The Ecumenical Council

The Ecumenical Council is where the representatives of the Orthodox faith can gather and hold discussions.

When Bishop Theodosius arrived in Constantinople, for the first time in his life, he had to stop for several minutes before continuing. The New Rome was here, and it was even more splendid than he ever imagined. He made his way towards the Ecumenical Council, as a local guide has shown him. Once asked by a servant, who he is, he spoke:

"I am Theodosius, Bishop of Transylvania. I come from the Kingdom of Varasd, on behalf of it's orthodox people."

Welcome, brother. I am Patriarch Lysander, of the See of Mark.
We are all glad to know your realm practices the pure Christian faith.

We do have a vote at hand, the request for a crown from the Duke, Alexander IV of Scilenia, what is our decision, fellow bishops?

Patriarch Khristos Primo speaks

"Of course, being from Scilenia, I fully approve of bestowing a crown for Alexander. He is a good and faithful lord, and has always supported the eastern ways."

Đorđe Nenadovič: "My status as an inhabitant of Calabria binds me. I fear if I vote in favor I would be voting against the wishes of those who hold power in my native lands. Yet a vote against would be a vote negating what I beleive to be Right and Just. Therefor I must abstain my vote. May God be with you, Alexander."

Theodosius

My King has chosen not to get involved in the affairs of any christian Church. However, I believe that he might find the recent moves of the Orthodox nations as a threat. First, the formation of the Greco-Roman Empire, and now a Duchy on the other side of his Southern border claims a crown.

I suggest Scilenia establishes a friendly diplomatic tie with the Kingdom of Varasd, then, I approve the claim for a royal crown, too.

Do not misunderstand me, please. I seek not to undermine our Church, but through friendly intentions, we might convince King Zvonimir to support our cause.

Origines Artirius

I would see no problem with the Duke Alexander being granted a crown, though I do see the point made by Theodosius. I shall vote in favor of this, but I would suggest doing as Theodosius suggests.

"With all do respect, King Zvonimir has little life left to live at his age. It might be wiser to focus on his son and heir, who is likely to succeed him soon."

Said Vasilis as he entered the room.

"Where are my manners? I am Bishop Vasilis of Chersonisos, of the Azaqden Khanate. My liege, Ganbaatar Khan of the Temürid Dynasty has permitted me to represent the relatively minor Orthodox population of Azaq in the council, and so I have arrived to do that. Although a heathen follower of Zoroaster's teachings, he seems to have more genuine sympathy for our church than the heretical, greed-driven one in Rome."

Vasilis spoke strongly, with passion as he praised his church, and hatred as he spoke of the Catholic church and the heathenry of his liege.

"If it is not too prudent, gentlemen, I would like to vote in favor of the request from the Duke of Scilenia. Another crown for an Orthodox lord is a stronger church."

Bishop Vasilis:

I am in favor of the motion.

In favor: Scilenia, Bithynia, Azaq, Cybelos
Abstaining: Calabria, Varasd
Undecided: Judea


The majority of the votes are in, even if Bishop Ionnidis chose to vote against, and the two abstainees followed, the motion would still pass, no tie.
I suggest we move forward, and First Among Equals, Patriarch Paulus Eutychios grants Duke Alexander a crown.

Paulus Eutychios

It would interest me to hear Ionnids' opinion, but, in any case, Lysader is right - the motion will pass regardless.

It is decided then. Duke Alexander shall have a crown.

Bishop Matthias Ioannidis

"I am supportive of the matter that I have apparently missed the conversation of, but I do have a different matter to discuss with the other members of this council.  I am sure we all remember that several years ago King Yitzchak formed an agreement with Pope Leo.  As of yet, his status as a Hebrew has allowed His Majesty remain above and separate from our current conflict with Rome, and holds that his agreement with Rome still shelters Christians of the Original Church.  Undoubtadly, he will come under pressure from the West to align himself more with Rome than Constantinople.  I believe we can preempt such a move by forming an agreement with His Majesty now.  His guarantee of continued protection for Christians of the True Church and the allowance for us to construct our own monasteries and churches within the Holy land for the protection of his crown and Jews within the lands of those who hold to the Original Church."

Khristos Primo

"Members of the Ecumenical Council, we come together to vote for the protection of the House of Judah against the western church."

To revoke the protection of the eastern Christians would be fool's work, with the holy land neighboring an orthodox empire, wouldn't you think?

Would there be much need to construct many churches? Surely the majority of Christians in Judea would follow orthodox rites of some sort?

The Church of the Anastasis perhaps could be persuaded to identity with the east, while still allowing all Christians. That would be a boon indeed, King Yitzchak would surely have to look upon the Orthodoxy favorably. What do we all think?

---

"Indeed it would be foolish for the Hebrew king to revoke such a thing, what with the Eastern Church practically on his doorstep. However, such a move could strengthen the church, in my opinion, and any attempt to strengthen our church is a step to weakening the false church in Rome."

Origines Artirius

I agree, the stronger our church, the weaker the church in Rome.

Vençlas jël Ravenu - Wenslus of Ravenna

"Greetings fellow Holy Men, I am Vençlas, the Bishop of Ravenna in the lands of Bæxelþúëda. My people have long seen the error in the ways of Rome, despite being so geographically close to it. We are Bæxelí, you call us the Goths in some of your books. Though our language and culture may seem strange, I ask that you accept us into the fold of Orthodoxy (Vûrþudoxë) and make myself as a representative of Bæxelþúëda a Partriarch."

Having strong allies that close in proximity to Rome could be very beneficial but it could also force Rome's hand. Patriarchs I would call you to debate the allowance of Bishop Vençlas into our flock.

Đorđe Nenadovič: Force Rome's hand how? Militarily? And why? Just because they are neighbors? Calabria is neighbors to both Scilenia and Cybelos; is that forcing the Orthodox hand?

Origines Artirius

Đorđe Nenadovič has a strong point, I highly doubt this would force Rome's hand. What would they even do? Attack with their army? That would be suicide if the Empire came to the aid of the Orthodox peoples, which they surely would.

I am glad to say that the Orthodox church would be less likely to attack those whose ideals don't match their own, but with Rome's waning power they may be prone to not only violence but conversions. Now, what of granting these Goths a seat on the council?

"Based on the points the points made by others, I approve of allowing the goths to have a seat in our holy council."

Đorđe Nenadovič: Coming into the fold of Orthodoxy is one thing, which I can vote in favor. Coming into the Empire is another matter altogether, a matter meant for politicians, not patriarchs.

Origines Artirius

Aye, let the politicians deal with that matter. I would also vote in favor of granting the Goths a seat on the council.

Theodosius:

On the matter of Judea, brothers. I must bring your attention to an even more interesting matter. The Pope has signed the Concordat with the King indeed, but in it also stood that his son shall be raised in a christian court.
However, the Kingdom of Cybelos now refuses Rome, and the Pope might want the Prince to travel to another Kingdom, one that follows the Western rites.

On the matter of the goths, I agree, they should be joining us. We could even force Rome itself to convert and finally install a faithful Bishop into the Seat of Saint Peter.

Vençlas

"On the matter of forcing Romes hand, may I remind your Holinesses that the Ostrogoths, our ancestors, sacked Rome. Our people still retain their warrior culture."