor receiving a cross scepter.
Sacramental Aspects of the Coronation Ceremony
The coronation ceremony of the Emperor and Empress held sacramental significance within the liturgy. The act of anointing, crowning, and exchanging of symbols like the scepter signified the divine authority conferred upon the rulers. The participation of clergy, together with the Emperor and Empress, reinforced the sacred nature of their rule. The reception of the Eucharist further elevated the ceremony's spiritual resonance.
Scriptural Foundation for the Emperor's Role
The scriptural basis for the Emperor's role in St. Paul's writings posits that governing authorities are ordained by God and should be respected. The Emperor's position is seen as a divine appointment to serve the good and execute justice. This understanding of the Emperor's role as a servant of God accentuates the honor and obedience owed to the ruling authority.
St. Paul's perspective on governmental authorities was likely influenced by his experiences in Tarsus and the loyalty of its Jewish community to Julius Caesar. This context of citizenship grants and Roman tolerance towards Judaism may have shaped St. Paul's view of governance and respect for authority. His Roman citizenship and exposure to Roman policies possibly contributed to his nuanced understanding of the Emperor's role.
St. Paul's Mission to Convert the Emperor and the Significance of St. Constantine's Conversion
St. Paul's strategic plan included preaching the gospel to and converting the emperor. Despite facing challenges with emperors like Caligula and Nero, St. Paul aimed to bring the emperor to Christianity, aligning with the first-century gospel of converting the rulers to impact the world. St. Constantine's conversion was seen as the fulfillment of St. Paul's plan, showcasing that the direction of Christianity was geared towards influencing these rulers.
Applying Lessons From Imperial Communion to Modern Civil Magistrates
The podcast delves into the ceremonial practices involving the Emperor and Empress during the Eucharist, highlighting the sacramental significance of their communion. While modern governance differs, the key takeaway is treating civil magistrates as representatives ordained by God. Emphasizing the ministerial role held by authorities, respect and honor are to be shown to them, aligning with Christian ethics regardless of the governmental system in place.
Did you think the series on sacraments was done at 7? Fr. Andrew and Fr. Stephen continue with the coronation of emperors. Why did the Church do this? What does it say about the Christian view of government and politics?
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